Austin Getaway

Since last week was spring break, we took a mini-vacation to Austin. Leland, the kids, and our friends Reuben and Shannon headed out Thursday morning. They arrived safely at the hotel that afternoon. After a good but quick meal at Leland's favorite BBQ joint, IronWorks, all of them (except Raylee) went to the musical The Lion King. They loved it of course. Reuben and Shannon had never been; Leland has seen it 4 times now; and this was Ryland's second time. 4 year old's get so excited about things. He was estactic! Raylee was delivered to Leland's cousin Brandy for the evening. Since I had a big deadline at work Thursday I caught a late flight and arrived in Austin at 8pm. Brandy (and Raylee) picked me up and we went to the hotel. We had an awesome hotel room. We use LaQuinta's reward program so we used some points on the hotel. They had something mixed up so they upgraded us to a two room suite. It was nice to have the extra space.

Brandy with the kids at the outlet mall.

Friday after a wonderful meal at Cracker Barrel (my favorite joint) we all went to the Capital for some sightseeing and then to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Once again, a 4 year old's delight. :) Supper was at the Cheesecake Factory and then Target and then the hotel. The kids were worn out. Saturday we enjoyed the Round Rock outlet mall, McAllisters for lunch and then headed home.

The Mallett's on the grounds of the Capital.

The bad thing about the trip was the eye infection I acquired Friday morning. I looked horrible! Thankfully (I guess) Reuben had had an eye infection earlier in the week and had some antibiotic eye drops. I tried all day using just plain drops but was so miserable by that evening I tried the medicine kind. The infection was gone by Saturday morning but my eyes were still very red and swollen from wiping them so often the day before. Today I just look like I've been crying so I'm glad that horrible experience is over. Leland said we should have taken a picture of me on Friday for my blog but I'm glad we didn't document that event.

My favorite people at the Cheesecake Factory (ignore the bar in the background).

On the way home we stopped at the Buchanan Dam. It was sad how low the lake is. But the ducks were still out in force.

We are all back to the grind tomorrow. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and Leland is preparing for district academic UIL competition next week. I'm also having Bunco at my house next week so as usual Mallett Mayhem.