End of summer isn't so bad

With Labor Day comes the unofficial end of summer. Normally, I am a little saddened by this each year but this year is different. This fall brings us a new chapter in our lives so I'm a little excited about summer ending and fall beginning. (Not to mention Longhorn football has started up again.)

We spent the long holiday weekend hanging out with friends and having one grill out of our own and attending another one. We've also been working on our baby to-do list and we're finally making some progress! It has been a nice long weekend and I am happy it's a short work week!

-a

Holiday round-up

Brett goes back to school this week so that means the holidays are officially over. Here's a round-up of our adventures this holiday break!

Christmas Lights in Austin
Angie, Brett & Ellie ~ Kathy, Tyler & Ron ~ Ellie checking out the lights from the car

On Christmas Day in Austin, we went out and saw Christmas lights with Kathy, Ron, and Tyler. First, we drove down to San Marcos to this hilarious place called Santa's Ranch where they basically covered several acres with millions of lights and you drive through them and check out all the little scenes they created. From there we went back to Austin and headed over to a neighborhood that is full of hippies who decorate their yards and houses with lights and other crazy props. Both of these places define the slogan "Keep Austin Weird".

The Texas Paulsons
Jake ~ Jesse ~ Kai ~ Kris & Theresa ~ Julian & Brett

On Friday, the day after Christmas, we hung out for most of the day with Kris & Theresa and the boys. After a great lunch out to eat, we came back to their house to exchange gifts and play games. It was great to see all of them. The boys are getting so big now - big enough to beat Brett and me at HORSE!

On Friday night, Brett and I snuck out on a date and had tapas and just enjoyed being in Austin again. After dinner, we were able to drop by Emily and Joe's for a little while. We haven't seen them since they visited us in Palo Alto over a year ago. I didn't get a pic of us on my camera. :(

The Dallas Family
Brett & the boys ~ Courtney ~ Pearce, Angie, & Ellie ~ Lisa & Luke ~ Mom ~ Pete

From Austin, we went up to Big D to spend a few days with my side of the family. We had a big Christmas dinner and exchanged gifts and watched the boys play with their new toys. Thanks to Santa for giving Brett and I the Mexican Train Dominoes. We played that for a few hours that night and we've played it several times since!

New Year's Day in Carmel
Pic taken with camera phone - can you believe I forgot my camera?

On New Year's Day, we headed out to Carmel to be hosted for a night by Adam and Rachael. We had a great time with them as we walked along the beach, ate fajitas and efficiently watched football using the DVR. Who knew you could watch a football game in an hour and a half?!?

I'm always a little sad when the holidays are over - I am not taking the tree and decor down until tomorrow so technically it's not over yet - but I know this new year is going to be filled with so many things to look forward to!

-a

I heart Thanksgiving

Only a few more hours of work and then my favorite weekend of the year is here! I love Thanksgiving, not only for the pecan pie and green fluff, but because it's also time for the Christmas decorations to go up!

This year is even more special - my mom is coming to visit from Texas. Tomorrow will consist of food, football, and Christmas decor. We'll cook while we watch the Cowboys and then put up the Christmas tree while we watch the Longhorns.

Also, I found out this week I only have about a week left on my contract position. At least if I'm staying home looking for a job I can hang out with the Christmas tree on. I love this time of year!

-a