Easter in Texas

For the last few months (especially as the snow kept falling) Amy and I have been looking forward to heading to Austin to see our friend Derek. We arrived late Thursday night, but our kind pilot happened to mention that it was 90 degrees during the day- just what we were looking for. However something happened before we woke up Friday (after watching Derek's crazy choice of a movie- I can't remember the title- but a HUGE monster attacks Manhattan and in home video style we watch everyone die) the clouds were in the sky and the temps were down. We managed just fine though and headed off to the outlet mall. MAYBE 30 minutes after we arrived and I am not underestimating, Derek asked if we were done yet. Good thing Amers and I are not big shoppers and within the next 30 minutes we were on our way to lunch. The Hula Hut- first however was traffic. We finally made it and the food was great and VERY filling. If only we would have known what was coming for dinner.

D's friends Todd and Denise set aside their evening to take us on a hike and then for BBQ- that's right good Texas BBQ. We managed to see not one but two waterfalls- These were just the big falls-

Now this was the HUGE waterfall- you know everything is bigger in Texas. :) Who new rock climbing was involved- DENISE?!?!

After hiking through the woods while trying to not get run over by the 4 wet dogs we had brought along- we were famished. Okay maybe not since we had eaten only hours before at the Hula Hut, but that was next on the list- so off we went to the County Line for some REALLY good Texas BBQ. Food anyone?

We knew before heading down that Saturday held a Wiffleball tournament. After being informed by Denise that she thought Amy and I were going to be some rough tough Rugby playing girls from Minnesota- (thanks Derek) we knew we would have some high expectations for our wiffleball skills- this isn't just any regular sport you know. We arrived early to get a few practice hits in when these neighborhood boys challenged us to a game- well bring it on. As everyone else arrived we continued to add players and in turn find more little kids to play. Don't think this lessened the competition any- Todd even took out a boy on his own team when running to get a loose ball. It was a great time- but nothing would be complete without involving some food- so we grilled some REALLY good jalapeno sausage and had PLENTY of other food to go around.

Oops- I think that is the ball under/behind your bat.

Are you kidding me- that wasn't a strike- you wanna go?!?!?
(HEY)

We may be on the same team- but that doesn't mean we are friends.

I think I forgot to mention that the three of us had wanted to go to the Texas Pie Company about 1.5 miles from Derek's house- but with our full schedule we could only go before the Wiffleball Tournament at 10:45am and since we wanted to walk- we had a little over an hour to walk there eat our pie and walk home. SPEED WALKING we managed to make it with 8 minutes to spare as well as stopping to give the kid who asked Amy and I "How do I get out of here?" and the old couple who asked Derek where the Goodwill was directions. We did feel like Derek was our Bob (Biggest Loser) as he was infront of us the whole way turning around to say- "Come on keep going" or "Let's pick it up a little."

That night Amy and Jason came to hang out and watch movies. We had a great time and truly enjoyed just sitting in the kitchen talking about life, small towns, Africa and other things- of course while eating Pizza.

The Easter bunny managed to find us Sunday morning when we found baskets outside the door- Derek thought they were all for him until he found lip gloss in two of the three baskets. (Thanks Bonnie) Easter was really quite fun even if it was different than most years. We headed to D's brother and sister-in-laws' for the afternoon to once again eat- delicious- and play games. The sun did happen to come out this day and we tried to enjoy it as much as we could. We met Todd and Denise for the world's best snow cones and a round of mini-golf before catching this great rock band to close out our trip.

On our way out we happened to find an Amy's Ice Cream at the airport. We had passed one while in traffic Friday and had heard about it from many people all weekend- so even though it was only 9:30am we had to get a shake to take on the plane- it was worth it.

All this rambling aside- it really was a great time and we loved being with everyone. We may have forgotten how much we really do like Derek. :) Thanks Derek (and Todd, Denise, Darren, Bonnie, Amy, Jason, Uncle Jimmy, Kim, Jay, Basil.....) - The Sherman's will be in town next weekend for round two.