Pumpkin time!

Last year at this time....

Taken yesterday. I can't believe how much those pumpkins have grown up in a year...

Simon found an acorn and found it more interesting than the thousand pumpkins around him. At least he likes the free stuff.

Acorn in right hand, spooky pumpkin in the other...

James and Corrie's wedding

We headed down to Seguin this weekend to celebrate James and Corrie getting married. I have known James since kindergarten. Roomed with him for two years in college. I don't know what came first, everything falling into place for James or James meeting Corrie. I'm really happy for James that both happened.

What better way to celebrate after a rehearsal...

... than to blow up some sporting clays. Sadly, my showing was less than stellar. Even James' cousin, who had never shot a shotgun, fared better than I did. He did say that "he played a lot of Halo."

Groom, boom.

One of the bridesmaid's dad, Ralph and his family, hosted us on his gorgeous land just outside of Seguin. Made me really appreciate the beauty of central Texas.

Me, Wes, Brian, James watch James's cousin (in the soccer jersey) at the third station.

Bean helps James with a windsor knot.

James's brother in law helps with the floral arrangements.

It was good seeing a lot of folks I hadn't seen in a while.

Dallas, I'll be back soon

If only to argue my ticket I received from the esteemed DART Police. Until then...

Some moo cows checking out the Human exhibit.

Me and Simon in front of a Wooly Bully. Watch it now, watch it. Here it comes!

Apparently this thing was cast a couple blocks from Erinn's house when she was growing up and she can remember when her dad would take her to climb on it as it was being made. If we find pictures of that, we'll post them.

Simon and some TCBY. We opted for the healthy dessert.

Capped the day with a little dog dancing. Just like at home.

Austin Zoo

We went to the Austin Zoo this week with Simon's playgroup. It's not quite the San Antonio Zoo, but it was still a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

OU weekend - part two

Corn Dogs. That's really what it all boils down to. We all got enough and they are worth all eight coupons.

Simon's first bite.

We did not try either of the Fried Snickers, Fried Peanut Butter Cups, Fried Macaroons, Fried Honey Buns or Fried Oreos... but that doesn't mean we didn't want to.

About the only rides Simon could participate in was the Car Show. He loved it.

In case you were wondering, it did smell delicious.

OU Weekend 09 (part 1)

This was Simon's second trip to big D during Texas - OU weekend. This time though he got to sample everything that's right with America, fried foods. Last year, it was a steady diet of breast milk.

First stop, as always is the Czech Stop in West. I've even heard that the Czech Stop isnt even the best bakery in West. There's supposedly an even better kolache a couple blocks away. I won't ever make it that far. Simon picks out his kolache.

The sad thing is I always have my blinders on when going into the Czech Stop. It's always the same order... I didn't even notice the "maple twist with bacon" until the trip home. It's basically a maple roll with bacon crumbled on top.

After we ordered today, I saw it and pointed it out to Erinn the same way a kid points out a sugary cereal to his mom at the grocery. "Erinn, look!"
Her reply was "I don't want that."
Uhh, it's not for you... Next time.

Patiently waiting for mom to dish out the goods.

We went to the State Fair on Friday so that Simon could get all the fried foods he could handle. Such as...

Why yes, I do want.

more coming.

Simon the Sick

... or allergic. One of the two.

Conde Nast trims fat

Today is the new Black Monday. I don't normally post outside news, but this really affects "The Windlers" since it's part of our meal planning and fuels our creativity in the kitchen.

I just read Conde Nast is cutting Gourmet from their magazine line. They know how to make a good gravy, so I'm hopeful they get a ride on the taxpayer gravy train.

But probably not. Here are some magazines that still survive:
Teen Vogue
Details
Golf Digest
Golf World - yes, that's two Golf magazines. Are there really that many dentist offices out there?

They've wised-up and cut two of their three Bridal magazines. But I'm crushed. That leaves me with the overpriced Saveur.

I know some mommas read this, so they'll not like hearing Cookie is getting the axe as well.

ACL Fest 09

There was a pretty good break in the rain yesterday, so we headed down to our first ACL fest in seven years. It was a lot more crowded than the first time we went.

Saturday's daytime lineup wasn't very impressive, so we spent most of it at the Austin Kiddie Limits stage where there was a lot for Simon to do... until the rain came.

Simon on the dance floor.

We met up with Will and Hansen under the big tent while it poured. Will and I caught a little of Bon Iver while Erinn and Simon waited for another break in the rain so we could head home. It never really came, so we broke for the foot bridge under Mopac.

Soggy and tired, we finally made it home where Simon proceeded to puke everywhere. I'm sure he wasn't the only festival goer to do likewise. He's feeling much better now. I'm sure it was a combination of too much free yogurt and too many red grapes at lunch.