Austin with Audra!

While Pete and the kids had to head back to Amsterdam for school, I am more of a free agent, and with Pete's blessing, I stayed an extra 10 days in America. He's the best!! 

I'd wanted to visit Audra in Austin ever since she left Amsterdam almost 5 years ago. This was the perfect opportunity to go. I was so excited to be reunited, see Joey and Brad and see Austin for the first time. She was an amazing host and took me all over, wining (well tequila-ing) and dining me. We had beautiful, hot weather, perfect for outdoor margarita drinking! 

I arrived late on a Saturday night after a delay, so we missed our dinner reservation but still rallied for a cocktail downtown at a cool garage bar. 

We started our day Sunday with Mexican taco breakfast. Then we headed downtown to start sightseeing. 

The art museum at UT Austin

A cool weaving exhibit made me think of my grandma. 

We watched Brad coach Joey's soccer team to playoff victory. It came down to penalty kicks and was a nail-biter! 

Hiked up to take in the view of the Pennybacker Bridge, lake Austin, and downtown. 

I couldn't get over the No Guns signs. We aren't in Amsterdam anymore, Toto. 

Just give me all the margaritas, palomas and tex mex at Fresa's! 

A beautiful walk from downtown along Lake Austin as the sun was setting. 

Watching some daredevil boys take the plunge. 

Such a beautiful city! 

BBQ time! 

The next day, we explored SoCo (S. of Congress), boutique shipping, and dining al fresco at Perla's (still thinking about that watermelon Marg). Had to try on some authentic cowboy boots. So many beautiful styles!

We drove to visit the State Capitol and arrived just as a public tour was beginning. Very cool to get some insider details about the Texas government. 

Very impressive rotunda. The capitol is taller than the US Capitol building in DC after the Goddess of Liberty Statue was added on top. 

Then we did a driving tour of the UT campus, stopping to see the Law school that Audra attended. 

And finally, some seriously good Mexican at Suerte in East Austin. Audra was off cheese for Lent, but when a waiter explained a dish with cheese baked in, the bartender told her that Jesus would want her to have it. She stayed strong, more deliciousness for me! 

On my last morning, we had breakfast tacos at oneTaco and did some shopping, leaving time to sit poolside in Audra's neighborhood before leaving for the airport. Such a great trip, which really filled my cup! Thanks, Audra! When can I come back?? 

Pop's 75th Birthday Celebration in Miami

My dad turned 75 on Valentine's day and to celebrate, my parents flew us to Miami for our February break. We hadn't seen Nana and Pops since June and after spending the long winter break in Europe, we were excited for some sunshine! 

We had a horrendous delay in Atlanta of over 5 hours. By the time we arrived in Fort Lauderdale and took an Uber to my parent's, it was 4am (10am our time)- 24 hours after we'd left home. The first day was really rainy, which was a great excuse to lay low and recover from the journey! 

Nana had a concert that night at their church. We knew we wouldn't be able to stay awake to attend, but went early to watch the rehearsals. Maeve has really taken to the violin and insisted that we bring it over with us so she could play with her Nana. It was special for the kids to get to watch her play! 

We spent a lot of time at the newly refurbished neighborhood playground. It helped that there was a gelato shop on the way. Maeve got a lot of handstand practice! 

Where's Jude? 

I went with the guys on an adventure to Oleta River State Park to go kayaking. First, a stop at Mister 01 Pizza, which my friend Alex had told me was the BEST pizza. It was very tasty! 

We took off in our tandems, exploring the mangroves and made our way to an island. From the distance, we could see some furry animals and I was excited to see what native Florida species we might encounter... 

They were raccoons. Cheeky raccoons. We made it to Raccoon Island! Jude helped fend them off. 

Lots of pool time.

Games

Some lovely downtime and dinners out just Pete and I.

After some serious R&R we were ready for the birthday festivities to begin. Leslie and Peyton arrived Thursday evening and the cousins were thrilled to be reunited. We were treated to some special theatrically performances each evening. 

Pops opened some birthday presents early from Leslie. The theme of the birthday was Pop's Big Fat 75th Birthday Party. He's always wanted to go to Greece and we are joining them there this summer! He got a cool Acropolis strategy game and a Santorini Lego building kit for the grandkids to help with! 

My parents are very active at their local fitness club and invited us along for a little workout, Sauna, and lounge time by the pool. Pops entertained the kids at the playground while we indulged. 

We kicked the party off with T. Swift inspired French Blondes, then Pete fired up the grill while Nana made an orzo salad. Pineapple upside down cake for dessert. 

Leslie sourced the decorations to bring Greece to Miami. 

Gotta have the Windex, fixes all ailments! 

A final morning together before Pete and the kids' flight home :(
Can you tell which kid is in competitive gymnastics ;) 

Happy Birthday, Pops! So glad we could all be together to celebrate you!