Alabama Settlement Reunion

Last weekend we traveled to Edna, TX to take part in the Texas-Alabama Settlement reunion.  The reunion includes members from several families who traveled together from Alabama to Texas by land and sea in 1830 to settle in Austin's 3rd colony.

At the reunion we got to visit with Rachel's great aunt and uncle, Nell and Harrell.

There was a chuck wagon lunch.  Rachel got to sit on the wagon.

After lunch we all joined in singing some songs that told the history of Texas.

Later in the afternoon, we traveled to the family cemetery where Rachel's great-great-great-great grandfather is buried.  

There was a service to dedicate a new memorial to William Depriest Sutherland, who fought and died in the battle of the Alamo at the age of 17.  Relatives dressed in traditional Texian army attire fired a salute.

Harrell played a couple of songs on the bagpipe.  The songs were selected because there was an Irish bagpiper at the Alamo who likely played them before the battle.

Day at the Zoo

Rachel and I had a great time at the zoo today.  We have not been since the beginning of the summer.  It was not as unbearably hot and humid today and school is back in, so we gave it a try.

Our first stop was the splash play area in the children's zoo.  Most people do not bring bathing suits to the zoo, so it was happily not crowded.  As you might expect, Rachel loved running around and playing in the water.

Although I was prepared with a bathing suit, I neglected to bring a towel.  So, our next stop was the playground so Rachel could run around and dry off.

Once she was dry and back in her regular clothes, we hit the petting zoo.

We watched the geese and ducks while we had a snack.  After walking around for a while, we hit the natural encounters building.  It is an enclosed space so I let Rachel run around without fear that she could escape.

It was a challenge keeping up with Rachel on the run but we managed it.

Before heading home, Rachel relaxed in the stroller with her juice.

It is no surprise that she was sound asleep in the car on the way home.

Active Toddler

Rachel has been getting much better at her climbing and walking skills these days.  We spend a lot of time trying to find ways to use her new skills and to keep challenging her.  We also have to find many ways for her to expend her seemingly boundless energy.

So, we spend a lot of time running around at the Children's Museum, where things are more her size.

And they have big mirrors to amuse her.

See... the museum is fun for everyone.

Rachel and Maya are getting along better these days. Maya did not even try to bite when Rachel pulled her tail while posing for this picture.

We got Rachel her own table and chairs this weekend and some new dishes for her.  She is learning to drink water from a regular cup - it is still a messy process but she is getting better.

Rachel loves having a chair and table just her size at home.

Visit to Mandeville

Last weekend, we headed over to Mandeville to spend some time with my parents and to celebrate our anniversary with a night out in New Orleans.  We had a really good trip.

We spent a lot of time playing outside while we were there

Rachel loves the playground

It was hot outside!

On Saturday night, we came across Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street.  We really enjoyed going to the various art galleries and antique stores after dinner.

Rachel was back at play on Sunday - sharing her milk with her doll Stella.

We made a second visit to the water play area at the Trailhead - this was clearly Rachel's favorite part of the trip.

When she wanted a break from splashing, Oma helped her play on the stairs.

Richard and Dana came over for lunch and Sunday.  Rachel's cousin was there as well, but we still have 6 months or so before we meet her/him in person.

Grandma Kathy's Visit

After Tante Angela left, Grandma Kathy came to town to watch Rachel for us until Carrie returns from maternity leave.  We enjoyed having her here.

While Grandma Kathy was here, she went with Rachel and Wes to visit Mary. Mary is doing really well for 102!

Rachel thought Mary's walker was a great ride

Tante Angela passed back through town on her way home from Austin.  We had a great time at White Linen Night in the Heights while she was here.

We rode our bikes around to see all of the excitement

Free St. Arnold's!

Free snacks!

Rachel was glad Tante Angela was distracted by the camera so she could get some more jambalaya.  Yummy!

Walking our bikes through the crowd on 19th street.  It was hot but we all had a great time.

Rachel had a great time with Grandma Kathy!  We hope too see her again soon.

15 Months Old

Rachel had a great doctor visit for her 15-month checkup last week.  Here are her official stats:

Height 31.25 inches (75th percentile)

Weight 22 lbs 15.75 oz (50th percentile)

She seems to be growing and acquiring new skills everyday.  Here are a few more pictures of her recent antics:

She loves to dance

She loves to go out places - even to the grocery store

She loves anything with buttons to push

Children's Museum

It has been hot around here these days!  We have beat the heat with several visits to the Children's Museum.  Rachel loves it!  It is hard to get good pictures because she is constantly on the move, but here are some that show what she likes to do.

Driving the truck - extra fun once she figured out how to honk the horn

The car is fun too

Good thing it is a convertible - plenty of head room

Pretty flowers on the wall

Great practice at walking over the bumpy floor while chasing a ball

So many things to see and do in the Tot Spot!

The water works outside are fun

Two kids enjoying the toys at the museum

Rachel was not sure about the face painting but she went along with it