Thanksgiving in Galveston

We're in the middle of one of the best trips in recent memory. Like the California trip, but with Julian.

Galveston has become the beloved temporary home of our friends Penny and Christina. Christina is going to school just a few blocks away from their historic home. They've allowed us to stay at their beautiful, peaceful space for a few days while they are celebrating Thanksgiving with their families elsewhere.

Our families are in Missouri, Waco and Fort Worth, but we're here. Everyone needs a break from tradition, especially when I've spent the past month up to my ears in turkeys, pies and sweet potato casseroles for work.




We had our own little Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, with smashed potatoes, greens and lamb from my friend Mr. Loncito Cartwright.




Before the girls left, La Espanola Christina made a seafood paella that would have made Sofia, Diana and the rest of mi familia espanola proud. We all sat around, scraping the socorat off the bottom of the pan. A communal meal. An early Thanksgiving.

But getting away, just the three of us, has been so nice. We explored the marshes of Galveston State Park yesterday, and who knows what the rest of the trip holds in store.








More when we return!

Julian, the baker

On my quest to bake as many of the recipes submitted to the Statesman's virtual holiday cookie swap as possible, Julian and I went to our food blogger friend's house. Kristin has four little kiddos herself, so Jules got to play with them and help us bake.

Halloween in Missouri

We're getting back into the swing of things in Austin after our trip to Missouri over the weekend. It was time for a fall visit, something I don't think I've done since I was pregnant with Julian (which meant I couldn't ride the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City. Yes, I was pissed, but I'm over it. :))

Just Julian and I went; Ian needed some time to record his next album, and everyone knows that a break from the norm does everyone wonders. Going to Missouri as a family has been the norm for a number of holidays, which is why we aren't going back for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I don't think I've missed both since I lived in Spain, but we need a break from the traditional fall/holiday schedule.

The trip this time was one of the best. The leaves were crisp and bright yellow and orange. We went to a pumpkin patch and on a hay ride. Stopped by a Marionville orchard to buy apples and hot cider. Ate both cashew chicken and blue corn popcorn. Hung out with one of childhood friend Lindsey's new baby and all the Missouri family members, which now includes Mimi and Woody, my dad's mom and stepdad.

Trick-or-treating was a blast, even though Julian didn't want to wear his costume. My sister took the cake with her Mary Poppins outfit. My mom and I, as usual, raided her closet. The dress I'm wearing she remembers wearing when she was pregnant with Chelsea.

History. Family. Home. All in one neat little package called Aurora.