New Years in Austin, Texas

Marc and I were due for a vacation without the kids. I didn't really realize how much I needed it until we got back to San Diego. I feel like I was getting into a rut doing the same old thing with the kids every week and now I feel like I got rejuvenated and have some fun new ideas and excitement to bring to them! My parents were so great taking care of them for four days and I only hope they come around to wanting to do it again ;) Thanks, Mom and Dad!

We did a lot of walking around since we were staying downtown -and Austin is so walk-able that there was never a dull moment. We visited the state capitol, went to delicious and relaxing dinners, stayed out waaaaaay too late on New Years Eve and did not have to worry about anyone but ourselves!

On New Years Eve we had dinner at Swift's Attic then went to a bar called the Speakeasy -all on the same block as our hotel. There was a band on the first floor and a DJ on the second floor. We haven't went all out like that in a loooooong time.

Austin is known for their bbq and it did not disappoint. It was melt-in-your mouth...and we only had to wait in line for an hour and a half. A girlfriend from college lives in Austin so her and her boyfriend picked us up on Saturday at 9:15am and they took us to a place where they knew the line wouldn't be too bad -La Barbecue. Even the locals wait in line for this stuff because it's so good -you bring some chairs and drinks and call it a morning.

After lunch Monica and Roberto drove us to a few spots -the University of Texas campus/Longhorns football stadium, the famous graffiti wall and then for some mid-day drinks on Rainey Street, a hipster street where they have turned almost all but one of the houses into bars.

That night Marc and I went down to the "Dirty 6" to see what the famous "6th Street" is all about. 50+ bars in a few blocks -a huge party!

We had such a great time visiting a new city and not having a care in the world. It's amazing how it makes you appreciate everything and everyone so much more when you have a relaxing weekend. Everyone needs these to keep their sanity! Thanks again, Grandma and Grandpa. Caiden is already asking when we're coming back to your house...so be ready!

Winter Vacation

We had one of the best winter vacations! We left mid-December and headed to Nebraska. Caiden was able to try out his new headphones on the plane and they did not disappoint. He was a big fan!

Caiden was really excited to see my parents tree. But I think he was even more excited to pick the candy canes off and eat them. Grace was constantly pulling off the ornaments that looked most desirable to her and even managed to snag a candy cane once and start sucking. There was a tiny piece of the plastic that was open so she was getting just enough of the sugar to keep her quite until we caught her.

We went down and visited Aunt Sally and my Godmother, Toni Ann, at their work. It was bitter cold and Grace stepped in some dog poop on the walk to see the horses but they both enjoyed it.

We took Caiden for a ride on the mini bike and he loved it. He had the biggest smile on his face the entire time!

Our visit with Santa was as excepted. Grace wanted nothing to do with him. Caiden was a bit apprehensive but asked him for a Mr. Potato Head (from Toy Story -to go along with his Buzz and Woody) and sat very still waiting for it to end.

Sara, Dustin and Theo got in on Tuesday night and on Wednesday she had a work event at Brix. Marc and my Dad stayed home with the kids and we all went out to drink some wine...and after a few glasses my girlfriend and I got up to do some caroling.

It even snowed a few days after we were there and the kids had a lot of fun playing in the snow.

Tea time with Grandpa! She loved this the most -and my Dad is so good at making up nonsense to get her to play along.

On Christmas Eve Santa came to visit! We had a full house with my cousin Jody and Chris from Baltimore bringing their four month old, Topher, to visit as well. Sara bought all the grand kids matching elf pajamas and they looked so adorable. Santa brought Caiden his Mr. Potato Head he asked for and he has not put it down since. He loves it so much and has so much fun putting him all together and taking him apart.

The other kids were not a fan of Santa. Theo was interested for a few minutes but when we tried putting him on a second time for photos he was not happy.

Christmas morning was a blast like usual. Grace just wandered around opening random gifts and eating. Caiden was into handing out everyone's gifts and opening all of his. The fishing pole and the Where's Woody book were a hit!

We took Caiden to the Children's Museum where he had a ton of fun. We left Grace at home which was a good thing because it was super busy since it was winter break and I swear they would have been going in different directions.

We had a great trip back to Nebraska but after a week and a half it was time for Marc and I to leave the kids with Grandpa and Grandma and take an adult only trip!