Working on the New House

Grandma and Grandpa and Dad and Uncle Steven have been working really hard to get our new house ready to move into.

Austin Symphony Children's Day Art Park

Austin Symphony Orchestra hosts a summer concert series for kids. Today we went and checked it out. The kids enjoyed the free balloons, the instrument petting zoo, the balloon artist, and the ice-cold lemonade. They weren't as interested in the live music. (Did you know that Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World?)

The venue was really cool. It's downtown by the Capitol, and Waller Creek runs through the amphitheater, right in front of the stage.

The kids were fascinated by the clown. Here he is balancing a toilet plunger on his chin.

Lizzie wanted to try out the violin. She wants to play like her dad.

Heidi wanted to try the saxophone. Owen was interested in the drums, until he heard how loud they are. He got scared and Heidi took his turn.

This balloon artist made a snake for Heidi and a dog on a leash for Lizzie.

Secret Beach and Guerrero Park

This is an awesome park, by the way... Only 3 years old, with 2 big playscapes and lots of other stuff to do, and (my personal favorite) fully enclosed.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Mueller Lake

The Mueller area is one of my favorite places in Austin. It's close enough to where we currently live that we visit often--usually five times a week. (Too bad the homes in the neighborhood start at over half a million dollars!)

St Edward Trail and Bailey Splash Pad

Today we went on a short hike at St Edward Park. We stopped at this swimming hole and let the girls splash around a bit.

Owen didn't want to get in the water. He was content to find sticks and throw rocks.

On the way home we stopped at a splash pad:

Walnut Creek

This morning we went for a hike at Walnut Creek. We ended up taking a wrong turn, and our hike lasted about two and a half hours! (Not what I had in mind.) But all's well that ends well, right?

Not the most scenic spot on our hike, but I thought it was sweet that they were holding hands and getting along so well. (Right now they're going through a phase where they're either thick as thieves or quarreling constantly. They usually alternate back and forth several times a day.)

Lizzie and Heidi enjoyed playing in the creek for a few minutes.

Taking a rest. (Yep, Owen is in his pjs. Long story.)

This is the main creek crossing. You can see that the creek is pretty well dried up here.

Lou Neff Point

We went for a short hike on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail and stopped for a photo op here at Lou Neff Point:

Oakwood Cemetery and Rosewood Splash Pad

We went and saw Texas State Cemetery a few weeks ago. Today we checked out Oakwood Cemetery. Texas State Cemetery was prettier, but this cemetery is older--with graves dating back to the mid-1800s. 

This is the grave of Susanna Dickinson Hannig. She and her baby survived the Battle of the Alamo and carried the news of its fall to Sam Houston, which ultimately led to Houston's defeat of Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto and won independence for the Republic of Texas. Apparently there are children's books written about her (we're looking into it), and she has her own museum downtown.

Afterward, we cooled off at a nearby splash pad:

Owen was reluctant at first--and didn't want to put on his swimsuit--but he eventually got into it.

Meanwhile, William just pondered the meaning of life. He recently figured out how to put his fingers in his mouth, so that's pretty exciting for him.

Natural Gardener

Today we checked out this organic gardening center in west Austin. It was pretty impressive; I've never seen anything quite like it. In addition to the store they have an herb garden, a veggie garden, a butterfly garden, composting... The highlight for the kids was seeing the chickens--and especially the goats. They also have a giant teepee and labyrinth. 

Lake Pflugerville

This place is just 6 miles east of our new house. This morning we met up there with a bunch of friends from our old ward.

The girls found this mussel and some seaweed. (Not sure if it's really a mussel or not, but they are self-proclaimed experts due to having watched lots and lots of Wild Kratts.) :) 

They said they were making a tide pool.

Owen didn't want to get wet. He has a healthy fear of the water.

This little guy's first time at the beach.

Independence Day

William is 3 months old now... No longer a newborn!

At the fireworks show. (Liz was obviously having a great time!)

Butler Trail and Park

On the Butler Trail, with Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin in the background

Stevie Ray Vaughn Statue. He was a musician who played in Austin in the 70s and 80s. The statue is an Austin icon.

Liz Carpenter Fountain (Yes, Lizzie's swimsuit is on backwards.)