November

I thought I'd do a quick wrap-up of our last month or so....since I've been largely MIA from this blog....things are super busy with work and so I have neglected the family blog in a big way. Don't feel too badly though, blog, because I've also neglected such things as housework, laundry, and eating in the pursuit of giving people the best Christmas ever (photographically speaking).

So in the spirit of the holidays, I give you the lame cop-out photo dump:

Emily's Birthday

Dinner with our besties on my birthday...(not sure if Adam knew the picture was being taken)
You can't imagine how excited I was when Jennette planned a trip out here for my birthday, and then how much better it was that the stars aligned and our husbands were able to make it to dinner with us. We ate at the classic Dallas favorite, Chuy's, and I have to admit that the company was even better than the food! (Although the waiter was a close second...he kept our chips and salsa full and our drinks refreshed for the three hours we were there...good man!)

We miss you, Pauls. Looking forward to our trip in the spring!! :)


San Antonio Trip


I had some work to do in San Antonio the weekend of my birthday, so my favorite people came along and we had a great weekend exploring and enjoying the city, except for the part when Aidan choked on a mint at Zio's then threw up all over me in the middle of the restaurant. That was not a highlight. But these parts were highlights:Riding the train at Breckenridge Park
Without even trying, somehow I'd convinced Adam that this was going to be an amazing train ride. He was surprised that the little train powered by a lawnmower motor didn't take us further or through more exotic areas of San Antonio.

But we did get to see the place where the former Breckenridge Stables resided, and it brought back memories of going horseback riding with Kerstin and Elyse (my two dearest friends growing up) and the time we told the employees that we were experienced riders in an effort to get them to let us take the horses out by ourselves (without a guide). Why they believed us is beyond me-- we sure looked like suburban girls who'd never ridden horses before. But we proved to them just how suburban we were when I dropped my reins, then got off the horse to get them (coincidentally got off on the wrong side of the horse...who knew there was a correct side to dismount??) and the horse ran away into the "forest" near us. Leaving me on the ground, with no horse, and Elyse freaking out about getting caught for not being the Ranch Hands we professed to be.

Let's just say we weren't welcome back. I hope they found that horse.


**Post Edit...my mom has helped me to see the error of my spelling ways...it's BrAckenridge Park, not BrEckenridge Park. Whoopsie!**

**Double Post Edit...after a Google search, I CANNOT find out if it is Breckenridge or Brackenridge. Even official pages have it spelled both ways.**

The Alamo
Of course, it's a must-see each time we visit. I never get over the beauty of this building and the reverence it inspires. This time we took Nate inside and let him really look and listen to what is offered there, and he was very interested. It's so fun to have a kid that are growing up and realizing what a great big world is out there for him to discover.


Lunch at The Salt Lick
(sorry Dad, try not to be too jealous)
Even though it took us an hour to find it, of course it was well worth the drive. It is a very simple place in Driftwood (near Austin) and although it doesn't offer much fanfare (or even decent Diet Coke), it has been a family favorite for many years. The brisket is so tender and the sauce is unbelievable. If you're desperate to try it, they have a website and will ship meat and sauce to your door (just ask my dad, we sent him some for Father's Day one year!)
Here is the website...if you dare to tempt your tastebuds...