Horseshoe Bay, Part 2 (AKA Camp Luke)

My family joined us out at Horseshoe Bay last weekend for another rendition of what we like to call "Camp Luke".  Basically, we all invade upon Luke's home turf of Austin and make him entertain us.

This time, everyone joined forces in the hill country region and split their time between Horseshoe Bay and Holly's nearby family lake house.

When Aunt Samantha got wind of our hill country weekend, she politely asked if I would mind if she switched her Texas visit from Grace's upcoming baptism weekend to a visit to Horseshoe Bay instead.  Not at all did I mind!  (And you just take that up with God about missing the baptism, Samantha...)

First stop: Austin's delicious Hillside Farmacy for lunch:

Second stop: reveling in a little Horseshoe Bay time before the rest of the family arrived:

We hit up an area winery for a little grape stomping.

Over the weekend, Rick and I were treated to an anniversary date night out on the town while we left the kiddos in the very capable hands of a ton of babysitters.

Gotta love the green carpet at Holly's lake house.  It's legendary in their family.  As you can see, the kids had no problems with us gone.  In fact, Palmer begged to do it for a second night in a row.  And we let him and Grace.

Sister-itas and a baby:

We had such a fun hike at Pedernales State Park one morning:

Check out Palmer's binoculars he made in Dallas at summer school.  Weeks later, they are still a huge hit.

When Palmer was born, Rick swore he would never wear a bjorn.  I was a bit under the weather for our hike and didn't have the energy to carry Grace, too.  Lo and behold, never say never...

Thanks to everyone for coming to visit us.  Let's do it again next summer!!

-Bethany

Wordless Wednesday

-Bethany

Three Months With Grace

Grace continues to be such a sweetie and we are just smitten.

We are in Horseshoe Bay for the month and my goal was to slow down our life a little and focus on trying to get Grace into a good nap schedule before she goes to Mother's Day Out in the fall.  Goal status: success.  We've focused on Grace and even if she naps by a pool, we've got somewhat of a schedule.

Grace hands out the best smiles, unlike her brother who was very, very serious at this age.

She loves to babble to anyone who will sit and listen:

New skills:
*Aware of arms and legs, likes to kick her legs and stare at her hands
*Plays with play mat and toys that hang overhead.
*Talking to the "friend" in the mirror

My peanut gallery in the kitchen:

Likes:
*Playing with toys hanging overhead
*Sitting in the bumbo seat
*Big brother Palmer.  Grace is always quick to follow Palmer's movements and activities with her eyes and smiles a big grin when Palmer gives her a "drive by" kiss

This is a classic photo.  Grace is sleeping soundly while in the background, Palmer throws a fit in time out.

Three-month photo with Miss Kitty.  (I would share stats, but I don't have a scale or a measuring tape here at the lake.)

 We love you, Miss Grace.

-Bethany

Horseshoe Bay, Part One

It's no secret that Horseshoe Bay is one of our favorite places.  Six years ago, we married here.  We are renting a condo at the resort community for most of August and enjoying the proximity to family and friends in Austin.  

Good morning, ducks:

Luke and Holly live about an hour away and joined us on our first weekend.  

The sunny afternoon was filled with jet ski rides and sand castle building:

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Grace held down the condo over a rousing afternoon jigsaw puzzle. 

Our friends Ann and Brad decided to spend a weekend at Horseshoe Bay.

Sweet Colin and Palmer at the marina.

We had such a fun time with them and enjoyed a nice boat ride one morning. 

Underage driving lessons:

Our best first mate:

Ann, Grayson, and Colin: 

 

Rick is shuffling back and forth between working in his firm's Austin office, working in Dallas a few days here and there, and taking time off.  

Our evenings are filled with late night swims off of the dock.

 

Happy summer (and denial of all you people in fall mode already): 

-Bethany 

Wordless Wednesday

-Bethany