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April 18, 2005
Springtime at Mansfield Dam park
A beautiful Saturday in Austin convinced Meg, Scott, and I that we needed to get out and take advantage of the Austin scenery. Deb, Kate, and Claire were over at the Austin Tennis Academy in some lessons and match play.
We decided up the Mansfield Dam Park (Google Map Satellite photo) because we hadn't been there in a long time.
It was great with the Bluebonnets in full bloom we had to get the obligatory children in bluebonnets shot.
Next the climbing wall beckoned. Although designed for the twelve and under crowd, the three of us sharpened our mountain climbing skills. Thankfully I was in control of the camera!
We managed to find a secluded cove for some wading, stone skipping, treasure hunting, etc. As hard as we looked we could not find the buried treasure from the Lake Travis pirates of yesteryear. The lakeside mansion will have to wait!
Posted by Jim at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments () | TrackBack
April 10, 2005
Scott's First Communion
Today Scott celebrated his first communion. We celebrate at the 5pm mass at St. Theresa's Church. He wanted to be decked out in fine fashion so he and Deb picked out a tuxedo for this celebration.
Since we were out of town last week at tennis tournaments, this was a make up session which Scott ended up having all to himself. Father Raj was excited since he did not participate in the earlier first communion ceremonies.
Here is Scott as he goes up for first communion (video) with the whole congregation watching.
At the end of communion Father Raj calls Scott back up for a round of applause from the congregation.
Dinner at Macaroni grill was next where we continue the celebration.
Here's Scott with his proud mother, Deb!
And thanks to Dee Dee and Don for the wonderful cake which capped off a fantastic dinner.
Scott, we're proud of you and your journey in your Catholic faith!
The pictures have been printed and will soon be on their way, everyone. Here's just a sample of this dapper lad!
Posted by Jim at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments () | TrackBack
April 9, 2005
Hiking on Loop 360 / Lake Austin Bluffs
It's another beautiful, breezy Spring day in Austin! Scott and I decided to go and hike the bluffs overlooking the Pennybacker bridge at Loop 360 and Lake Austin.
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Our mission was to climb the bluffs on both sides of Loop 360 as the natives call it, and Capital of Texas Highway as the politicians call it. |
| Here's Scott with a view of Lake Austin upstream from the vantage point of the East bluff. It's amazing there are no homes built up here, except they'd have to deal with the Loop 360 road noise. | 
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We hiked down the path on this bluff that runs along Lake Austin heading downstream. At this opening the bluff overlooks the Austin Country Club. |
| Now it's up the West bluff and here's Scott with the East bluff over his shoulder. |  |
It was great having this hike all to ourselves to take in the natural splendor of the hills in West Austin. Scott's take on on our hike today, "it was really cool 'cause there was a great view!"
There you have it.
Posted by Jim at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments () | TrackBack
April 3, 2005
NEWS FLASH: Kate Wins Edinburg ZAT!
Kate requalifies as Champ by winning the Edinburg ZAT tournament!
And Meg advances to the finals before dropping a close match.
More later from those on the scene...
Posted by Jim at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments () | TrackBack