Road Trippin’ Across Texas

Being back in Austin has been absolutely wonderful! It is so nice to be all set up in my cozy room again and at home with two of my best friends. I feel like I have made up for the ten weeks away by indulging in so many delicious local restaurants.

After being back for a few days and unpacking everything, I packed up yet again for Eric and I’s short visit to support Mom and Annika in some events back home. At the last minute, Eric’s family invited us to see Phantom of the Opera in Dallas, so the trip turned into a drive to what seemed like all over the Lone Star State.

But first, some photos from my first days back in my favorite Texas city. Eric treated me to some flowers and chicken nuggets upon arrival. He knows me too well, what a keeper.

I came back just in time because my roomie Morgan was pet-sitting some precious lab pups. To say I was excited is a total understatement. Anyone that knows me knows about my complete and total consuming love for doggies. I was in Heaven sitting on the floor and watching them run all around.

And lastly, I wasted no time hitting up my favorite spots to grab some grub. Trudy’s Tex-Mex was first on the list – mmm, those margs and that queso. Lick ice cream, Sno-Beach snow cones, and Titaya’s Thai Cuisine all came in the days that followed. I had never been to Lick before – the coolest thing about it is all the unique, crazy sounding homemade flavors that turn out to be totally delish. We really are so spoiled with all these goodies that come with beautiful ATX!

Lick – the line was wrapped in the hallway all the way to the back of the shop!

Sno-Beach with this stud.

My time in The Woodlands was much needed. Once school starts, the whole family gets so busy and it just becomes so hard for everyone to be free at the same time. Those days with the fam in my nice home were wonderful – filled with Gordo snuggles, movie marathons, and celebration for my superstar family members.

I was glad I made Mama Reyna’s Meet The Teacher night for her new first graders. They are so cute and she is so good at what she does. I just love watching her greet them with the sweetest hugs and a loving smile. Those parents love her too! Annika also had her first real performance as Drum Major for the high school band – it was so cool to watch her on the field making moves. I’m really proud of that nugget. I can’t wait to watch her at their big competition in San Antonio in a few months.

So happy Annika and one of her oldest friends, Rachel, are getting to work together!

After home, Eric and I were off to the Big D! I always have such a fun time with his family, I love getting to visit. Before college, I had never spent time in Dallas since we had no family or friends there. I have now been several times and am a total fan (… of all but the football team of course…Go Texans)!

A big treat of our weekend there was getting to see The Phantom of the Opera downtown; I am such a huge fan of musicals and Broadway.  The performance was awesome – such a talented cast and the music in Phantom is just wonderful.

Blurry evidence of our presence – Eric and I with his brother, Pedro, and sister, Laura.

Eric and I finally arrived back home in Austin 5 days later. It was such a nice last getaway before the hectic nature of school gets back in full swing. Plus, we always seem to have the best road trips.

Tomorrow marks my very last first day of school ever probably. AHHHHHHHH. I don’t know how this happens and how people grow up. Life is complicated and hard and exciting and wonderful all at the same time, isn’t it?? I am beyond thankful for everything, coming to UT was the best decision I could’ve ever made.

Thanks for being patient with me and this little ol’ blog while life has been busy. And I want to take a quick moment to thank Susan Armstrong for her words of love and support last week, she is such a sweetheart and I hope others have been enjoying this as much as she has!

Hope it’s a great day everyone!