Zilker Park

It's only been one week in Austin, and I have to admit that I'm already falling in love with this place. First of all, my hair works great here (not that these photos are any indication of that). Second, before I even got to see any of the downtown area, I fell in love with our nearby grocery store. For those of you who know Ranch Market in Mesa (possibly the happiest grocery store on earth), it's basically a mix between your average grocery store and Ranch Market. This means that they sell freshly made tortillas, conchitas, and have a bar with aguas frescas + fresas y crema. ALL THINGS HOLLI NEEDS.

Rose helps us shop by holding the grocery list

Austin was already after my heart—and then I saw downtown. HEART EXPLODING.

Our first "night on the town" we went to a place called Chuy's for some Tex-Mex. I admit this place is totally against my principles, meaning that it really isn't what you'd call "authentic" at all. Heck. They served ranch dressing with our chips and salsa. But heck. It tastes good in my mouth, so what of it? Hello chips n' ranch dressing! *principles flying out the window* Oh, and the atmosphere of this place was really fun. I'd like to call it rock-n-roll-party-town, Meh-hee-ko. Aztec art + an Elvis shrine.

After stuffing our faces, we went to Zilker Park ("the soul of Austin"—as it read on a sign there) for an outdoor orchestra concert on the hillside amphitheater. It was a pops concerts, so they were playing Broadway medleys from Grease, Les Mis, etc. Fun stuff.

outdoor concert in Zilker Park

On Tuesday, Jacob and I had a very special treat—VISITORS! Tricia and Chase (with their cute kiddos) decided to make a trip to Austin before moving from Houston to LA for Chase's residency at USC. They had few places they wanted to see, and more importantly, some food-stops that they had to try. First, they brought me some Torchy's Tacos. YUMMM. I think I will be eating there many many times before the summer is over.

Next we hit Zilker Park again, except this time (in the daylight) we got to see a lot more of it. And wow. This park is AWESOME. The big hot-spot here is the beautiful Barton Springs. With the steamy-hot weather, I was really wishing I brought my suit. I'm definitely gonna have to experience a swim in the springs before we leave.

Barton Springs. Rose is waving at the camera.

sleeping away in her sling

Crew never wanted to get off of that swing!

The kiddos loved the playground and so did the "parkour" guys. These dudes were doing flips all over the playground equipment! Wish I had gotten a picture. 

Tricia + Me + Rose

Next, we headed to a little place called Home Slice Pizza. Chase loves his NY style pizza, and this place hit the spot. 

Kate + Jacob

Don't you love Tricia and Chase's matching Texas shirts? They bought them at Buccee's on their way to Austin. Texas is gonna miss these two dorks :)

On the way home, we drove through more of downtown. Everywhere I looked I just kept falling more and more in love. Not sure if this is just hasty infatuation, but the thought I WANT TO LIVE HERE FOREVER is taking hold.