Spain

Just got back from a great week in Barcelona, Spain. Ceci, my cousin, is/was studing to get her masters and she was a world class tour guide over my 5 days. Good times, great food and amazing "Gaudi" architecture.

30 years, 7 days and counting...

Although it's been a week since I officially turned 30, I'm still reveling in the novelty of being 30. The only thing I've noticed is that I haven't been carded the last few times I tried to buy a drink, what's up with that? It's like they know I might want them to now, so of course they don't. Oh well, they still accepted our student id's when Jason and I went to a movie so I guess it all works out. Here's a few pics from my fiesta


and Sarah's boat party...

It's going to be a good summer...

This past Friday, Sofia finally had her baby! Santiago Lucas was born Friday night at 7:36 PM and weighed 8lbs, 8 ounces. I know I'm biased, but he is SO cute! It was very special, once again, to be there to see this little one right after he was born.
Of course, there was plenty of family in town and I feel lucky that once everyone goes home, I get to be here close to watch this little one grow up. I am very excited for them. In addition to the baby fun, Jason and I enjoyed his first Saturday off by going to Krause springs. For anyone that hasn't been out there, it's worth the trip! It's similar to Barton Springs, but more interesting. It has butterfly gardens and a little grotto with a waterfall and plenty of places to picnic and camp. We really liked it and can't wait to go back.

Liam!

It's been a while since my last post, so I had to post something exciting. Below is a picture of Eileen's baby boy, Liam who is now 21 weeks old!

It's been a crazy few months for her but we're all really excited.
Here's Eileen with a few words of her own...

Hey there. I'm so excited to be back in Austin!(Why I ever left I still don't know) Sorry that I haven't had a chance to see most of you yet but I've been making the rounds slowly and still have a long way to go. I've been keeping busy with job hunting and, of course, Liam! Since most of you are moms, you know, this is an adventure that I could have never prepared for, but I'm loving every minute (ok, maybe not the first 12 weeks of constant vomiting). Still, preparing for what will be the hottest summer of my life, I'm getting more and more used to the idea of being a mom and enjoying every chance to shop that it includes!

I can't wait to see you all soon!

--In the picture: At 18 weeks we discovered that I would have to stop calling my baby boy Grace Helen and switch to, a more suitable, Liam Harold. (He was not very modest about his newly developed boy parts). He weighs about 10oz and has since put on another 6oz to help round out that belly.

Welcome Home Eileen!

What else is there to say? In a crazy turn of events, Eileen has decided to move back to Austin! I am super excited and really looking forward to spending the next 6 months (before our lease runs out) hanging out with her...just like old times, well almost just like old times, a few things have changed. No more finishing a bottle of wine in one night together- but I do plan plenty of fun activities and gatherings which will include virgin drinks for Eileen and lots of snack and bathroom breaks :) Here's our first activity- Girls Roller Derby at Skateland. It made me really want to go skating.

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Yesterday was Amanda's birthday so we had dinner and cake at Sarah's then headed over to Main Event to partake in bowling, drinks, skee ball, and a little bit of DDR. Good times :)

Why I Didn't Major in Business

On Saturday, I made my second attempt to raise money for my Partner of Youth fundraising campaign by opening up a concession stand at one of the YMCA youth basketball game sites. Last week, I made approximately $40, and this week, it was just a bit over that. Unfortunately, I've lost track of how much of my own money I've actually spent- so there's a slight chance I've lost money. Despite my poor business sense, it's been fun getting to hang out with the staff, parents and kids over at East Communities. Like my friend Jordan here, who's a volunteer referee. And Kinny and Roger who are staff members.And of course the young athletes which our fundraising campaign works to help make sure they can continue to participate in activities like these!

P.S. Should you feel inclined to help me with my fundraising efforts, you can donate online and help the hundreds of kids and families in Austin that benefit from financial assistance provided by the Y :) Thank you!

Peter Pan

This putt putt course on Barton Springs has been around for, I don't know, 20 years? While the course shows its age in places, it's a fun (and inexpensive) way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I've been here half a dozen times or so, but until this past weekend, I had no idea that it was BYOB (thanks Jason)! So Aaron if you're reading, this would be a great place to spend time with your new son/daughter, while enjoying a cold one :)

2009 YTD

So far in 2009...

-Jessie has been in (and hopefully out) of a chewing phase. On the menu of things she ate/destroyed this month were: a book, a magazine, an alarm clock, some place mats, a remote control, a few coasters and a jewelry box with some watches. However, I've discovered that a little more exercise (which means early morning walks in the cold) seems to have dissipated her need to chew...just have to keep it up!

- Basketball season started for us at the YMCA, so Jason's back to working Saturdays and evenings, but continues to enjoy it (and do a great job overseeing the program, might I add :). We are also entering our fundraising season where our goal is to raise money to provide year round support for kids and families who cannot afford the full price of membership, after school care and sports and activities like the basketball leagues.

