Baseball Fever

When I found out a high school girl friend was going to sing the National Anthem at a Round Rock Express game, I knew I had to cheer her on! As soon as the date was set I let each boy invite a friend and last night we traveled 40 minutes across town to watch the Express take on Memphis.

My friend did awesome! The boys had a blast. What kid wouldn't...making the jumbo-tron, wearing glow-in-the-dark necklaces, walking away with a foul ball, eating hot dogs and pop corn all night, and not getting home until 11:00. I love summer memories.

The Veloway

We loaded up the bikes this morning and headed to south Austin to explore The Veloway. 3.1 miles of paved lanes only for the use of people on non-motorized wheels. All traffic flows in a clock-wise direction so we tightly hugged the right lane. Grown ups on road bikes whizzed by us numerous times and were very accepting and happy to see some young riders out there. The kids did great and are ready to return again!

Making $$

The kids have been begging all summer to have a lemonade stand. Finally we decided today was the day. We went to the store and they bought all necessary supplies with their own money and have now been working almost 2 hours. Business has been steady and their zip-lock money bag is getting full :)

Volente Beach

They proudly publicize "Its NOT pool water." Pumped in by the ever-so-dry Lake Travis, Volente Beach is a small, intimate water park hidden on the north shore of the lake. If it was not for the 3 hours of "day camp kids" crowding the pool and lines, it was a perfect day. But once they left we had the park to our self.

The life guards were great and did not mind my shorter than 42" child going down the 3-story water slide a million times. The boys were free ranged and roamed about as they pleased. The 6 hours in the sun was unforgettable, cool, and all smiles. What more could one ask for on a hot Texas summer day?!?

Peter Pan Mini Golf

An Austin classic, around since the 1940's...Peter Pan Mini Golf has finally been checked off our "to do" list. If you head out there with young kids don't forget your bug spray. The mosquitoes will attack you. If you are heading out there with friends don't forget your cold beverages. They are a BYOB establishment as long as there are no glass bottles. That sounds much more fun than I had this morning :)

A Vacation From Our Vacation

After 6 1/2 nights in an RV, a fantastic resort in Tucson is just what we needed to relax! A family reunion, dinners and dancing, swimming pools and a water slide helped us all unwind. Now back to the real world of work, chores, and a schedule.

North Rim - Grand Canyon

Finally , our last stop, the grandest of them all. Gorgeous by magnitude, we explored the North Rim where only 10% of the visitors stop. Open trails, cooler by 15 degrees because of the higher elevation, and soaring trees with the partnership of a National Forest, the NR was amazing. Another hike, the final of 4 Junior Park Ranger Badges, and HUGE alligator tears...we knew the kids have had enough of the outdoors.

Zion Canyon

National Park #3: Zion Canyon. 5 miles of hiking, crossing the COLD Virgin River, beautiful canyon views, natural pools, steep inclines, drop offs and one of us was lucky enough to sneak in a 45 minute nap! The picnic lunch and shuttle bus were enjoyable too.

Bryce Canyon

We explored Bryce Canyon with a gorgeous 4.5 mile hike. From the canyon's rim, we zigzagged down through the hoodoos to discover trees and a vast wildlife on the floor. We knew a steep hike back up was soon to come, so we had a small snack and began. A few tears were shed but the boys were troopers. The pool back at our RV park lightened our spirits!