The Wine Country and Bier Gartens

Sorry folks, I apologize if it seems we have been M.I.A. for the last week. We are doing fine, just recouping from a much needed vacation.

Last Thursday morning, Kev and I dropped the boy off at his Mimi and Pappi's and Bentley was dropped off at some doggie-heaven-resort-salon-and-spa in Prosper. We then entered our destination into the Tom-Tom and exhaled a huge sigh of relief. It was the beginning of our much needed mini-vacay.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We were headed to Austin with no plans and no time restrictions. The weather was P E R F E C T ! We had all the windows rolled down, a cooler of water and diet Dr Peppers in the back, and beef jerky in hand.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We took the "scenic route" so we could experience the "scenes". Um.....I'm not sure if you've ever driven the scenic route to Austin, so let me entice you.

After driving through Grandbury (which is just less than awesome), we went through some unique places like.......Lampasas and Burton. What's there you ask? NOTHING!!! The only wildlife we saw was the dead armadillo's on the road and the buzzards flying above. There were no hills to be seen and no picturesque photo ops to be had. But at least we weren't driving on I35, right???

We reached our destination around 4 pm and finally saw some rolling hills and lakes. West Austin is absolutely breathtaking. So much had changed since I lived there. We checked into our "non-smoking-room-that-smelled-like-smoke" and jumped in the shower to get ready for our night on the town.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We hit the Cedar Door for happy hour (they're known for the BEST Mexican martini's in Austin), then headed to the lake to Hula Hut (they're known for their Shiner Bock Fajitas and pina colada's).

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Yumm.

We watched the sun set and then headed to 5th Street. No, not 6th Street.....that's where all the clubs and couples hang who have no children or responsibilities. We are responsible adults who hang one street down and listen to live music on patios and pubs.

It was such a fun night!

We slept in till 10 a.m. which was AWESOME!! Then packed up and headed to Shady Grove for lunch. The best food ever!!!! We sipped on bloody mary's and ate our comfort food out on the patio. Fabulous.

After lunch, we headed out west to our final destination......Fredericksburg. Ahhhhh, the wine country of Tejas. Now this was a pretty drive!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We drove through towns like Bee Caves, Dripping Springs and Hye. Yes, there is a town called "Hye" with 22 living souls and it is literally 1 mile long.

We arrived in Fredericksburg around 4 p.m., just in time to get ready for happy hour.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Except, there is no happy hour in Fredricksburg because the town closes early, around 5 o'clock, to get ready for the big football game later that night. Shucks!

We got ready anyway in our beautiful bed and breakfast loft.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We then ventured downstairs

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
and peeked in all the amazing shops that would greet me early the next morning with open arms. My kind of town. Shops down both sides of the street and everything is in walking distance.

Kevin and I headed to a Bier Garten (beer garden in English) and tasted some fancy German specialties such as Weinersnicthal, sauerkraut, and hot mustard potato salad. YUMM STINKIN' O! A band called Austin Home Grown was setting up to play a gig and we just relaxed and listened to the toons. We found a really nice (the only) cocktail bar in town, called Proof, and found ourselves sitting alone at the bar.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
At 9:30. On a Friday night. Alone.

Later, we headed to a wine bar that had a beautiful back patio and a bacholorette party. Enough said.

The next morning we woke up at the butt crack of dawn and went fishing at Lady Bird Johnson State Park. It was a perfect chilly morning. Kevin caught a REALLY SMALL FISH

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
and I caught alot of weeds and muck. It was fun though and very relaxing. We had breakfast and then went shopping!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
The shops were so nice and very pricey. I swear everything I saw, I could've found at Hobby Lobby or Kirkland's. It was still fun though. There was one place where you could sample hundreds of different sauces, spreads, and dips. Kevin liked that store. I was looking the whole trip for a turquoise necklace and just couldn't find the one I liked.

After lunch, we headed to the wineries.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
There are 7 wineries all within a 45 mile radius.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We made it to 2. It was such a perfect day that we didn't want to leave once we got there.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We sipped on some wine outside and noshed on some kielbasa and listened to these two guys that sounded like a mixture of Willie Nelson and The Eagles. Perfection.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We had Mexican food that night and then headed next door to where we were staying. A cool little outside pub with live music.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
There were these two guys singing and playing guitar that we kept calling "Phil and Phil" because they reminded us of my Dad's best friend, Phil. They were really funny and kept us laughing.

Here's some snapshots of our late night poses:

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
And my favorite

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We headed out of town early Sunday afternoon, but not before stopping at this little bead store, where I found my necklace! It's a mix of coral and turquoise and exactly what I wanted!

We headed out to Luckenbach and I got a T-shirt,

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
then to Pedernales Falls.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
This place was exactly what you think of when you think "Hill Country"......Breathtaking!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
We stopped in Marble Falls for lunch on Lake LBJ then headed to Nana and Pawpaw's to pick up Grayson.

It was an amazing getaway for Kevin and I and very much needed.

Thank you Mimi and Pappi and Nanna and Pawpaw for taking such amazing care of our heart and for spoiling him like crazy!

