Okay, so last week I was in Austin, TX for a family wedding. The Altons and the Houstons go back a long way and Grandma, Papa, Mom and Dad really get excited when they know they can spend time with that clan. I fondly remember hanging with Bob and Carol when they were in Des Moines last year but haven't met the rest of the family. Well, I can cross that off my bucket list after this trip.
Dad was in Atlanta so Mom, Grandma Maggy and I flew by ourselves. Austin is one of Grandman Maggy's favorite places so she was excited to go with us. Mom had been there before and gave the city her blessing so I guess you could call me the Austin "newbie".
Des Moines International Airport. United Airlines, I hope you're ready for us!
Given the number of people we had coming in and the location Mom went to VRBO and we rented a house for our trip. Very nice. Thursday evening, after everyone arrived Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily came over with their favorite local pizza. (I think Uncle Matt and Dad wanted to hurry up and meet John Fruehe at a local "watering hole" but I made everyone sit and eat for awhile.)
Friday morning was the best morning ever! It was garbage day in Austin! AWESOME!
After naps and getting cleaned up everyone headed off to the rehearsal dinner. We all came down for the wedding of Lindy and Ian and I was anxious to meet people, catch up with Bob and chill out Austin style!
Here I am with Papa, Mom and Nicole (Alton) Moore from Boston!
After introductions I went off to explore. Turns out they have dirt and sticks in Texas, too!
Live music! I was in Heaven. The Altons are pretty talented folks. A guitar. A bass. Vocals. I had a lot of fun listening.
It was at a ranch outside of town and, by all accounts, was a good ole blast of an affair.
Here is the crew enjoying themselves. (I can't believe they would without me there, but apparently they did.)
My friend Bob and his daughter and bride Lindy ... what a wonderful photo.
Okay. Sunday. Mom and Dad picked me up then rushed back to the house to pack everyone up and get to Stubb's Gospel Brunch on time.
Lots of bags and not much room in the minivan!
We finally arrived and met with rest of the crew. I tell ya, Stubb's Gospel Brunch is awesome. Great music. Awesome food. The whole family. Yeah!
I didn't want to put my fork down because the BBQ was so good, but trust me ... I was having fun!
The gang's all here! (Okay, Uncle Chris and Katie are in China and Zoe had her baccalaureate service so Mark, Lisa, Zoe and Xena couldn't come but you get the point.)
A trip to the airport to drop off Papa and Grandma Kathy then a drop-off at Uncle Matt's came next. Mom and Uncle Eric went to the LBJ library while Dad and Uncle Matt tried to convince me to take a nap.
Let's start with meeting the dogs. Hi! (No sleep.)
Movies on the iPad? Yep! (Still no sleep.)
Adding a blanket to the couch/dog mix? Cool. (No sleep.)
Playing on the floor with Aunt Emily. A nice way to spend the afternoon. (I'm so wide awake!)
More couch cuddling. (Still ... no sleep.)
Okay. Let's give up on this sleep "thing". Uncle Matt, let's just feed the dogs. They look hungry.
So, I guess that was it. Mom and Dad stopped taking pictures at this point. (Not sure why.) I did go to bed early on Sunday then Monday was a travel day. All-in-all Austin rocked! I will be back. It was good to have the entire family there. It was good to explore. It was good to spend time with people I never get to see.
Love to y'all ...
Pierce
1 comment:
Some of are still in Austin, lovin' every minute.
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