Sleepers

I feel so "home on the range" when I look at my chickens asleep in the same bed. The upper bunk is cushy and warm but for these precious, numbered nights, big sis demonstrates that the bed is too big without little brother.

...(whistling ensues) where seldom is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day....

Smash

The original owner of our house built a concrete ping pong table specially equipped to accommodate his disability. He was crippled due to injuries acquired in World War II. The subsequent owner (a contemporary of R Crumb) used the concrete table for art projects. Our gang has enjoyed the slab too for messy creative play and picnics but the time has come to make way for native grass and a hugantic blow up pool.

hunky hubby sludgehammer time
rubble

Creepy Crawlers

Ella's first grade class just completed their study of the Tribolium Beetle life cycle. Ella brought home her specimens which include a live beetle and larvae in a plastic cup. This project has inspired a fascination with little critters dead and alive.

Lizard Carcass
Carcass with Skink Tail

Palaestra for Preschoolers

Cy proudly gave buddy Austin a tour of his Preschool.

Balance Beam
The Pit
Trampoline
Trampoline hair
Swimming pool

"Mama, are you the Easter Bunny?"

A fair question considering the tooth fairy failed to provide a "picture or self portrait" along with cash money under Ella's pillow as requested. I explained that she was free to believe whatever she wanted but that the Jones family party line is strictly RABbiT -- especially where little brothers are concerned. Obviously the urge to believe in mythical characters is powerful and so our girl decided to suspend disbelief for another year.

Colored eggs and hair
Khaki and Clancy's Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch epitomizes Austin hospitality.

The Hunt

Cascarones aka confetti egg response

Plate of Bacon

Pineapple Pinata of course
off season santa

Farewell Marvelous March Madness

March gets a gold star for being the best month of the year in my book. A few reasons why this March is no exception....

Standing NUMBERO UNO: Cy was conceived in March! During the Fighting Illini's Final Four tournament no less.
2. South by Southwest! I found that the joy diet of good music permeates every interaction you have all over town. Good times include The Mother Hips (of course), nothing like seeing the college band you fell madly, deeply in love with still playing music after all these years. AND The Hold Steady, think a youngish Woody Allen does post punk encouraged by a very enthusiastic fan base. Mr Mooks was my charming date. I always feel like he's my boyfriend again when we see live gigs together. He grieved his press pass of yesteryear but managed to enjoy himself with the peons this time around. Picture from the East side day party experience...
3. Houston Road Trip with the Perez's: We adore spending time with C and C. They generously showed us around their old stomping grounds. Good times include talking uninterrupted, the Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, a drive by the prep school where Rushmore (one of my all time fav films) was shot, roman artichokes at Da Marco (a dish I hope to master) and Soul Food at The Breakfast Klub.
4. Domestic Bliss: To ease sibling rivalry we've created a little top bunk oasis for Ella. Mookie and Zito are welcome playmates. As for Cyrus, he is technically not even allowed on the ladder.