Texas Time

I had a chance to head to Texas last week to spend some time with my dad who's been ill, as well as meet my sweet niece for the first time!

This wasn't a typical Texas Whirlwind Tour...I went alone and only stayed in Austin.  Definitely not the usual travel arrangements.

My time with Dad/Spop/Spike included my awesome stepmom Vicki and my little sister Stephanie!  It was so nice to just hang out, the four of us, and catch up.

My dad has had some tough months.  He's been dealing with COPD and now chemo.  It was good medicine for him to have some time with his "dotters"!

Living in the mild Northwest for as long as I have has made me a whimp spoiled me, so going to Texas in April when the temps were "only" in the low 80's was fantastic!  I could feel the heat and humidity that will be coming soon though.

Of course a trip to Austin wouldn't be complete without some outdoor dining and beer drinking!  So we headed down to Uncle Billy's on Barton Springs Road...one of my very favorite areas of Austin...so many memories!!!

The original "Parker Girls"!

My dad and his sweet wife Vicki

A most delicious plate of nachos and a cold Hefeweizen

I'm just loving this hat!

I headed next to stay with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and their PRECIOUS little girl Rosie...my niece!!

If you look up the definition of 'adorable', you're probably going to see this...

It was a wonderful visit!  Good food, good drinks, loads of laughing and even a chance to be a "night nanny!"  ;)

Time went by quickly and it was time to go home.
I don't think I have to go into too much detail to express that my children AND my husband were all glad to see me back in Yakima!!