Barlowing in Austin
When Ryan's brother James called to tell us he had tickets to the upcoming film festival in Austin, TX, everybody knew drastic measures had to be taken. Our first plan was to hop on a cheap flight in time for the festival, but following were several failed attempts to find cheap tickets. Somehow, somehow, Ryan and I came to the conclusion that it was best to make the 24-hour drive, not in a couple of days or so, but yes, in 24 hours. Unluckily for Ryan, I am not authorized to drive his car,
as it is a company car! But lucky for both of us, Ryan has the uncanny ability to stay awake for extended periods of time. We arrived in Austin exhausted, but just in time for -the big event- and enjoyed every moment of Barlowing ever after in Austin. A special thanks to our hosts and tour guides, the Austin Barlows, and also to the team of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and doggies that took care of our little girls while we were gone.
A few highlights...
Apparently, Texas is not only famous for its Texas pride (which we witnessed in full force), but also these Sno-Cones. Many a friend told us we could not possibly experience Texas in full until we had one. Here I am, having my first taste of Pina Colada. Yum! Other things we were introduced to: Texas-specific rootbeer and BBQ, things you haven't had until you've had in Texas!
James and Lonna took us on an outing to see Texas sights, including Barton Springs, the botanical gardens, a little bit of Zilker park, the University of Texas campus (where you can buy all sorts of rediculous U.T. paraphanalia-we settled for a mug and a keychain), and then ate dinner at this place called the Hula Hut. We were out on the deck and had a lovely view of Lake Austin.
This is our niece Gwen. She was gracious enough to let me pretend she was mine for a few days while I was away from my girls. Isn't she darling in her little hoodie? Gwen also accompanied Lonna and and me on a little outing while the boys were at their film festival. Yes, Ryan held up to his end up the "bribe" and let me go shopping! So naturally, we hit the outlets, and enjoyed a very scenic tour of Austin on the way there (We would like to thank several roadside stands for directions!) Never a dull moment for us Barlow gals!
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the Romriel's home in Dripping Springs to see Ryan's aunt and uncle. There we got caught up with cousins, met our new niece once removed (?) Simone, and enjoyed a birthday celebration for Uncle Alan.
Ryan decided (with some convincing, thanks a lot, James!) to be authentic and buy a real geniune cowboy hat (from Target). Isn't he handsome? When I asked him where he was going to wear it, the only place he could think of was to mow the lawn. Hmmmmmm...
Here we are on the drive home in the middle of the night in a place called Vaughn. Vaughn is in New Mexico and just past the infamous Roswell. We didn't have any alien encounters in Roswell, but Ryan did see a hyena, then again it was the middle of the night running on no sleep. Anyway, if you are ever driving through this town there is a lovely little diner (the only diner) we would definitely recommend. We especially loved the steak sandwich.
That about wraps up our side of the trip. For more, visit Austin Barlows or just come ask us. Overall, we loved getting to know Austin better and even more loved seeing family. Many of them tried to convince us to move there, as some of you know, might possibly be an option for our family. We are also still waiting for London and Madelyn's pictures (a hint to any of you that took some) as apparently, L & M had many adventures of their own on their little vacation. Hopefully, we can post those soon, too.
as it is a company car! But lucky for both of us, Ryan has the uncanny ability to stay awake for extended periods of time. We arrived in Austin exhausted, but just in time for -the big event- and enjoyed every moment of Barlowing ever after in Austin. A special thanks to our hosts and tour guides, the Austin Barlows, and also to the team of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and doggies that took care of our little girls while we were gone.
A few highlights...
Apparently, Texas is not only famous for its Texas pride (which we witnessed in full force), but also these Sno-Cones. Many a friend told us we could not possibly experience Texas in full until we had one. Here I am, having my first taste of Pina Colada. Yum! Other things we were introduced to: Texas-specific rootbeer and BBQ, things you haven't had until you've had in Texas!
James and Lonna took us on an outing to see Texas sights, including Barton Springs, the botanical gardens, a little bit of Zilker park, the University of Texas campus (where you can buy all sorts of rediculous U.T. paraphanalia-we settled for a mug and a keychain), and then ate dinner at this place called the Hula Hut. We were out on the deck and had a lovely view of Lake Austin.
This is our niece Gwen. She was gracious enough to let me pretend she was mine for a few days while I was away from my girls. Isn't she darling in her little hoodie? Gwen also accompanied Lonna and and me on a little outing while the boys were at their film festival. Yes, Ryan held up to his end up the "bribe" and let me go shopping! So naturally, we hit the outlets, and enjoyed a very scenic tour of Austin on the way there (We would like to thank several roadside stands for directions!) Never a dull moment for us Barlow gals!
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the Romriel's home in Dripping Springs to see Ryan's aunt and uncle. There we got caught up with cousins, met our new niece once removed (?) Simone, and enjoyed a birthday celebration for Uncle Alan.
Ryan decided (with some convincing, thanks a lot, James!) to be authentic and buy a real geniune cowboy hat (from Target). Isn't he handsome? When I asked him where he was going to wear it, the only place he could think of was to mow the lawn. Hmmmmmm...
Here we are on the drive home in the middle of the night in a place called Vaughn. Vaughn is in New Mexico and just past the infamous Roswell. We didn't have any alien encounters in Roswell, but Ryan did see a hyena, then again it was the middle of the night running on no sleep. Anyway, if you are ever driving through this town there is a lovely little diner (the only diner) we would definitely recommend. We especially loved the steak sandwich.
That about wraps up our side of the trip. For more, visit Austin Barlows or just come ask us. Overall, we loved getting to know Austin better and even more loved seeing family. Many of them tried to convince us to move there, as some of you know, might possibly be an option for our family. We are also still waiting for London and Madelyn's pictures (a hint to any of you that took some) as apparently, L & M had many adventures of their own on their little vacation. Hopefully, we can post those soon, too.
posted by Leslie at 10:20 AM
3 Comments:
Dear Ry & Les,
I enjoyed seeing pictures of your trip and I especially enjoyed reliving our own Austin trip with your comments! Thank you. We loved having London and Maddie and hope we can have them again soon!
Love,
Syl
Leslie, honestly who needs sleep? And might I add, what parent reaaly gets enough? You didn't disturb any of us and we feel so lucky that you chose to stay with us. I am also glad that you made it home without any alien encounters, that really could have changed your life...more than seeing Texas. Since we had so much fun we will be seeing you in just over a month!! So maybe you should start catching up on some sleep now because I have a feeling that movies to be made at your home are in the works, green screne included. Thanks for coming to see us. Lonna
How brave, yet so lucky, to have time away. It looks and sounds like you had a lot of fun. By the way, Spiders rule!...that is when they're in a jar dying a slow death because they won't eat the "food" that I catch them. What's up with that? Anyway, I'm sure your girls were glad to have momma back, and dad too. I love the hat Ryan, that's a good look for you.
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