Lakeline Mall

Yes, we went to yet another mall today. I've been trying to avoid South Austin because SXSW is going on (i.e., a lot of traffic and a lot of people), but it seems like all there is to do in North Austin is shop!

Anyway, today we went to Lakeline Mall, which is on the border between Austin and Cedar Creek. Of the three shopping centers we've visited in the past three days, this one was probably my least favorite. (But we still had fun.) First we visited a kids' consignment store while we waited for storytime to start. Then we went to a St. Patrick's Day-themed storytime at Barnes & Noble.

Owen opted out of storytime and decided to play with the trains instead.

After that, we played in the kid zone at the mall for an hour or two. (It's amazing to me that mall play areas keep my kids entertained for as long as they do.)

Oh! And while we were at the mall we met the Easter bunny! He was really nice and gave each of the kids some Easter stickers.

The Domain

Today we checked out another upscale shopping center called the Domain. In the plaza there were three areas for the kids to play: an armadillo playscape, a longhorn playscape, and a turtle playscape. There was also a toy store and a candy/soda store right there. We'll have to go back sometime with Dad; it would be fun to split a frozen yogurt or a pizza on the patio while the kids play.

(Those are baby armadillos, in case you're wondering.)

That's the backside of a longhorn slide. The girls are showing off their muscles.

Armadillo slide

There's also a plaza with a stage, a big artificial lawn, and a bunch of lounge chairs. The girls are dancing on the stage.

Turtle and butterflies

Good Sister

Owen was sad, so Lizzie helped him feel better:

The Arboretum

For Day 1 of spring break we took a short drive to the Arboretum (a shopping center in a nice part of town). They have 5 giant marble cow statues for the kids to climb on, a big outdoor area to run around and play, a scenic overlook, and a little hike to a duck pond. We took a picnic, and the kids had a great time.

Our friend Susan came along (from church, one of Owen's nursery teachers).

Feeding the ducks

Do you see the Muscovy duck? He definitely was not shy.

One of the highlights for the girls was when this duck caught a live fish in its mouth. The girls were fascinated and insisted that I photo document it.

The duck couldn't manage to swallow the fish, so it eventually ended up spitting him out.

Too late for the poor fish though.

Rodeo Austin

This morning we went to Rodeo Austin's Rodeo Rumble, a kids fun run at the rodeo grounds.

Liz lost another tooth about a week ago. She's now missing 2 on top and 2 on bottom (plus 2 more that have since grown back in).

All the participants got these nifty cowbells to take home. (Lucky us.) ;)

Owen did NOT like his "wings" (his runner's bib) and eventually ripped it off his back.

When it was time for the 0-3 year old heat, all Owen wanted to do was play in the dirt. So Mom (36 weeks pregnant) carried him pretty much the entire race.

Here are the girls doing their run.

With Rusty, the Rodeo Austin mascot.

Afterward we checked out the livestock barn and saw lots of cool animals. These are some cute baby chicks.

Petting zoo

Longhorn cattle

And the kids got to "milk" a "cow."

As if the morning couldn't get any better... Cotton. Candy.

Nature's Treasures

It's forecasted to be rainy all week this week, so we've had to plan a bunch of indoor activities. This afternoon we decided to go check out Nature's Treasures (a store specializing in rocks, crystals, minerals, fossils, etc.). Their slogan is: "We rock!" Check out this cool, giant quartz thingy from Brazil:

Yes, Lizzie is wearing her hoodie upside down like a cape. I've also caught her purposely wearing mismatched socks and tucking her pant legs into her socks--because that's what the kids at school do. (Eye roll.)

After we browsed the store and rock yard, I let Heidi and Owen each pick out one 25-cent rock to buy. (Liz didn't get one because she didn't follow directions.) Both kids lost their rocks before we got home. Go figure.

San Antonio Temple Trip

We made a trip to San Antonio today so Scott and Emily could go to the temple. Start to finish, it took eight hours. We sure were spoiled when we lived in Mesa and had a temple close by and free babysitting. (Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!)

While Emily did some initiatories, Scott and the kids went to this nearby park.

French Legation Museum

Today we went to storytime at the French Legation Museum. It's the "oldest extant frame structure" in Austin, built in 1841 to house the French diplomat to the Republic of Texas. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas are hosting the building's 175th birthday this weekend.

(You can see a little of the Downtown Austin skyline in the background.)

Play for All Abilities Park

Today we trekked up to Round Rock to check out the much-raved-about Play for All Abilities Park. They weren't kidding; this park is really somethin'. It's a million-dollar facility that includes 51,000 square feet of outdoor play space. It's called an "all abilities" park because it was designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. There's a sensory area, a huge sand box, a music area, a playscape, swings, and--my favorite--a miniature village. The village includes a school, a home, a hospital, a library, a car dealership, a gas station, a fire station, and a grocery store--with little streets connecting everything so the kids can ride their bikes and scooters around. There are even working traffic lights and crosswalks! The big draw for Emily was that the entire park is fully enclosed... so no escapee kids. :) 

Merry Go Round

"Round Rock Village"... Seriously, a working traffic light!