Oh, and Pawpaw, what's this I hear about "chocolate" vanilla soy milk??? What, no pictures to indite you this time?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Toddler Rules

This "list of rules" has been passed around my "mommy friends" for quite some time. I remember back in the day (about 4 months ago) I secretly pined for this list to be on My blog. Ummmm........what was I thinking????



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
But, alas the time has come that this list is befitting in EVERY ASPECT! I swear these are the thoughts inside Grayson's head:


If it is on, I must turn it off.
If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it.
If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
If it has leaves, they must be picked.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is paper, it must be torn.
If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
If the volume is low, it must go high.
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
If it is a car seat, it must be protested with arched back.

If it is Mommy, it must be hugged.

It's the End of the Summer As We Know It...

And I feel fine!!!!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Better than fine, in fact.

This week marks the beginning of the end of summer: my favorite time of the year. When the sun cools and there's a nip at night and air-conditioning can be replaced with fresh-air through the windows and an open sunroof and a playground slide that isn't 567,000 degrees.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
When wardrobe is not limited to tank tops and capri pants, and this years flip-flops hit the trash and knit hats and scarves and jackets are almost wearable again. Almost. (I mean, it's never really cold here but a girl can't ignore Fall fashion, even if the rain hates to fall here and snow doesn't even know North Texas exists.)

Saturday I wore a hoodie. And closed-toe shoes. And it was perfect. And Grayson wore his long sleeved t-shirt with shorts. I gave up my shift Friday and Saturday night due to the fact that Hurricane Ike was coming and I just wanted to hang with my boys. Even though it rained and rained and rained, it ended up being a perfect weekend.

We took Grayson to the Wiggly Play Center, which is an indoor play gym of awesomeness, so he could run and wiggle all of his energy out. I think Daddy had just as much fun as he did!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
What do you think?????

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Afterwards, we headed to Posado's for some yummy mexican food. Sunday we got up and went to church and then headed home to watch some football. We ate wings and potato salad and had a loooooooong nap!

And then there was today. Beautiful. We ate Chic Filet and then went to the park with our best, little friend. It was a gorgeous day with a coolness in the air.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Around here, there isn't really a proper "end" to summer. You just know when you start seeing pumpkins bedecking front porches and the Halloween candy lining the shelves at Target.

It's my most favorite time of year!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
So although the time has come to say "goodbye" to swim shorts and water parks and "hello" to long sleeves and pumpkin patches,


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
it's a happy ending to a seemingly endless summer.

Farewell to 100 degree days. So long, heat rash. Good riddence evil sun. Goodnight hairbrush. Goodnight mush. And the old lady whispering hush. Etc. Etc. The end.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Oh, and HAPPY FALL YA'LL!

13 Months: My Little Teenager

Dear Grayson,

You are 13 months today, you little teenager you. Right smack on schedule you have become a squinty, devil-eyed, cackling rebel. Why? WHY!?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
First let's talk fingernails. You will not let me cut them anymore. Bad for you and worse for me as I am constantly given the once-over, scratch marks down my arms, neck and chest. I look like a victim of assault and/or a cat lady. As you know I dislike cats about as much as I dislike mayonnaise so this is really unsettling. Your toe nails are also quite long and I'm considering giving you a ghetto-fab mani-pedi. Maybe with a little butterfly stencil or a flower? Wuah-ha-ha! How about that for revenge? But seriously. Your claws are becoming an issue and that ain't swell, dude.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Second, I would like to take back everything I said about wanting you to walk. Please regress so I can have my sanity back. In the past hour alone, you pulled 7201 items out from under my bathroom sink and strew them on the floor, about a zillion DVD's out of the coffee table, you broke a remote control, ate a doodle bug, and swam in the dog's water bowl. You hid out in my closet for ten minutes with 89 pairs of shoes and when I found you, you were eating my favorite Steve Madden sandal, you then sorted through the dirty laundry and spread it all over the kitchen. You decided to sit on "Dawk" (Bentley) while she was sleeping, thus pissing her off. You tore this month's Vogue, and I wasn't finished reading about Kate Hudson and gagging myself over her adorablity. You clawed me a hundred times, you emptied a bucket of Lego's and pushed them all under the couch. You emptied a bag of cheddar bunnies and pushed those under the couch. You knocked over my glass of water, you somehow found a small wooden object and chewed it. You threw-up something that looked alive, you banged your head against the coffee table until you cried, you locked yourself in the bathroom, and you broke into my car and drove it away. Seriously. All of this actually happened (except for the car-driving part.)


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Lastly I would like to comment on your diet. Two bites of grilled cheese and a 1/2 oz of juice? Dude. This isn't prison but it might be soon if you keep feeding Avocado, Pesto ravioli and Chicken to the dog. I want you to be happy, sure, but how can I possibly sit back and watch you eat rocks and sticks and sand? I just don't understand you!? Why do you fill your body with such harmful substance! How could you?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
You're only thirteen (months). You have your whole life ahead of you. Please let me cut your fingernails. Please don't try to eat the dog.


I love you anyway, even if you have chosen to join the dark side. It's just a phase, I keep telling myself. Sigh... Adolescence.

Hangin Tough,

Mommy