The Windlers

A Christmas carol video for you

2011-12-25T22:44:00.002-06:00

Click on the pic

Any Similarities?

2011-12-11T15:00:00.002-06:00

Miles and Simon 2011 comapred to Kelly and Erinn circa 1984

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-10T13:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Halloween to Our Remaining Readers

2011-10-31T21:38:00.000-05:00

Clearing Photos Off the Camera...

2011-08-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

"Costume Makeup"

(This photo was taken three seconds after he came sprinting through the kitchen shouting, "Don't look at my face!")

Sweet Miles

Sweet Simon

"Astronaut Helmet" (aka underwear)

Simon's First Movie: Winnie-the-Pooh

2011-07-17T21:11:00.003-05:00

Helping himself immediately upon entry.

I would have pulled his shirt down for the photo had I not been taking it in the dark.

The sun was in his eyes.

BBQ road trip. Go west, young men.

2011-06-28T16:35:00.003-05:00

The President tapped the US oil reserves, not because of a political move, but because we told him we were heading to Llano in a Tahoe and needed gas to be 3 cents cheaper per gallon. While it's not usually tapped except for times of war and natural disasters, BBQ road trips also fall under the national emergency umbrella.

Llano is on the outskirts of the central Texas barbeque belt. It's actually that notch on the belt that you loosen when you want it to feel comfortable.

Mark and I have hit Louie Muellers and Snows with the boys as well as City Market in Luling with a couple other playgroupies, so Coopers in Llano is a logical next step. We fired up the Bat Signal to see if anyone else wanted to join us, but could only get Dax and Reese to come along. Good thing because he's got the wheels to seat 6.

Henry and Simon in the way back acting cool and calm... but we haven't left the driveway.

Two peaceful hours later we arrived with a short line.

Hmm, yes. One of everything, Garçon.

One of the things that sets Coopers apart from a lot of the other places is that Cabrito is an option as you'll see in the pic above. The brisket, pork and beef ribs were also top notch.

The great Thomas Petty once lamented "The waiiiiiiting is the hardest part."

It's even harder when it's right in front of you.

When Jennifer heard there was cabrito she made a b-line over from Burnet.

From Coopers we followed Jennifer over to go swim over at Camp with her and Tyler. Once we got there, everything was awesome for the guys (and us too). From the golf cart:

to the lazy river

complete with waterslide that only Mark and Tyler's six year old nephew could figure out.

Dax pulling him and Reese down by hand.

Animal pettin' time.

Mmmmm... Future cabrito.

And then the quiet time bell sounded which was our cue it was time to go home. Frankly, I'm ready to do it again next weekend.

Pics from last month's vacation

2011-06-08T10:31:00.001-05:00

Ahh, Santa Fe. How a city can be both artsy and fartsy at the same time must have something to do with the elevation.

You absolutely can't get a bad meal there. Now, you can have company with you that's fussy and tired and that might ruin the meal, but it's not the food's fault.

First morning: Coffee and rock throwing on the patio of Downtown Subscription

Socks coming off? Like I care. I'm the happiest baby in New Mexico.

Free ice cream on the square. And by free ice cream on the square, I mean Simon let a whole lot of ice cream drip all over the square.

We did a lot of hanging out at the house, which was fine by me because the place was great.

We did a lot of things that could've been done in Austin, like go to the park and go to the Children's Museum. But those are things that Erinn does with the boys, so it was nice for me to take Simon to both while we were there.

Children's Museum:

As you can see he was like a kid in the candy store since we were basically the only ones outside.

Park:

Again, we were the only ones there besides some homeless folks. Made me feel like I was back in Austin.

Oh so close...

Our nature hikes were met with disappointment. The first hike was windy and cold. The second hike was too treacherous, or we just got bad directions.

Wrapped up our Chimayo hike with lunch at the beautiful Rancho de Chimayo. Miles ordered off the menu:

Great Grandson?

2011-06-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

Miles (taken sometime in the past month or so??)

Andrew's Grandfather (taken 7 years ago at our wedding)

Same sweet disposition as well. Now if only Miles could be blessed with his hair...

Simon Says: Yucky

2011-06-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

Me (to Simon as he takes his toothbrush and wipes the sink basin with it): Yuck-O!
Simon: Is that Spanish for yucky?

Brothers?

