I love these silly faced boys...

Bull Creek

After church Sunday, we decided to go to Bull Creek....so did almost everyone else in Austin. We were suppose to meet some friends but we ended up at opposites ends of the creek. The water was perfect for the boys to run. There were lots of people jumping off the waterfall. Brian was careful not to fall in this time too.

 A couple of years ago, we found the perfect spot for skipping rocks. The boys have so much fun "skipping" their huge rocks.

Anniversary/Brian's birthday/first night away from kids Get-Away

This week of May is so busy for us. First there is Mother's day, then our wedding anniversary, then Evan's birthday, and finally Brian's birthday. Heather came to visit and look around for a job for the fall last week. She kept the boys so that Brian and I could go out overnight for the first time since we've had Luc. Thank you so much Heather!

I knew that I didn't want to go very far. I booked a wonderful B&B, Mt Gainor Inn, in Dripping Springs. We were able to stop by a local winery before we checked-in. It was a lot of fun. After we checked in, the owner told us about a great café down the road. We were expecting a burger shack or something. It wasn't that at all. It was a wonderful candle lit dinner that was well-worth the extra price. Brian had shrimp and grits with a yummy creamy sauce and I had curry shrimp and rice pilaf...YUMMO!

The property was really pretty. The house is a really old farmhouse that was moved to Dripping Springs from near Houston. They have remodeled it but have maintained the "old farmhouse" look by using original oak flooring, doors, and doorknobs from the house. It is really nice. They have a nice sitting area outside with hammocks and lounge chairs...also where we were served a delicious breakfast. Anyway, I highly recommend it to any friends who want to get away from their kids...especially if you like a quiet, relaxing environment.

I stated on our reservations that it was an anniversary/birthday/ away from kids getaway. The sweet wife of the place left a personal cake in our room for Brian's birthday. 

It was good regardless of Brian's expression. 

We had these stylish robes for the hottub. We didn't actually wear them out there but we did pose for this awesome picture! 

This isn't the best picture but it was so relaxing to wake up and have coffee in peace and quiet. 

My Life

I love these boys so much! They are my life! Even though, I still have sleepless nights and I get frustrated at the tantrums (from both Luc and Brian) and I get angry about the dirty clothes on the floor, I can't imagine my life without any of them. I love you Brian, Luc, and Evan!

Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night

One reason that we stayed a couple of extra days in London is Guy Fawkes night. I had no idea what this was until this month. Guy Fawkes was an Englishman who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliment in the 1600s. Anyway, the whole plan was uncovered before it happened. If you want a detailed story, google it. I am just saying what I've been told.

So on November 5 (or the weekend near it), British people have big bonfires and shoot fireworks. Some even make a Guy Fawkes by stuffing old clothes to throw into the bonfire.

Friday night we went to a park for a big firework display. We were unaware that there would be a carnival there too. This was Luc's first carnival though he didn't ride any rides. We told him that we came for fireworks NOT the carousel.

 It was pretty cold out.

 The fireworks were great. Luc loved and hated them. They were very loud but Luc really wanted to see them.

 Evan slept through the first part. When he woke up, he loved them. The boys were so happy considering it was about 2 and a half hours past their bedtime.

Discover

On Friday, I decided to spend a little money on an activity in London. Most everything we have done has been free. I read about this place Discover. I thought that it looked awesome so I wanted to go. It is a kid play area where you really use your imagination. There are story recorders as you go through. The idea is that you make up a story as you go through then listen to your story at the end. I tried but Luc wasn't really in to making up a story. I think it would be really awesome if he was a couple years older. He had fun anyway though.

 This room was cool. You step on the lights on the floor to make music.

 Out back, there was a cool playground. Luc enjoyed sliding down the "monsters tongue".

 This picture is specifically for Miss Maizie George. This months special exhibit was Charlie and Lola. Charlie and Lola are Maizie's friends. We played IN Charlie and Lola's house. I think Maizie would have liked it.

 Even the elevators in this place were fun.

Without Brian in London

We survived..and even had some fun.

Brian had to go to Manchester last week for some research. The boys and I stayed at our house in London. Monday, we stayed close by the house. I took Luc down to the docklands to see the boats. On Tuesday morning, Brendan, the owner of the house, dropped by to pick up some things. He brought us breakfast pastries which was so nice. Tuesday afternoon we went down to the Children's centre behind our house. Tuesday night Kirsty came to stay the night.

Wednesday we went down to the Horniman Museum. When we arrived, we learned that it was storytime. Luc wasn't very impressed with boisterous lady who lead. Seriously, this lady was pretty loud and illustrative (if you can use that to describe someone). Evan loved it though. The museum was nice. There were lots of random things like a music exhibit, an African exhibit, and a natural history exhibit (no dinosaurs though). Our favorite part was the aquarium. 

Wednesday night Luc and I tried dragon fruit. This funny looking fruit is actually pretty good.

Brian made it home late Wednesday night. We were all very happy to have him back. We missed you Brian/Daddy!