Austin Trip

(Note: Thanks Amanda for letting me steal your Austin post! I added a few pics but other than that its all yours.) 
We had a fun 3 nights in Austin last week to visit Memaw.  We love going to Austin and this trip didn't disappoint.  Of course Memaw was there, but Tula, Aunt Amanda, Luke, Audrey, Auntie E, and Molly all came as well.  Luke asked Amanda several times why there were no daddies coming (obviously they all had to work), I guess being surrounded by all those women can get a little overwhelming sometimes! ;) 
In true Memaw style, we were greeted with new books, puzzles, a train and a few other fun things.  These kids sure are spoiled!

Auntie E also showed up with many gifts!

One of them was a baby pool and the kids loved!

Amanda and I got a special treat of a kid-free day shopping with Molly!

Zilker Park is filled with many family memories.  It was the park my parents got engaged at and the park my Memaw and Pepaw took us to swim/play/canoe/ride the train growing up.  It is so much fun sharing it with our kids now! There is something about Zilker Park that makes me feel like a little kid...

Ben loved riding the train and watching all the dogs being walked.

Cute Luke.

I have a picture on this exact train at this age with Rett. 

I didn't have a raisin stuck in my tooth though... ha!

After the park Memaw treated us to some yummy Catfish Parlour.

 I have so many memories at that place sucking down cold root beers as a kid. 

Audrey enjoyed some girl time with Molly.

Later that day, we also went to the Austin Children's Museum. Luke had never been to a place like this, and was so wide eyed.  He could hardly contain himself, and ran from one thing to the next.  He was pretty much in kid heaven. 

Benjamin enjoyed playing with the train for two hours. 

Audrey loved playing with anything she could get her hands on.

She also enjoyed being near her Tula the whole trip.  She is quite obsessed with Tula and cries when she isn't  being held by her.  So cute!

The whole trip was wonderful but there was someone missing for the first time.  I felt the presence of my sweet Pepaw the entire trip.  Everywhere we went memories of my Pepaw surfaced.  I could hear his laughter in the house, I could feel his arm around me on the train, I could hear his voice telling a funny story at Catfish Parlour.  Even though Benjamin and my future kids won't have any memories they can remember of my Pepaw, I will make it my mission for him to be an example of someone who loved and served his family and Lord his whole life.  I was so blessed to have him in my life 27 years.  Before heading home we visited his grave with the kids.  I know he would of loved the boys playing with his flowers and crawling all around him.  It felt so real, so final, so sad being there.  I feel grateful to take comfort in knowing he is finally free and in the presence of the Lord even though I miss him everyday.  

The ride home was a little rough, so please don't let the below faces fool you. ;) 

Looks can be deceiving... this was our little trouble maker.

Thank you Memaw for a wonderful time!  We will be back soon!