Austin Steam Train

We scheduled a train ride while we were in Austin as a fun activity for Nathan that grandparents and parents alike could also enjoy.  Our train was a vintage diesel, Austin & Texas Central No. 442, RSD-15 built in 1960.  The only remaining diesel of its type still in operation. 

To say that Nathan was excited about this, would pretty much be an understatement.  I kept thinking he had to go potty but he was just so excited, he litterally could not sit still.  Here is Grandma and Nathan with their train tickets.

We boarded the 2:00pm Buckeye Lake car.

Our car was typical in the 1940s and '50s and originally built for the Nickel Plate and Lackawanna railroads.  The seats could turn and face either direction or recline, the seats were quite comfortable and spacious.  Nathan's smile in the picture below represents his level of enthusiasm at this point.

There were probably 10 cars connected to the engine and we were able to walk from car to car.  The connection between cars created a small space to walk between which was somewhat open to the elements before reaching the next car door.

There was also a concession car with drinks, snacks and souvenirs which was fun.

Nathan was alert and watching out the windows during most of our train ride.

Our train route from Cedar Park to Bertram was about 33 miles one way with a brief layover at the Bertram depot.  The depot was originally built in 1912 and fully restored to museum quality in 1998.  I could have sat in this little depot for hours just imagining how things operated so long ago. 

Just enough time before boarding for a quick family picture.  Fun was had by all...but by Nathan the most!

Happy Mother's Day

 A motherhood quote from my favorite photographer Jennifer Bowen:

"From my own experience with motherhood, it has transformed me on the deepest levels. It challenges me, humbles me, humors me, hurts me, drains me, and fulfills me. Sometimes all of those emotions happen in one day. It taught me patience, showed me the depths in which my heart could feel for another human being, and broadsided me with the realization that I will forever wear my heart on my sleeve."

Perfectly said. Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

The University of Texas at Austin

Of course we visited The University of Texas while we were in Austin - it's only 4 blocks from the state capital, after all.  The old Victorian-Gothic main building serves as the central point of the 40-acre campus.



We stopped at the Co-op for some Longhorn shopping, where they had this photo-op set up for shoppers.


Also just outside the co-op is this painted wall of Austin.


Inside the co-op is a Longhorn fan's heaven.  I did not buy these horns but Greg did buy the Texas flag with the Longhorn in the blue, seen here.
 



The boys also went to a baseball game,  UT-4, OU-3. David was originally wearing a maroon shirt, Greg made him change and fortunately, David packed a less offensive shirt.  :)

Greg and Nathan in front of the baseball stadium, don't miss the fact that there's alot of orange in this picture.

...stay tuned...

The State Capital of Texas

While in Austin, we made it a priority to do a few  important things during our brief stay.  One of those was to visit the state capital.  Perhaps, your wondering why would we want to visit the state capital?

I remember moving to Arizona and making a fuss when I finally saw Arizona's state capital.  Arizona natives didn't understand what my fuss was about, so I'm taking this opportunity to illustrate.

Here I am standing in front of the Arizona State Capital:


Here is Greg and Nathan standing in front of the Texas State Capital:

In Texas - it's big.  It's also beautiful and very impressive but the real reason we went to the state capital was for Nathan.  We've been teaching him the states and after studying the map one day, he asked "What's the stars?".  We explained the star is the capital for each state, a very hard concept to explain.  I thought it might help if he physically saw the capital though I'm not sure if he really understands at four years of age.  That's the real reason we visited.  Without further ado some more pictures from the Texas State Capital.

Completed in 1888, it is recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitals.  It also holds a position in the National Register of Historic Places and is also designated a National Historic Landmark for its "significant contribution to American history."

The dome section of the building is the most impressive, this is looking down at the floor from the fourth level.

This is looking up at the ceiling from ground level.

Greg, on the fourth floor, took this picture of Nathan and me on the 3rd floor, just across the opening.  Though it's hard to see us, Nathan and I are in the smack center of this picture.

There are painted portraits hanging everywhere of former officers of the state, Nathan is looking at Davy Crockett, who fought in the Texas Revolution and died at the Alamo.

 The front lawn and grounds of the capital are meticulously maintained and quite beautiful.  Here is Greg and Nathan as we leave.

More of Austin ahead....

Texas Hill Country Wedding

Greg's cousin, Alyssa just got married in Austin, Texas.  It was a beautiful Texas Hill Country wedding.  Most of Greg's family traveled to Austin for the wedding, so naturally it was a good old time!

Here is Alyssa and Uncle Jimmy walking down the aisle.  Alyssa was a stunning bride!

Our quick picture with the bride after the ceremony.

Allyssa, after the ceremony with Grandaddy and Nana, who is 83 years old.  Grandad drove them all the way from Dallas to Austin so he could officiate the wedding.  If I'm not mistaken, he has now married all the grandkids (us included) with the exception of one cousin (Alyssa's brother) who has not yet married.

I actually remembered to get a family picture this time - not so hard with this side of the family, where EVERYONE has a camera  - we look like the paparazzi!

Cute little picture of Nathan with his sucker.

Greg and his beloved Nana, who makes Greg's favorite sweet tea, no one else can match it (though Aunt Belva's comes really close).

LOVE this picture Greg took of me and Nathan. The wedding was at a vineyard & winery - you can see the grapevines behind us.

The newlywed Barretts, a beautiful couple!

Pictures from the day after the wedding at the hotel - Alyssa is in the center of the picture below.  This gives you an idea of what it looks like when Greg's family moves in and takes over an area.

Shout out and blog love for the J's in the family - me and Jennifer...

...Nathan and Uncle Jimmy.

More of Austin to come....