Happy Halloween!

Austin Update

Everything in Austin is great. We really like it here so far. We're located in a really convenient area, everything is just about a 10-15 minute drive from us (we're in Northwest Austin). Except downtown, that's about 20-25 minutes, depending on where you're going. There seems to be a lot unique places to go to, which is what Orlando really lacked. There are also a lot of parks everywhere you go and a lot of green belt areas. So it's pretty.

Matt is enjoying his new job too. He likes the game he's working on and really likes the people there. We actually already made some friends! A guy at work Matt became friends with invited us over for drinks on Friday. So we went and had a really good time. Him and his girlfriend just moved here about 4 months ago. And guess what? She's a nanny and watches a baby who's just a month younger than Ripley, so we're gonna hook up for a play date soon. Plus, she already offered to watch Ripley for us to give Matt and I chance to go out....how great is that? And they live just down the street from us too, which is another plus.

So all and all things are good. The only downfall is our house in FL. No one has even looked at it since it's been on the market. So that's a bummer. If it continues to be this slow for the next few months, we'll be forced to rent it out instead. So that's something we're going to consider, but we're gonna give it a few more months before going that route.

Below are some pictures from a picnic we had in the park.
It was a beautiful day!.

Finally, some real food!

Ripley finally started solid foods, just a day before her 6 month birthday. We were a little slow on introducing it to her, but with the move and all, I wanted to wait until our schedule got back to normal. And let me tell you, she was READY! When we were in AZ, she kept staring at our food like she wanted a bite of it so bad. Poor little thing.

So now she's a pro at cereal and yesterday she moved on to sweet potatoes, which she liked a lot. Tomorrow, it's on to pea's. I hated pea's as a kid, so hopefully she takes after Matt on this one. I can't wait to be able to feed her fun stuff like ice cream and McDonald's fries - insert evil laugh here : )

Hey Ya'll...we're in Austin, Ya'll!

I'm happy to say we all made it to Austin safely. First Matt and Amingo by car and then about a week later Ripley & I joined them. Matt ended up driving the whole way straight thru, which if you talk to him about it, I don't think he'll do again. He was delirious by the end of the drive!

We really like our house. It's got a ton of room and in a very cute, kid-friendly & social neighborhood. Right after we moved in we got a neighborhood newsletter which has so much going on, especially for stay at home Mom's...anything from play groups to stroller walks to bunco! So I'm excited to get a chance to meet people in our area. We're still unpacking and such, but slowly & surely were getting things in order.

Today was Matt's first day at his new job and it went really well. He likes the people he met and is excited about the game he'll be working on. And from the sounds of it, he's gonna be really busy. And I may have a lead for a stay at home job, so hopefully something good will come out of that. That's all for now. xoxo

Trip to Arizona

Ripley and I had such a great visit in Arizona with family! It was awesome spending so much time with my sister-in-law, Nicole and niece, Ava. Seeing Ripley and Ava together was so much fun. Ava was my little helper with Ripley, it was adorable. And seeing Russ with his 2 little grandaughters was priceless. Check below for some pictures from the trip.

Btw, Ripley did really well on the flights again. She is such a great little travel buddy!

Thanks again to Nicole, Buck & Russ for making my trip to Arizona possible. I love you guys!

(L) Ava & Ripley getting acquainted. (R) Proud Grandpa with his Grandaughters!

(L) Ripley & I with Nicole & Ava at the park. (R) Bath time!!

(L) Ava showing Ripley some love!!
(R) Ripley doing what she does best - look cute! : )

Quick Update

Well, my trip to Austin was successful! We found a house to rent, although it definitely wasn't easy, that's for sure! The market is crazy out there, several places I liked weren't even available the next day, homes are being swept up left and right. So at least we have a place now.

Ripley was sooo great to travel with. She did so good on the flight there and back. And she really got a chance to bond with her grandparents, which was nice to see.

So what's next? Let's see - tomorrow the packers come to pack up our house and on Wednesday they load the truck and move it for us. How's that for fast? And since they can't give us an exact date for when our stuff will arrive in Austin, I'm headed to Arizona with Ripley to hang out with family (Matt's side) for a week and then I'll head to Austin. Ava, my little niece, just moved into her new "big girl" room, so my sister in law still has a nursery all set up, perfect for Ripley. So it should work out nicely.

The only downside is that Matt is driving to Austin by himself. Although, he doesn't seem to mind too much, I can't help but worry a bit. It's about a 17 hour drive and he wants to drive it straight through, but he'll split it up if the drive gets too much on him. So keep him in your thoughts for a safe trip, as well as me & Miss Ripley!

We'll have more updates after our trips. Austin here we come!!