Just Another Day

Thursday was just another day. It's been cloudy and rainy and cold in DC--for the entire week. I've been dying to take some pictures of the cherry blossoms- but I'm refusing to get out of the house. And who would want to take pictures of wet cherry blossoms anyway?! Such is life. I guess every day can't be sunny and warm. I would write more about this topic but my husband is dying to get on the computer. Opening day of baseball started today and he is going to watch the Giants. Time with Tim will be limited until the end of the season. That's November- but of course, my husband just told me that November will be football season. Nice.

This little boy is destined to be a sports fan.
Happy baseball season everyone.

People Live Like This

It's hard for me to believe that some people live like this: (without moving to a tropical island)

But some people in Austin DO live like this.
Because the high in DC today is 44 degrees and rain, I miss Austin. I'm soooo ready for warmer weather.

To finish off "my trip to Austin" photos, I'll leave you with these - the second one I plan to submit to Southwest Airlines for their Spirit Magazine!

Really really really good friends.

Spring in Texas

So compared to DC, Austin was laid back, warm, and packed with friendly/helpful people. A few things that surprised me: that there was a vineyard right outside of the city; that no one was walking around- everyone drives; and that my friend had palm trees in her yard.
Although I missed Mr. Wy and Tim, it was refreshing and relaxing (ha) to hang out with my two single friends and catch up on my sleep. It really brought me back to my single life before my two guys--very strange. Here are day two of my Austin pics- which will include the most 'Texan' shots:

The famous bridge at Lake Austin.

Texas wine.

Texas bluebonnets.

And of course, a Texas country store.
Did you notice that it's spring in Texas?! It's still winter in DC....hmm.

Austin Cuisine

I just got back from my quick trip to Austin. It was fun capturing all the moments of my time there using my Nikon. All in all, I got 90 pictures so the next few days I'll be sharing some on this blog. I've fallen in love with photography... Today's shots are pictures of Austin, Texas cuisine. Of course, I loved the mexican food- even for breakfast!

My breakfast day one and two. Incredible.

My first taste of sweet tea vodka. Amazing.

 I did more than eat- and I can't wait to share more pictures and stories. I absolutely loved Austin.

Weekend Meals: In-N-Out Burgers

My husband and I took a trip to California a couple years ago. We had an amazing time and by the end of the trip not only did we fall in love with the state and its beauty, we fell in love with In-N-Out Burgers. If you've never tasted one, you wouldn't understand. If you have, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Driving up the coast for the first time...

Here is Tim with his first In-N-Out burger. I captured it on film- with our old camera. (poor quality pics)
After we returned to the East Coast where we didn't have access to these burgers, my husband decided he'd find the recipe and try to recreate them. I laughed. But he figured it out. It takes some work, but boy oh boy- they are incredible.

I know the pictures are not the best quality, but you get the point. One of the strange things about the recipe is that you buy chuck roast (not ground beef) and grind it into ground beef. (see picture above- all you have to have is a food processor) I never thought we'd be grinding our meat at home, but it does make a difference. This is a fun recipe to make if you have time for lunch or dinner on the weekends. Let me know how it turns out! And for more information on how to make the burger, check out this link

On another note: I'm headed out of DC again. Life doesn't seem to slow down lately. This trip? Austin, Texas where it's going to be 89-91 degrees! Praise God. I hope to share some fun pictures very soon.

Cousins

Too bad Wyatt doesn't get to have more time with his cousins on Tim's side of the family. I grew up far away from my cousins (this is typical America, huh?) and we only got to see them on holidays, once or twice a year. Even though Wy is younger than most of his cousins, I hope he gets to know them well.
Last week we were able to spend some time with Cal, Cooper, and Kelli. Here are some fun shots I got:

And my favorite of Wyatt and Tim from the trip:

It was beautiful to see the way the boys loved on their baby cousin. Those Schultz boys know how to love!

Birthday Cake

Every year of my life (except the years I spent living in Europe) my mom has made me a birthday cake. She has a special way to make me feel loved on my birthday--in ways no one else can. A few days before my birthday she calls to ask what kind of cake I'd like. This year my response came quickly: "chocolate". Anything with chocolate. And this is what I got:

After a long day of taking care of my son, I came home to this beautiful cake--of course, it was an America's Test Kitchen recipe. She found it in the Cooks Illustrated magazine.

Not only did it look amazing, it was the best chocolate cake I've ever had. Thanks for taking the time to make me feel special, mom. I hope I can be that type of mom to Mr. Wy.
Here's to another year of life!

Union Station (Kansas City Style)

Who knew Kansas City was so cool?! I really didn't know how interesting it was until last week when I stayed at the Hyatt. I could walk from my hotel room all the way to Union Station without going outside...which is perfect when you have a child and it's a rainy day.

This is Union Station in Kansas City- it really reminded me of my Union Station in DC.

And who knew they'd have Diana's wedding dress here? The line was so long that it was either 1) catching my plane or 2) seeing Diana's beautiful clothes and dress. Reluctantly, we went with number 1.

"The Link"