Texas! Part I

Just a few days after we returned from DC, we packed everything up for a week in Texas. The main reason for the trip was a sport management conference in Austin. Since I was presenting and it was in Austin, we decided it would be good for the entire family to go.

We did the "night" driving approach again but we changed it up a bit this time. Instead of leaving early evening, we slept until about 11:30 and left by midnight. This let us rest a little but still drive a good chunk of the trip at night while Taryne and Hayden were sleeping.

The first part of our Texas trip was spent at my aunt's, grandparents and in College Station. We were able to meet our new cousin Collin and our friend's new baby, Landon.

Visiting Family on their ranch

Grandma Milady and Taryne Milady

Grandma Milady, Taryne Milady and Grandpa Clarence

Grandma Milady, Hayden Clemens, Taryne Milady and Grandpa Clarence

Me, Hayden, Taryne, Grandma and Grandpa

College Station

Renovations at Bright

We decided to take lots of pics of Kyle Field since they are about to start a massive, multi-year renovation to add about 20,000 seats.

Visiting DC

My sister, Tanya, and her husband, Charlie were expecting their second little girl in May. They (and my niece Theia) live in the DC area and now that we are closer (closer than TX) we finally made the trip to visit and meet my new niece.

Taryne, Hayden and myself left early to make the 8 hour drive to DC. It was a crazy drive and a long drive, but the drive was beautiful! I loved driving through Virginia. Despite all the stops (have you been on a road trip with a 3 year old and a 1 year old?) for diaper changes and potty breaks and drinks, we finally made it!

I had high hopes to see a few specific things in DC, but with all the craziness of 3 small children and 2 adults (me and my mom) who had never been to DC before, my plans were altered and we only visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. I really wanted to see the Declaration of Independence but the line to get in the building was super long. 

I was able to meet my sweet new niece, Miss Adeline Grace. Taryne and Hayden had a ball playing with Theia and Mimi. I hope we can go back soon to see more of DC and both of my nieces.

The "twins" Theia and Taryne

Riding the train to DC

Sweet little Adeline

Tanya, Adeline and Mimi

Holding little Adeline 

The Natural History Museum

 I have no idea what buildings these were but they were beautiful!

The National Monument

(under construction)

Alliums...so beautiful!

 National Archives

Water feature in the Sculpture Garden

Splash Pad in Rockville, MD

This is my favorite picture from the trip!

We were so glad to see this on our way home! Just 2 hours to Knoxville from this sign!

I am so thankful we were able to visit and meet the newest addition to the family!