2011-05-20T08:41:00.002-05:00

Miles at 7.5 months

Simon at 7.5 months

Santa Fe coming soon

2011-05-17T21:48:00.001-05:00

While I sort through the pictures from our trip, enjoy the video I made of Simon when we went to the park there...

Simon Says: Ladies Man

2011-04-27T13:06:00.001-05:00

Simon no longer naps and instead has "quiet time" in his room. This occurred during his quiet time...

Simon (coming out of his room, books in hand): Mama, will you read these to me?
Me: Not now, Simon. It's quiet time and you're suppose to be in your room. I will read later.
Simon: You're really pretty.
Me: I'll read one.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

Ba-ba-ba baptism

2011-04-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

Miles got baptized.... last month. But you know how things are. You take your roll of film into the photomat and one thing leads to another and it takes you a couple weeks to get around to picking the developed pics up. And then you realize you're going to want some doubles, but you've already shuffled the pictures and it's hard to match up the negatives with which ones you want doubled. Can't wait for that newfangled one-hour developing to hit middle America.

But first, here's some video of me getting Miles to emulate chatter:

We're in green because that was taken on St. Patrick's Day. Poor Miles. With Simon, we would've put that up about 60 seconds after we shot it.And of course Miles applied to become Catholic last month. The Pope said it was his essays that got him accepted because he had some difficulty with the Math portion of the entrance exams.

Godmother Kelly

Miles and Jennifer

Cousins

Kelly's now pulling double Godparent duty.

Went back to our house for cake and BBQ, one of the best combos on earth.

Of course Miles couldn't have any of his cake.

Simon stuck in traffic.


Simon: Can I have cake now?

Me: Sure

Simon: Yes!

Simon Says: Love

2011-03-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

Simon called me into his room after I had already tucked him in...

Simon: I love Caroline at school.
Me: Awww, that's so nice. Why do you love her?
Simon: Because she's a sweet friend. But that's a secret that I told you.

Don't tell him I posted it for the world to read.

Simon Says: Cows

2011-03-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

Simon: Who wipes cows after they poop?

Simon Says: Grocery Store

2011-03-18T12:47:00.001-05:00

Some background info: In addition to cooking, Andrew also likes to do the grocery shopping. On weekends, he will often take Simon with him while I try to accomplish something around the house. The other day the whole family took a spontaneous walk to the grocery store together to pick up a few miscellaneous things.

Simon: Are we going to the grocery store?
Andrew: Yes.
Simon: Oh! Mom's never been to the grocery store before.

Big Baby Miles

2011-03-09T11:46:00.000-06:00

Cereal time for Miles. Whereas Simon had a voracious appetite for solids, Miles isn't quite as eager.

"Yeah, I guess. I mean I'll try anything once"

"Oh my, I think not."

Simon is not a fan of watching Miles eat. When things got a little sloppy, Simon's hair trigger gag reflex kicked in. We had him turn his chair.

Bros

Shag rug + Sophie the Giraffe = Heaven for a 5 mo old.

Blue Eyed Baby.

Hondo with our Homeboy

2011-03-03T16:07:00.007-06:00

What's that? We're invited to a friends' ranch with three other couples? Only one-year olds and younger are coming? It's when Miles is supposed to be getting baptized? Well that's an easy answer.

I cut out of work early last Friday so that Erinn, Miles and I could head west of San Antonio to Brian and Sarah's family ranch with Gage. Both Simon and Henry were taken by grandparents so that it could be just the little ones. Joining us were Will & Stephanie and their new baby Posey (a girl? what's that about?) and Joe & Kelley and their new Newb, Hayes.

The perfect setting for relaxing with friends.

Any game where you throw/ move/ slide an object to get it close to a target is my favorite game. Shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce, petanque, washers, ladder golf, beer pong... these are the games of the gods.

If this picture had been taken one year prior, there would probably be a beverage in Joe's left hand.

It was especially nice to get to spend time with just Miles. We don't really ever get a chance to do that.

Here's Miles listening to Joe.

Miles watching Gage sit upright. I don't know if it's possible, but Gage might be more smiley than Miles.

All weekend long, big ol smiles from Gage.

From youngest to oldest.

Proud Mommas.

Spent a lot of time doing things I really enjoy, which is what a vacation is about. Just doing things like...

Check out small town High School Stadiums... Go Owls!

Smoke an unplanned brisket ....

Let Miles watch me prep dinner...

