Monday, February 06, 2012
Camping in Austin
In January, we went on a good 'ole road trip with my mom, Ricky and Kim. We wanted Kim to get to see Austin during her time in Texas, and we wanted to do a little camping, so we combined it all into one trip! On the way down, we stopped for some kolaches in West and some barbecue.
Very yummy barbecue at Louis Mueller's on the way to Austin. Brent says best ribs he has eaten.
We didn't use tents this time, but stayed in a "shelter" instead. There was electricity and a sink and a large room of bunk beds. Harper slept in her pack and play in the same room as the bunk beds. She did a great job but would wake up before daylight saying hi to each of us. When pretending to be asleep no longer worked, we then gave her a stack of books and a flashlight and that surprisingly bought us a little more time of rest each morning. Funny girl!
The shelter was also nice because it did rain one night, and we didn't have to worry about everything getting wet and having to pack up a soggy tent at the end. We had a nice bit of land around our shelter that Harper loved to explore as well.
Harper collected rocks and sticks and she and Ricky liked trying to throw rocks over the little rock wall. Well, Ricky made them over quite easily with a legitimate throw, and Harper would practically scale the wall and then proceed to plop the rock over on the other side.
Kim playing with Harper in the chilly but sunny weather
Each night Brent and Ricky built praiseworthy camp fires, which we sat around for hours after putting Harper to bed. We went into Austin each day for lunch and shopping, but cooked out hamburgers, hot dogs and s'mores at night.
One night my mom stayed back at camp with Harper while Ricky, Brent, Kim and I went around 6th street and saw a concert (Frank Fairfield and Cass McCombs) at Stubbs.
Harper liked hiking but did not want to be carried in a carrier or on anyone's shoulders. She had to walk all by herself!
Little Miss hiking like she owned the place
But after awhile she was tired out and sat down to play with rocks. Nana was wonderful enough to plop down with her and hang out while we continued on.
Natural shelter
After so much hiking and exploring, Harper knew it was time to relax in her own little camping chair and take a load off with a snack. It makes me laugh how slouched and relaxed she looks. :)
On our last morning, we ate breakfast burritos at Mariana's Kitchen...yum!
Then we headed for Zilker Park for some play before heading home.
Harper and Nana took a 25 minute train ride through the park. Harper called the train "Percy" because of its green color.
Harper loves Kim and Kim has taught Harper some Korean phrases. Now Harper says, "An nyoung," to Kim, which means "hello" in Korean.
