Pilgrim's Pride

We had a big morning today...first Big received the Eagle Eye nomination from his teacher. At the end of every month, each teacher picks a boy and a girl who has shown great merit. Great merit for a kinder is basically following directions, listening at all times, helping the teaching without being asked, etc. To think my son got this nomination his first full month at this school brought tears to my eyes...I am one proud mama! Each of these kids receive a zipper charm and a pencil.

Then the kinder classes put on the annual Thanksgiving Play. Big was a pilgrim along with 100+ kids that were also turkeys, governors, and Indians. After a few songs, the short play, and class photos, we all escaped to the classroom for muffins and juice.

Familiar faces & places

My best friend and her family came down to visit us and see our new abode. We enjoyed a quiet weekend while the kids played, football aired, and the sun shined. Since we have not been to a workshop in months, we decided to check out our neighborhood's Lowe's on Saturday. Quite different here...not many kids, no colors or markers to add to your finished project, and no baked goods once you are done. The kids had fun though and that is all that matters!

Sky High

After school we met up with our cousins to climb Mt. Bonnell, Austin's 2nd highest point. The 4 boys ran around exploring and I was lagging behind making sure Ms. Pink did not take a 775 ft tumble into Lake Austin. After enjoying the fresh air, a beautiful afternoon, the breathtaking Austin skyline, and hidden trails...we all made it back down in full numbers without any accidents!

Thanksgiving Eggs

With all this extra time on my hands (HA!) since I am no longer working, I have been searching for a place to volunteer. Our church founded a wonderful organization called Mobile Loaves & Fishes that delivers "miracles on wheels." Trucks set out daily to feed the homeless in Austin.

What is great about MLF, the kids can be actively involved too! I have signed my family up for the Egg Ministry. Once a month we are responsible for delivering 3 dozen hard-boiled eggs to the kitchen so they can be loaded on the trucks and distributed. These eggs can be decorated by the little ones. Of course we picked fall colors, used some crayons, and found stickers to finish them off. We will also color prayer cards and wash the food trucks throughout the year. When the kids get older, they can participate in making sandwiches and going on food runs eventually.

Home Slice Pizza

Don't laugh...yes, 2 eateries at once! Did you really think 3 crepes can fill up a family of 5? And when right across the street a 'hot' pizza stand that always has a long line is line-less, you would go too.

Home Slice Pizza is not an official trailer, but there is a walk-up window where you can only order pizza by the slice. Now I know why it is always crowded. This pizza is amazing!

Crepes Mille

Not letting a dreary Sunday stop us from exploring more of Austin trailers...Crepes Mille got our vote today from default. The other places we drove by were too crowded and with 3 hungry kids who wants to wait in line? Even though there was not a line, the food was delicious! Of course we chose from the "sweet" menu side: Lemon Sugar, Sticky Rice Mango and (the winner) Peanut Butter and Banana.

Quick Get-a-way

A BIG factor that led us to Austin was being this much closer to the farm. It makes even a day trip feasible for us.

This weekend we took off for a quick 2-nighter...wanting to burn the fence we tore down in the back yard and to catch up on mowing since this area finally has been blessed with rain. The kids were so excited to return and see all their school posters still hanging. We even managed to squeeze in some fishing, s'mores, and a beautiful sunset!

Hey Cupcake!

Anyone who has driven in the Austin area the past 6 months has passed a Hey Cupcake! somewhere. What began as one man's dream has turned into a 6 location (and still growing) business of Streamline trailers topped with a ginormous pink cupcake.

A short menu of 7 cupcakes or 4 drinks to choose from keeps the line moving. They were yummy but like ice cream, butter cream and cream cheese frosting melts quickly on a warm autumn day...so eat fast!

Torchy's Tacos

We headed back to 1st street to hit up another taco stand on another gorgeous Sunday morning. Torchy's Tacos is less than a block south of last week's taco visit. Tacos were not as good, only a bean bag toss to keep the kids entertained, and service was a tad bit slower.

They were voted "Best Taco Stand of 2008" and the place seem more crowded than Izzoz's. But Izzoz's is still sitting on the top of our list!

Happy Halloween

After rounds of dress up before the Halloween party started, we all decided to go as doctors and pirates. Our street gathers each year for a pizza party as the kids play until darkness sets. Then we all run home to start the candy marathon run. Since we are the new kids on the block, I thought it was more important to socialize than taking a million photos. Here are the pirates and doctor from our family along with some of the kids on our street.