Research Children's Literature inside a deer blind...

See deer from deer blinds...

Help to remove a nuisance...

Pose like Teddy Roosevelt over your kill...

(It's like looking in a mirror.)

At the end of the weekend, it was good to get back to Simon. This was a much needed respite that all four of us benefited from. Loved the opportunity to spend time with friends that I don't get to see as often as I'd like.

Simon Says

2011-02-23T17:23:00.003-06:00

Simon (upon finding the bag of "donation toys" I had hidden in his closet): Hey, mom! I found a bag of my toys that were missing! Isn't that great?!?

family and food

2011-02-18T12:01:00.001-06:00

Or, what makes weekends great.

Lazy mornings on the couch

"It's too dark in here"
Simon: I got it.

Gumbo

Didn't have a copper penny around, but I do have a copper kettle. Roux after an hour. It looked a lot closer in color than the picture's showing.

Erinn said she could smell it from inside the garage.

Father, Son, Holy Ghost and green onion bottoms.

As we all know, three hours isn't really long enough to "develop flavors" but it's dinner time.

Miles looks on, hungrily.

Pork Shoulder for potluck

Couple hours later.

Many more hours later.

Bros in the Kitchen

Smiles.

Simon Says

2011-02-16T17:19:00.002-06:00

Me (after Simon hurt Callie): Simon, I am very disappointed in you.
Simon: AGAIN?!?

When Snowmageddon meets Sickopalypse

2011-02-04T18:37:00.000-06:00

Two epic things happened last night, it snowed and Simon got pretty sick. Not barfy sick or anything, just sneezy and snotty, almost like allergies.

When those two things combine you get snowpocalpse and sickageddon... or what ever I wrote in the title.

Woke up at around 3 to see it starting to snow. Went back to sleep with thoughts of taking the boys sledding down the street in a laundry basket.

Miles was ready to go sledding when he woke up.

But that thought was immediately squarshed when we saw Simon. We relocated to the playroom. Dude was sick. Don't believe me...?

Got a fire going and put Babe on.

The sun started creeping in and it was too bright, hence the sunglasses.

Callie was not bothered by the sun, or the fact that she's on Miles' beanbag.

We made sure Miles kept his distance from Simon.

After Babe, we all got a nap in on the sofa bed.

Finally Simon said he wanted to go play in the snow. At this time, it had pretty much melted away. But after seeing everyone else's pictures of kids playing in the snow on facebook and blogs, we figured we'd give it a shot.

Here's what we got from the great snow storm of 2011:

And that's when I decided it was time to go back inside.

Cocktails at the Paramount

2011-02-01T14:07:00.001-06:00

Finally got to bring our show, "Cocktails with Larry Miller" to Austin.

The Windlers, from L to R: Carey, Joan, Larry, Jennifer, Erinn and me.

Stay out!

2011-01-24T21:32:00.000-06:00

Brings a tear to my eye to see the lad fort-up like that. Next thing you know he'll be dissecting the couch and asking for more blankets because the enemy has infiltrated the kitchen.

Simon Says: Kiss

2011-01-21T13:01:00.000-06:00

Simon (after giving me a hug and kiss): I'm a great kisser.

When 'pizza night' follows 'chili night'

2011-01-16T18:02:00.000-06:00

Natch...

Before.

After.

As I was taking a picture of it, Erinn said "You are not putting that on the blog."

Then she tasted it.

Cat's not in the cradle

2011-01-13T21:28:00.002-06:00

Only one of us is posing for this picture.

Miss you, Daddy!

2011-01-09T21:35:00.002-06:00

We've almost survived Andrew being gone for five days! (Note I have this so under control that I am even able to find the time to blog about it.)

Me and Simon making a cake at Mimi's to celebrate Miles' 3 Month Birthday

The cake (complete with leftover Christmas sprinkles)

Miles watching Simon eat HIS cake

The easiest baby ever

Documentation that I actually cooked something in "Daddy's oven" (as Simon calls it)

We miss you Daddy and can't wait for you to come home because we can't live on cake and asparagus.

Happy 3 Months, Miles!

2011-01-08T06:00:00.005-06:00

Simon Says: I'm sick

2011-01-07T10:21:00.002-06:00

Me: Simon, go get your shoes.
Simon: I can't, I'm sick.

Me (later): Simon, it's time to brush your teeth.
Simon: I can't, I'm sick.

