Family Vacation, Texas Style

We're back, loyal readers! Did you miss us? You'll have to excuse us for our absence - I wanted to write, but one's poetic wax instantaneously melts in the hot Texas sun. We just got back from our summer vacation to Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, and have plenty to tell ya'll! Ethan flew through so many developmental milestones that our heads are still spinning. Included on his long list of new tricks is learning how to clap, high-five, wave bye bye, say the word baby, drink from a straw and a "big boy" cup, and starting to cruise (which is taking a few steps while holding on to something for support, for all you non-baby-owning people out there)! We had a lot of fun visiting Mima and Poppa and countless friends-that-are-like-family, including the Wilders, the Fullers, and the Quattrochis!

We also visited the Alamo in San Antonio...


... and the State Capital Building in Austin.



While in Austin, we took Ethan to watch the bats fly from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Though you can't see them in this picture, the sky was peppered with an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. It was quite a sight to behold.


Being spoiled by the temperate Bay Area climate, we forgot all about what Summer weather really feels like. Ethan beat the heat in a baby pool Mima and Poppa set up for him, and loved splashing around and spraying the spectators with the turtle head fountain.


Here's some post-pool photographic proof that Ethan can clap...

... and may even start juggling one of these days!

Perhaps one of the most special parts of our trip was Ryan's first Father's Day. We kept things low key as Ryan unfortunately developed a case of food poisoning the night before, but made sure to let him know how much he means to us!

Ryan humored me and allowed (for one day only) matching Daddy-Baby outfits. He also handed over his camera and allowed me to snap this rare picture, not only of the coordinating wardrobe, but also of Ryan in front of the lens for once. Ethan adores him and thinks that Ryan is the funniest fellow. Just look at that joy on his face! Happy Father's Day, Ryan - we love you!