Austin Trip

This past weekend we went to Austin for several reasons. The main reason was the state UIL journalism contest. One of Leland's ex-students from Big Spring had made it to state. Since Big Spring doesn't have an advisor now, James really wanted Leland to be there with him. He happily obliged. It was a good trip. Friday was spent with UIL mainly. We picked up James and had breakfast at IHOP. We had some time to kill so we went the IMAX and saw a 3d show about the Grand Canyon. Then the kids and I went to the mall while James competed and Leland judged. Afterward we went to Leland's aunt Brenda's house to rest for a bit. Randy and Brenda agreed to keep the kids while Leland, James and I went back for the awards ceremony. Leland and James were fun to watch. They were both so nervous. We were very excited when we heard James won 1st place in his event. I thought James might hyperventilate. :) We celebrated at Che Zee (a wonderfully fun restaurant). We took James back to his hotel and saw the rest of the Big Spring bunch that was there to compete.
Saturday was family day. Randy and Brenda took us to lunch at the Oasis. It is a restaurant that overlooks the Travis Lake. It used to be a very small place. It burned a couple of years ago and they have since rebuilt and it is a fancy place that seats over 2,000 people. It was wonderful - the food and the view. We then went to Zilker Park and rode the train. The kids loved it. The river runs through the park also, so it was a good view also. We arrived home after 7 that evening. It was a good trip.

Thankfully, this was our last trip for awhile. Leland has been out of town the last 4 weekends, so he is very glad to know he will be staying home.