Me (even later): Simon, let's pick up these toys.
Simon: I can't, I'm sick.

Simon: When am I going with JoJo?
Me: You can't, you're sick.
Simon (with enthusiasm): I'm not sick anymore!

Edited to add: He's not sick of course.

More Christmas on New Years Day

2011-01-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

Simon starts off the morning by finishing off the cookie that Santa couldn't finish.

And then his (and mine) new favorite toy: the research vessel. Complete with giant squid!!

Miles' favorite toy: Sophie the giraffe.

Simon shows how patient he is waiting to open presents.

Off to Pop and JoJo's where Miles does what he does best: Sleep.

But he woke up in time to try his new bumbo...

The best gift under the tree at Mimi and PawPaws: A nap.

Paw Paw's gumbo heats up.

Kelly and Miles.

Simon cooperates for a picture with Erinn...

but not for me.

Simon inspects Olivia's Sing-a-ma-jig.

Now that's a kid's table, especially after PawPaw and I joined them.

No gumbo for Miles, just a fistful of fist.

One last sleep that night in their Christmas jammies.

Happy 2011!

Christmas Morning!

2010-12-25T08:17:00.000-06:00

Son, you got a onesie on yo head...

2010-12-18T09:13:00.000-06:00

Is it just me...

2010-12-11T20:45:00.000-06:00

...or has this blog gone downhill?

I'll see what I can do.

Pics from a Fall day

2010-12-09T07:32:00.000-06:00

Halloween night

2010-11-11T11:01:00.000-06:00

Here are the rest of the pics from Halloween. I've also got a ton of pics from the past couple of months that I'm just going to randomly unload in the coming weeks.

These are from the Halloween Party

On the way home we stopped off at Jennifer and Tylers for one last Trick or Treat

Halloween part 1

2010-11-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Here's the lead up to the big night

Getting pumpkins.

Simon Says: Callie Reading

2010-10-29T13:43:00.001-05:00

For those that don't know, Callie is our female dog...

Simon: Callie doesn't know how to read books.
Me: You're right.
Simon: She doesn't know how to read books because she's a girl.

I PROMISE pictures soon! Sorry.

Simon Says: Picking Nose

2010-10-19T09:33:00.000-05:00

Simon (while picking his nose): Don't worry, I'm not picking my nose. I'm just getting a booger.

More pics of Miles soon...

Miles and Simon

2010-10-14T07:02:00.000-05:00

Simon has been very eager to be a good big brother. Always wanting to hold him. We finally let him.

Simon even helped me put together the Snap N Go stroller. And by helped, I mean did his best clean-and-jerk weightlifting impression.

Miles' big day

2010-10-08T21:34:00.001-05:00

Some pics from Day One

Miles says: Nothing

2010-10-05T08:53:00.002-05:00

he's not here yet.

Simon Says: Jesus

2010-09-22T14:10:00.000-05:00

Simon attended a Jewish school last year, but is now enrolled in a Baptist Mother's Day Out program (yes, we are still Catholic) and the change has been more obvious than we thought it would be. Almost a year ago during a quiet moment at Christmas Eve Mass, Simon shouted, "Happy Chanukah!" Fast forward to two things he has said this week...

Me (during the car ride home from school where Simon was extra quiet): What are you thinking about??
Simon: I'm thinking about how Jesus loves me.

Simon (stepping in some water I had spilled on the kitchen floor): Look! I'm walking on water...just like Jesus!

Hatch menu 2010

2010-09-17T13:46:00.001-05:00

We're currently working our way through two boxes of Hatch chiles, so I thought I'd post what all we've made along the way.

The inaugural recipe is always the same. Green Chile Cheeseburgers. Where we go from there is what I enjoy.

First one: Hatch Biscuit Sandwiches

Start with our regular biscuit dough, and add a couple chopped chiles

Cut.

Bake.

Add fried egg, bacon and cheese.

The biscuits were great by themselves, but everything's better with bacon... and american cheese... and a fried egg.

Simon Says: Boogers

2010-09-13T18:16:00.000-05:00

Simon: Here, Daddy, hold my booger.
Andrew: Uhhh...okay. Thanks.
Simon: Don't eat it. (pause) It's like apple pie.

