Spring Break

This year we decided to spend spring break close to home. It is always fun to stay home and find adventures all with in a few minutes drive. Being new to Austin, everything is new to us. We are enjoying new friends, a new neighborhood, new culture, and new ward. Mark worked during the week, so that left the kids and I on our own to fill our time. Here is the run down of our week.

Monday...

We met Juilianne Christiansen and her boys at the park. Caitlyn and I tried our hand at flying the kite she and I made earlier in the day. We went for a hike around Lake Travis and found a once river that is now reduced to a steam because of the drought. The kids took off their shoes and went wading. Hallie quickly tired of all clothes. We saw fish big enough to eat and threw rocks in the lake.

Tuesday...

The Christiansen boys came over to play video games, jump on the trampoline, sword fight and have lunch. Robert and Mariah stopped by and Robert watched the kids while Mariah and I ran to buy ingredients for cookies. We made mint frosted sugar cookies for St. Patrick's Day.

Wednesday...

We drove to Pedernales Falls with Mariah and Robert. The kids enjoyed swimming and rock jumping. The park ranger allowed the kids to sit on his horse and we hiked down to the falls. It was beautiful.

Thursday...

This was a day of babysitting. We watched our neighbors for the day and a little baby in the afternoon. In all we had 8 kids for most of the day. It was loud and crazy, but they were all willing to help and listen to me. It went great.

Friday...

We went camping ... in the backyard!!! We have decided this is the greatest way to camp. We made a fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over it. The kids loved the smores. We sang camping songs and made up new verses. When it was time for bed we were able to wash Hallie in the tub (she was a sightÜ) and put her and Reagan to sleep in their own beds. Colin, Caitlyn and Austin slept on the trampoline, under the stars.

Daisy stood guard and Mark and I stept in our own room.

Saturday...

We cleaned up the house, and went and visited neighborhoods. We especially like one called the Walking W Ranch. We took the kids to chick-fil-a and let them play and O.D. on mints. We really need to keep a better eye on the kids and the mints. We still are finding them a week later.

What a great week. We only wish we could have spent some time with family. Maybe next year you all can come visit us.