Summer 2011, Part 3- Austin Time

When we're not visiting family in other cities or working, we like to spend time doing Austin things. Austin is such a great place to live and there are so many things to do- for kids and adults, alike. We like to do a lot of things outside and most of the fun (and free) things Austin has to offer require us to be outside. However, the recent intense heat has created a challenge for us. It's been difficult to manage tolerable weather and nap times, but I think we're managing okay. Here's a little bit of what we've been up to lately...

The Zilker Zephyr- This little, fun, low speed train ride through one of Austin's beloved parks is something that never grows old for us. You could ask Elan at any time of the day and he will say he wants to go ride the train. For a small fee, you can enjoy a 20 minute ride through Zilker Park, and when passing Lou Neff Point, you even get to hear live music from the reliable guitarist who hangs out there. While waiting for the train or after your ride, the little ones can play at the large playground, or you can always people watch those jumping off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool.

Walnut Creek Park- Known to many as a nearby place for mountain biking, hiking, and other activities, we first starting going here for its mountain biking. Now, we've started bringing Elan to enjoy his bike with a little off-roading action.

Hiking and Biking at Walnut Creek Park

Butler Park- this is another of our favorite places to go. It's a great place to relax, have a picnic, look for turtles, or just splash around in the fountains. It was the only way to cool off the other morning after a visit to the Zilker Park Playground.

Splashing around in the fountains at Butler Park

The Splash Pad at Pease Park- This is another place to cool off that I've come to really like. The playground here offers quite a bit of shade (but not for the little bitty ones) and the Splash Pad is big enough and interesting enough to entertain the little ones. There are very few shade spots, so you have to arrive early or wait for one to open up. But don't worry- if you don't get a shaded spot to watch your little one, you can always run through the splash pad too. It's quite refreshing!

Playing at the Splash Pad at Pease Park

More splashing around at Pease Park

 "Gardening"- Julio recently did a lot of cleaning up in the yard. I would say "we", but I only did about 1/10 of what Julio did, so I will give credit where credit is due. Elan and I lend a small helping hand from time to time, but more than anything, Julio's gardening time gives Elan a chance to play with some of his toys in the yard. We (and yes, I do mean "we" this time) also started a little project in the garden. I will post more on this later- like in 3 months (that's a hint).

Gardening / Playing with tractors in the yard

CapMetro Rail- Ever since Austin got a rail line, I've been wanting to take Elan for a train ride. At first they didn't have midday or weekend service, so it was a little challenging to plan a trip. But they recently added midday service, and since we have the summer off, it's much more doable. So, we recently boarded the train that stops near our house and took it downtown. Upon arriving downtown, we walked over to Jo's for some burgers. I had heard a lot of great things and had to give them a try. They were good- I'd go back. Then we walked over to the Children's Museum, which is practically next door. After that, we went and had some frozen yogurt. Then it was time to head home for a nap!

Waiting for the Train

At the Children's Museum, pretending to make some steaks on the grill.

 Blues on the Green- Every other Wednesday night at Zilker Park, they have a free "concert". This is another thing we've been wanting to do for a while now. So, we packed up a backpack and rode our bikes on down to Zilker. We met up with some old friends and had a good time. The ride back was a eerie, but cool, since it was night time. Not to worry, we had plenty of lights in front and in back of us. I think we will definitely be doing this again.


Canoeing- Lastly, we recently rented a canoe and cruised up and down Barton Creek / Lady Bird Lake. It was great being out on the water and Elan had a blast. He keeps telling everyone he sees about his canoe ride and all that he saw. I know this is something that made a lasting impression and something we will do again and again. It was so relaxing.

Some swans hanging out on the shore.

Turtles relaxing.

If you look closely, you can see a nutria swimming across the water.

What about you? What have you done this summer (if you've had some free time)?