Locked and Loaded

We have been in Bama for eight weeks.

This might have been the most eventful, stretching, two months of my life.

I don't want to just dump the facts out all in one post.  So, I'll go back a little and try to tell about it chronologically.

 

We all flew back together to Alabama.  We moved in with Grandmother who graciously opened her home to 6 more people!  I started teaching math at Northridge High School.  The big kids started at their new school.  We reunited with other family members.

 

Three weeks later, Jono flew back to Cali--the flight we were all originally going to take, before this became a one-way trip.  He loaded up the swagger wagon and the trailer to drag all our stuff back across the country.  Here it is locked and loaded.

 

Believe it or not, Jono had a good friend volunteer to drive back with him.  I'm thankful someone was willing because I'm afraid I was not very eager to make that trip myself.  I didn't make it the first time either.  Thankful on both counts.

They left on Monday night and rolled into the driveway Thursday evening.  Safe and sound.  With a trailer so stuffed we had to open the back door just a little bit at a time, grabbing things as they jumped out of the crevices they had been wedged into! 

 

 

 

This is Texas

Austin, actually.

My sweet husband let me go see my littlest sister (aka #3) for my birthday.  He stayed home with the four kiddos, multiple baseball/softball games, worked the snack shack.  I mean, this was no small present.  And he conquered it all!

So, here is a recap of the trip.

We did some shopping on South Congress.

The view of the city from the top of the hill.

 Tried on boots at Allen's Boots.  Hello, price tag.

But, I could go footloose in those red babies, I tell ya'!

Food trucks!!!

They all have cute names like Coat and Thai.

 But the best, the most awesome, long awaited meal happened right here at

Franklin Barbecue.

Cue the old school country music.

They open at 11 and close when they sell out.  We got there about 12 and were handed the "last man standing" sign.  Meaning the last man they would guarantee food! 

It was quite a wait, but just look at this...

It was beautiful and tasted Ah-mazin'!

California ain't got nothin' like it.

And this is my sister.

Isn't she presh?!

After that it was time to chill at Barton Springs.

It stays 70 degrees year round (about the same temp as the Woodleaf pool--difference being it is fondu-melting-pot hot outside and you actually want to go swimming in that cold water)

You know they do things bigger in Texas.  #3 decided she would go big by jumping off a perfectly good building.

372 feet up.  She climbed over a rooftop rail and repelled.  For charity.

She's so brave.  Sometimes big sisters have to look up to their younger sisters.

 I also have to hand it to her.

She ROCKED the mural game.

I have a lot to learn.

Dinner at sunset overlooking Lake Travis

And a super moon.

Icing on the cake for a super visit with my little sis!