Back at it after a long weekend away in Austin! We had a magical Christmas, and by magical, I mean it was between 60 and 80 degrees the entire time, and we spent most of it on the go with our crazy kiddo and her sweet cousin, who also happens to be her best friend. It’s so much fun when the two of them get together, and we have loved watching their relationship grow as they get older. We’ve been meaning to explore what to do in Austin with kids, and the fact that many of our family members live in Austin has given us a lot of chances to explore everything there is to do there with kids.
Now that we’re home, I’m catching up on email and doing some online shopping. The Nordstrom Half-Year Sale is going on, and I’ve currently got these Hunter Boots (matching ones for my little lady!), this slouch beanie with pom pom, this faux fur infinity scarf, and these Paige Denim pleather leggings for New Year’s Eve in my cart.
Our first stop on the drive from Houston to Austin was a family trip to Hruska’s, a Bastrop institution. Any good Texan knows there’s nothing like a kolache from Hruska’s, and the cherry cream cheese did not disappoint.
We planted strawberries. In Bandit Kids strawberry leggings.
We got smoothies at Juice Land, which I’m thrilled to say is coming to Houston shortly. There were about 20 other smoothies and juices I wanted to try, but I went with my gut instinct and had the Honey Bear: peanut butter, banana, honey, almond milk. So simple and SO GOOD. I have a feeling my family is going to be spending lots of mornings here. Finding good food and gems like this is one of the best things to do in Austin with kids; next time we go, we’re hitting the food trucks.
Naomi’s uncle recently purchased 15 acres of land outside of Austin and we got to visit him there one day. It’s absolutely beautiful out there, and so peaceful. Naomi and her cousin found a little slide and swing set to play on — who knows how long they’ve been there — and it always amazes me how she can find such joy in the little things, like a tiny plastic slide.
We spent Christmas night doing what every Jewish family does: eating Chinese food. We tried a new Austin restaurant called Wu Chow, which had some of the best Chinese food we’d ever had. Naomi ate TWO bowls of egg drop soup, I kid you not.
We went to the park about 10 times, went to the Thinkery (Austin’s children’s museum), and a pretty awesome place called Mt. Playmore, which is just a giant maze of tunnels and slides, and ate tons of great food.
All in all, it was an amazing Christmas. It was also our final trip before baby #2 arrives, so we tried to really take advantage of every minute. I think we accomplished our goal, and now I’m ready to nest! If you have any suggestions for what to do in Austin with kids, I’d love to hear them. I know we’ll be back soon.
We enjoyed a warm and humid Christmas here in SC, too. Your little girl is such a cutie pie! Simply adorable!
What a lovely way to spend Christmas. Your little girl is just so cute, that picture of her on the slide is beautiful! I’m glad you all enjoyed yourselves on your last trip before baby #2 comes along 🙂
Fiona @ http://www.dollydowsie.com
What a sweet girl! Looks like you guys had a great time
So jealous of the lovely weather you having, its still pretty cold in the UK and some parts even had flooding. Sounds like you had a great christmas.
Thanks for the heads up about the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale! It looks like you’ve had a great time together as a family.
One of my biggest regrets when we lived in San Antonio is not making a trip to Austin, looks like such a fun week!
Sounds like a great time! I am so glad you enjoyed the holidays! It was over 60 degrees here, too!
It looks like you had an amazing Christmas week! I am drooling over those smoothies right now 🙂
Wow, that is one busy time you guys had! Our holiday break has been pretty boring so far. It’s so darn hot and humid that everyone is hiding in the a/c inside and cleaning up the house.
I’m envious of that green grass. It hasn’t decided whether it wants to be cold or warm here in NW Indiana yet. And now I’m craving a kolach (that looks amazing).
Austin is the BEST! I love it- keep trying to talk the husband into moving 🙂
Looks like some fun family time! I love your daughter’s tiny little ponytail, lol! Too cute!
That sounds like (and looks like!) a nice and warm trip! It was not that nice and warm where I was!
It looks like you all had some great family time together! Those smoothies look so delicious! I love grabbing a smoothie when I’m out. It’s a great snack that I don’t feel guilty about sharing with the kids!
Aww, what a cutie! It looks like you had a great week filled with family time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Looks like a blast. I used to live I Tyler Texas and I have some friends who live in Round Rock. Great that you have a lot of family there.
Cutest pictures as always! Love keeping up with your little family and am so excited to see what 2016 has in store for you 🙂 and yes, that Nordstrom half-yearly sale is trouble, right?
I want to visit Texas someday and now you have given me some great things to do in Austin that I look forward to trying. I love smoothies and it sounds like your choice was fantastic. Glad you had a wonderful weekend!
Lovely family! Your daughter is so beautiful and she seemed to really enjoy that donut! haha Happy new year very soon :))
Congratulations on baby #2!
The hustle and bustle of the season is over and now back to reality! Our Christmas was great and extremely warm as well. I’m all over that Nordstrom sale. I know I shouldn’t but I am because in January I am going on a no buy!
What a cutie you have! Looks like you guys have had a great week!
She’s so adorable, and looks like such a fun filled time! Congratulations on the new baby on the way!
What a sweet girl and It looks like you had awesome Christmas holidays.
Xmas well spent. YOu and your family surely had a great time. Awesome indeed!