Hello

Rich's grandma is doing ok. the house is pretty old and dilapidated and her four little dogs constantly pee on the carpet....the carpet that my boys were rolling around on the whole time we were there. I couldn't wait to disinfect them the minute we got to the hotel in Austin. its not her fault, she can't even walk anymore. i think she will be going to a nursing home very soon. luckily, her daughter lives down the road and checks in on her frequently.



We drove to Austin Sunday morning and ended up staying for two nights at the hotel so that we could get a break from driving. The kids did really well. it helped that we got a room with a separate sitting area, so we could put Lukas to sleep and still hangout in the living room. Nikolas just stayed up with us until he passed out. This was much easier than trying to get him to go to sleep. its funny how i've gotten more relaxed about sleeping schedules now that I have two. Although, we are still pretty strict about bed time when we're at home.



Monday we went on a fun bike ride in Austin then took the boys for a train ride. Nikolas loved every second of the train ride and cried when we had to leave. Lukas was wiggling in my arms the whole time and probably would have jumped off the moving train if I let him. That evening we ventured on our first dinner out with the two kids. Yes, this was the first time we have ever taken them both out to a restaurant for dinner. We have only been out to lunch before. We chose a casual Mexican restaurant and came prepared with the portable DVD player and Baby Einstein DVD's. That was the saving grace. We were actually able to sit down, have a glass of wine, and eat dinner! Now I know it can be done, so we'll have to try it again at home. I know, we are such wimps. I bet you all take your kids out to dinner all the time, but since we have had the nanny, we would just go out alone and enjoy the peace. Now we have to learn how to make it work like everyone else.


Oh, and before I forget. The highlight of the trip for Nikolas was riding on the "alli - gator" which was his way of saying elevator. He could not get over pushing the button and running to the window and watch us go up and down. Its so fun to see him get a kick out of the little joys in life.


I'm moving my scrapbook corner to Norma's old room. So right now my stuff is everywhere. Its a good opportunity to go through all my supplies and get rid of things I just will never use. I think I will do a RAK when I'm done. Stay tuned. Thanks for checking in on me, even though I have been posting much less frequently. Here are a few pictures.

The boys in the "chariot":

The trail we ride on and the amazing blue water at Barton Springs:
Lukas running in the play ground and biting the seat on the train:

Nikolas waiting for the train to get going:

Finally moving:

Lukas sampling the cuisine: