Cap 10K ~ 2011

The Capitol 10K kicked off my "racing season" last year, and it seems that way again for 2011. A cool morning in ATX for a 6.2 mile run. My cousin and I added pirate socks to our tutu attire from last year. She thinks we are getting too old for the costume but we received tons of cheers, compliments, and attention along the way...and if you have ever raced before, every little bit helps.

We shaved an easy 4 seconds off our time from last year and now are gearing up for a stair climb and 2 muddy races soon to come!

Batter up!

We quickly finished up basketball and baseball started (same day actually.) After a few weeks of practice, we had the first games today. Both games started at 0830! We are lucky enough that the t-ball outfield backs up to the coach pitch outfield. Toss in a few lawn chairs and we camped out between the fences, cheering on both boys at the same time.

For his first time playing this sport EVER, Will made 2 singles and 1 double. Not bad for coach pitch. Alex, caught 2 balls for 'outs' during his game and rocked the 'T!' It was a great morning with 2 boys smiling ear-to-ear.

Frozy's Shaved Ice

Spring = Snow cones in my world so what better way to celebrate returning to school after 10 days off. We headed around the bend to the new snow cone stand in our neck of the woods.

You really can't go wrong with shaved ice and flavored syrup, but their flavor list was short, prices were high, and the young gal in the trailer was pretty upset we left some sticky spots on the picnic table...go figure 3 kids and a VERY windy day (she needs to get use to it). We did enjoy the scattered toys to keep us busy!

Spring Break 2011 - Odessa, TX

On the way home, we stopped at the Odessa Meteor Crater. Quite a disappointment, as I was expecting a view like the one in Arizona I remember as a child. Give 5 kids fresh air and a dirt path to run on and they will enjoy it no matter what.

Spring Break 2011 - Monahans Sandhills

Road and camping trip with our favorite Austin cousins. Just a hope, skip, and a jump away are the Monahans Sandhills. Okay maybe more like 6 1/2 hours, but the flat horizon of west Texas mixed with wind turbine farms, the drive went surprisingly fast. We arrived just in time to pitch our tents and hit the dunes only to learn that the afternoon winds make you cry more than smile. From the pelting of sand to the grit in our eyes and teeth, we headed back to camp for dinner and s'mores.

From sunrise to supermoon, we stayed busy... sand sledding, burying alive, hiking the dunes, homemade sand art, sand men, bubbles, water fights, etc. Even though the brightest moon in 19 years did not let us star gaze, the kids fell fast asleep while the adults relaxed with their choice of beverage in a travel coffee mug. Rumor has it the Barney Fife of the park will ticket any and everything (thanks to the heads up from the other officer of the camp). Unfortunately, we were sneakier than our quiet, elderly neighbors who were enjoying the evening too.

It was a great camping trip and we even witnessed the first rain in the past 280 days! It is great to be home though and sand-free.

Spring Break 2011 - Eden, TX

Nothing like taking back roads just for this photo! Reminds me of one of my childhood road trip thru Idaho in the 80's.

Spring Break 2011 - New Braunfels, TX

McKenna Children's Museum and the Texas Snake Farm (not to mention a few other animals) kept us busy and out of trouble today!

Spring Break 2011 - McKinney Falls

Another day, another road trip to our favorite "escape from the city" state park. We have not been to McKinney Falls since our cliff jumping days last summer. It was nice to see the preserve in the first days of almost-spring. Not many flowers or critters yet, but I am sure the place is about to pop!

Happy hiking...