Deep in the heart of Texas

Pat competed in Ironman 70.3 Austin last weekend.  Since the big boys had a couple of days off of school for conferences we decided to make a family trip out of it.  We loaded up the Airstream and off we went.  We drove to Amarillo and stayed the first night.  We took the boys over to the Cadillac Ranch and they absolutely loved it.  It was a great little piece of Americana and they had the best time climbing all over it and checking it out.

Three boys off and running after a day in the truck.  They thought the cars spray painted all over and sticking out of the ground was the coolest thing ever.

Once in Austin we took the boys over to Zilker Park to ride the Zilker Zephyr.  All the train boys loved that, especially the tunnel at the end.

After Zilker Park we headed over to South Congress Avenue to look at the stores and try out a food truck or two.  We stopped for some really good cupcakes (mainly because it was an old Airstream).

We caught a glimpse of Pat during the half-Iron.

Waiting for Pat to cross the finish line.  (FYI:  his time was a personal best for the half-distance)

We had a great time in Austin and were also able to catch up with Aunt Kelsey and several other friends that live in the area.  It was so good to see everyone.

On the trip back home we stopped in Amarillo again.  This time we stopped at The Big Texan (home of the 72 oz steak).  The boys thought it was a hoot.

While we were eating our waiter came by and brought the boys these hats.  Apparently one of the other diners thought they were good boys and bought these for them.  Our waiter wouldn't tell us who it was, but that was such a nice gesture (especially after a long day in the truck).

Look who's 2!

Yesterday was Cadel's second birthday.  He had a great day!

 The birthday boy was up early!

 All boys were up early--birthdays are exciting around here.

He loved that we sang to him and he got a cake but he wasn't so sure about blowing out the candles.

He started by eating all of the icing off of his piece of cake first.  Then he finished the rest of the cake.  He really took his time and enjoyed it (much to the chagrin of his brothers who were anxiously awaiting present opening).

It took him a little while to get the hang of opening the presents and that the presents inside were for him but once he did he was just like an old pro.

He had lots of help from his brothers and he was so nice to share of all his new toys with them as well.

First Snow

Winter's coming.  We had our first measurable snow today.  Luckily for the boys Gus and Cormac were out of school for professional days for the teachers and conferences.  There wasn't much and it has started to melt but they had a good time playing in the first snow of the season.  Oh to be a kid and get excited about snow!

Three months old

Little Maggie is three months old already!  She is the happiest, most mellow baby.  She loves everyone and always has a smile.

Sticker Boy

Every time we go down to our grocery store the cashier always gives stickers to whichever boys are with me at the time (most often Cadel).  Cadel loves this and immediately starts decorating with his stickers (his clothes, the cart, his carseat, whatever is handy).  Yesterday he decided his face was the spot for his stickers.  It was so funny driving the cart out to the car with this little boy and his face covered in "Get your shingles vaccination" stickers.

Fun Run

Gus' school has a fun run every fall for a fundraiser.  They really go all out with timing chips, bibs and swag bags.  It was a mile race and they broke it up into a younger kids group and an older kids group.  I signed Cormac and Gus up.  They had a wonderful time!  They both ran the whole way (most impressive for little Cormac's three-year-old legs).  As Cormac said, "I won for the three-year-olds."  We are so proud of them!

Pre-race.

Post race.