Spring Break Part 3: Pedernales Falls

On Thursday of spring break, we made the long drive to Pedernales Falls. It was a place we'd never been, and we didn't realize it was a 2 hour drive (almost). But it turned out to be an amazing place. The river was much like the Frio, except that there was a beach. The kids spent at least as much time collecting shells as they did swimming. The actual falls were incredible. And there was even a natural spring bubbling up, right where we could see it. Unfortunately, it was a no-swimming area (thank you, overprotective government).

Since Wes wasn't able to go with us, we met him for dinner at a restaurant on the way back. It was the best catfish we've ever had!

Baby V was freaking out about clumps of underwater sticks.

The hike to the falls was strenuous, so Jan stayed with V at the lookout point above.

This was really cool– the water was just roaring down through these rocks.

There are two sections to the falls, separated by a very deep pool in between. We weren't allowed to swim or wade, so we just stuck a hand in.

Senior Sampler: Behind the Scenes

Just for fun, I thought I'd share a few behind the scenes pictures my mom took. As you can see, we were all over the place. I don't even know how many locations...and I was pretty much in a half- squat for over 2 hrs. You can bet I was feeling it for a couple days after!

Spring Break Part 2: Senior Sampler

Shannon is graduating from high school this year, and I was asked to do her portraits. I was pretty nervous about doing it. Mom, Shannon, and I – oh yeah, and a Suburban full of outfits–spent over 2.5 hours driving to locations and taking pictures. This is a huge post, yet it doesn't come close to actually representing the number of photos I took (over 250). Here are some of my favorites...

I wish you could see the manuevering it ook to get these shots without crushing the flowers.

I know you're probably thinking we ruined the pansies, but Shannon is strategically placed.

Just happened to spot this little baby by the side of the road (the truck, that is, not Shannon).

The school bus was another find (and it was opened!)

I just think this is cute!

Spring Break Part 1: Six FLags

I'll start the series out with our trip to Six Flags. It was the kids' first time to go. We left at about 8:30 am and returned just before midnight. What a day! In terms of the weather, it was perfect. But the lines were some of the worst I've ever seen. Fortunately, the kids didn't know the difference and they had a great time. Both of the big kids were very brave, though Emma did break down on the Conquistador. Morgan was fearless on the roller coasters. He loved the Shockwave, and would have taken on the Titan had he been tall enough.

Baby V waiting in line

Morgan is ready to board the Shockwave

All 3 with mom on the mini mine train

waiting with Pepaw

Baby V was not on board with the giant mascot thing...

...and she bails.

Just before leaving

Spring Break Series

We did SO much this spring break. So much that I'm going to break all the pictures up into a series of posts. Matt left for for SXSW the Thursday before last. The following day, the kids & I headed to Abilene. The first two days were rainy, but there was plenty of action once things cleared up. The main events were an epic senior portraits session for Shannon and a trip to Six Flags for the whole family. On Wednesday, we joined Matt at the Griffin house in Liberty Hill. Matt & I enjoyed dinner on 6th and a SXSW movie that night. The next day, we went to Pedernales Falls. The drive turned out to be a little more than we bargained for, but the river was worth it. On Friday, Matt & I did some much needed shopping– separately of course– while the kids played with Papa Wes & GG. They all got to ride a horse for the first time. We came home on Saturday, making a couple stops for pictures in the Texas wildflowers. They were unbelievably beautiful this year.

Phew! Ok, so that is the recap of events. I will do separate posts for Six Flags, Shannon's portraits, Pedernales Falls, etc. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the kids on the trampoline in Abilene.

Balmorhea

Last weekend we took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Balmorhea near the Davis mountains. It's about a 2 hour drive. Once there, we went to the state park to wade in the spring. Then we took a drive into the mountains and let the kids do some climbing. For dinner, we ate at a tiny but delicious Mexican restaurant in Balmorhea (which was pretty much the only option besides a hamburger shack). We plan to make the trip again soon with proper swimming gear in tow.

Baby V proved to be a serious climber.

All 3 kids were fearless!