- I started a boot camp class. It's three times a week and includes lots of running, jumping jacks, push ups, squats and other drills that make you very sore. It's been fun though, and I think I'll survive the remaining 5 weeks.

- And last but not least, Sofia is starting to look pregnant! She seems to be feeling really good and the baby's just growing along. They move into their new place next weekend and start getting even more ready for “the kid.” Let the countdown to June begin… Here’s a picture of us from this past weekend, we went up to Georgetown for some posole, yum.

Belated Thanksgiving Pics

Good times were had in Brownsville, TX- 84 degree days, an awesome turkey dinner, a visit to the Eric's Taekwondo school & Leti's store/event planning company, a little shopping, a huge Texas win over the Aggies, a ping pong tournament and...
now that the cat is out of the bag I can add, a visit to the doctor to see Sof and Aaron's baby! Yep, I'm going to be an aunt, no...second cousin? Whatever, I'm excited and look forward to the little GIRL (my uneducated, but correct guess) to grace us with her presence in June.

The Guadalupe River in the Fall

The Guadalupe River is usually a destination reserved for summers in Central Texas, but this weekend proved that it's also a great place to camp and eat the first of several Thanksgiving dinners. Thanks to J for including Amanda and I on this wonderful tradition, we had a great time!

Eileen's Last Weekend

Eileen was in town this weekend to pack up her stuff and trade Austin in for Cheyenne, Wyoming. She and "the one that took her away," as we like to call her boyfriend Chris :) came in on Wednesday night and spent the week packing things up at the house. They left Sunday afternoon after what I think was a good weekend, despite a few tearful goodbyes.
On Friday night, we stole them away from packing for one last taste of live music and tex-mex at Maria's. Saturday, after a day of football and bar-b-que at the house, we headed downtown for dinner and drinks.
As I told Eileen, I know it's the beginning of a new stage in our friendship, but I will still miss my best friend, my roommate, my wifey of 2 years ;) We love you, Eileen, and wish you all the best.

November already?

The last couple of weeks have flown by, it's hard to believe it's already November. Jessie and I enjoyed some rest this past weekend, although we did go to for a short hike as well as to J's soccer game.
Sure, she looks all calm in the picture, but in real life, she was dying to jump in the game and play. Maybe next week...

Eileen will be here this week to pack up and move, sad. Will post pictures of her in remembrance soon.

Happy Birthday Jessie

Jessie's birthday was yesterday. She turned one. I got her a few new toys, including this bone. We also went over to J's house so she and Max could play, which they did until they fell asleep (on the couch). This weekend, I'm taking her to the dog park to meet a few more doggy friends. It's not officially a party, but there might be some doggy bakery treats involved. I know, I know, she's spoiled. I can't help it. Look at how far we've come! While she's always been great, I like to think I had at least a little something to do with the fact that she's become a friendly, sweet, well behaved dog. That's reason to celebrate in my book!

Jogo Feio

Nasty game. That's what J's soccer team's name translates to from Porteguese, and this past weekend, it rang true. I went out to watch him play on Sunday and while they beat the other team by only one, if it wasn't for the strong wind they were playing into, I think the score would have reflected thier domination. My mom came out to watch the game for a little while too and again impressed me with how much she knows about soccer, you'd think she grew up in a country where they were into it or something?

Jessie was also at the game, she even got to go to the post game celebration. She does very well in bars apparently. I guess I have Aaron and Sof to thank for that since they took her to her first bar at the young age of 3 months.

I'll post more pictures later this week of my new office. I get to work from home today because they are rearranging our offices. Today we get the new furniture, which luckily for us means right now we have no phones or computers. I am moving into what I think use to be a large closet. It does, however, have a window, so that's good. I'll post some pictures as soon as I'm all moved in!

Austin City Limits

Just a few pictures from last weekend...I only did one day of ACL as opposed to the three full days we did last year. It was plenty. Besides, I got an extra dose of music at a Rock the Vote party on Saturday night where we saw ACL artists Nicole Atkins and The Black and White Years. All in all, another good weekend in ATX.

Goodbye to Summer

This past week, we got our first glimpse of fall with some cooler temperatures and shorter days. It was nice to get a break from the 100 degree weather, but as usual, I am sad to see summer go. Luckily, there are still a few fun fall activities in store...

This weekend, Sarah and I went to the Texas-Rice game. We got tickets from a friend and sat in the newly opened north end seats, which were awesome. They have a great view of the entire field, not to mention the jumbo tron is directly in front of you. It was not the most exciting game (Texas won 52 to 10) but it was still fun to be in the game atmosphere and see the team in person.

Here are a few pictures from last weekend that I hadn't posted yet...it was a really long week.

Eileen was in town so we went out for dinner and drinks.

Then Sunday, J and I discovered the Corral Theater, an outdoor walk in theater in Wimberly. You bring your own chairs and sit under the stars watching a movie. We caught the last show of the season. It was a nice way to cap off a great summer.