Waterfalling in Austin

We got to Austin early before the Trail of Lights so we could watch Aquaman at the IMAX and stop at McKinney Falls State Park. The falls were nothing major, because I think the water level was fairly low, but there were a few cool things to see. There are a few rivers in Texas where the limestone and other components of the ground cause strange formations beneath the water. We went to a park farther north where dinosaur tracks could still be seen beneath the water because of the way the land is formed. At McKinney Falls there were some really interesting, and almost creepy formations under the water that made you feel as though you would be sucked under and disappear. I'm sure people swim in the holes all the time, but I won't be doing it any time soon, or ever. Either way it was interesting to check out on a beautiful December day!

 

Just Christmasy Things...

There's definitely a reason they call it the best time of the year! There have been plenty of things for the boys to do in December leading up to Christmas. Portland had the annual Christmas events where the boys got to go snow tubing on fake snow and eat candy, Paul had his Christmas piano recital, and we took a little trip to Austin and San Antonio to see some Christmas lights. Austin had the Trail of Lights which included a pretty lengthy walk through an assortment of light displays and all sorts of food trucks. It was definitely a colder night for a walk way up north, but we survived. Then the following day we went to the ever-popular San Antonio Riverwalk which was overly-popular the weekend before Christmas. It was a little too packed, as we at times felt like we were going to be pushed into the river. Here's what the boys have been up to:

They look to be headed in the right direction.

Gotta pause for hot chocolate. It must be done.

Waiting for Paul's turn to play at the recital.

Enjoying the post-recital treats.

And Becky finally made it to the Magnolia Silos... which was surprisingly bigger than we expected. They had a pretty large store and a lot of food trucks, plus a baker which was a little busy.

The boys liked the bean bag chairs on the lawn.

A tunnel of lights at the Trail of Lights.

Lights at the San Antonio Riverwalk.

And Adam finally got a little Christmas lighted out...

Another Holiday Season...

It happens every year, and it goes quickly every year. The boys had a great Christmas, with an overabundance of presents to scatter around the house. It definitely hasn't been a white Christmas in Texas, though it has dipped down into the 50's a few times... I know, almost arctic weather. We took a little trip up to Austin and San Antonio to see some Christmas lights and a few other things, but before that we got a few holiday shots of the boys. Hopefully everyone's holiday was as happy and bright as ours!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Thankful for Turkey Day

The holidays are upon us! It's always hard to believe when we get to this part of the year, because it always seems like it all flew by so fast. This Thanksgiving we stayed in Texas and were visited by Grandparents from Missouri! The weather wasn't always the best, but we did get out to do some of the usual things. I finally got to hike over the Harbor Bridge, something I'd been saying I was going to do since we moved here but hadn't ever gotten around to. I figured I'd better get to it, because the new bridge is already under construction and the old one will be gone before long. It was an easy hike, but a pretty good view from the top. We also made the drive to San Antonio so the older ones with us could check out the Alamo, a must for anyone visiting Texas. Here are the highlights:

 

Gotta have Whataburger...

 

The view from the top...

 

Now they can remember the Alamo...