Simon Says: Special Treat

2010-09-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

Simon (after eating only a tiny bit of dinner): I want a special treat.
Me: Well, you can't have one tonight because you had a cookie AND a lollipop earlier.
Simon (whining): But I WANT one.
Me: I know you do, but you've already had a lot of sweets. Maybe tomorrow.
Simon (whining): But today is my BIRTHDAY.*

*Note: His birthday is May 7th.

Simon Says: Halloween Costume

2010-09-10T07:04:00.000-05:00

I have been asking Simon for a few weeks what he wants to be for Halloween because I want to make his costume while I have a little time before Miles arrives. He insists he wants to be a cow "like my friend, Jack", but I keep asking to convince him of something else because A. His friend is already a cow and B. I'm not sure my sewing skills could handle a cow. Here was the conversation we had this morning...

Me: Simon, what do you want to be for Halloween?
Simon: a cow.
Me: Well, why don't we think of something else since Jack is going to be a cow.
Simon: a calf.

Simon Says: potty

2010-09-05T17:34:00.000-05:00

Andrew and I spell everything these days to talk in "code" around Simon, but it looks like we need to figure something else out...

Me (to Andrew on a walk with Simon): When we get home we need to see if he needs to go p-o-t-t-y.
Simon (who likes to "hold it"): I don't want to go p-o-t-t-y.
Me: Do you know what p-o-t-t-y spells?
Simon: potty.

Simon Says

2010-09-03T09:40:00.001-05:00

Simon: (while I am rubbing his back to settle him down for a nap) I don't want to take a nap.
Me: Well, we need to rest our body so we can have fun later.
Simon: I wish I was at a birthday party.

New phrases he's using:
"I'm sorry about that." (using in the place of a simple "I'm sorry.")
"I would love to, but I can't." (usually said after I've asked him to do something like clean up a toy)

Nature hike

2010-09-02T22:57:00.002-05:00

It's my goal to get Simon out in nature as much as possible so that when he's old enough, he'd rather go hunt for crawdads than watch TV. So we went on a nature "hike" along Shoal Creek a few weeks ago. Now, typically a hike will be fore at least a mile or so, but when your stride only takes up a foot at a time, you're lucky to move 100 yards.

Ahhhhh, nature! And housing. And some bum urine that we avoided.

This is not a concrete sidewalk...

In fact, it just keeps going on and on....

Hot on the trail of some snipe.

Or at least some pretty flowers to take back to mom.

These two will do.

All this hikin' works up a powerful appetite for snack. Goldfish while looking at the fish. Perfect.

Simon Says: The First Installment

2010-09-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

It's Erinn. I decided to help beef up the blog a bit (that is until the baby arrives in five weeks) with some funny (to me) quotes from Simon. Since I am terrible at writing them down, maybe this will work?? Here are a few from this past week...

Me: (loudly to Simon who is playing in the other room) Simon, you need to come eat your lunch or else it's time to take a nap.
Simon: I can't mom. I'm playing baseball. The team needs me.

Simon: Where's Daddy?
Me: He's still on his trip for work.
Simon: I want to get him off his trip.
Simon: (a few minutes later) Don't worry, Mommy. Daddy will come home. (uh, I hope so.)

Simon: (while in the car) I need to go potty.
Me: Okay, we're almost there. I'm hurrying.
Simon: Slow down. You're driving too fast. You're gonna crash!
*note: I was not speeding

Los Angeles

2010-08-25T10:55:00.001-05:00

We made our escape to LA just as the temperature in Austin climbed over 100 degrees. We made it a dual visit, going to a friends wedding and seeing friends.

Waiting to board the plane in Austin.

First stop, Alhambra park to soak up the 72 degree day. We met Katie and baby Evan here to let Simon run off the energy he had built up when I wouldn't let him kick the chair in front of him on the plane.

Simon declared this the hen house, with the barn just around the corner.

Dinner at Casa Bianca. Good as always.

Erinn had lunch at Lovebirds the next day with her Northrup friends. Simon ate his PBJ in his usual unconventional way.
Sadly we didn't take any pictures from the wedding. Here's where you see me and Erinn dressed up.

Dodgers game the next day. They put on a small ball clinic for the Nationals.

Of course Simon only cared about the ice cream... and dodger dogs and peanuts and chips and pretzels and...

Had dinner that evening with Katie and Ben and Evan to celebrate Erinn's 30th Birthday and their anniversary.

Tuckered out.

Our final day was spent on the beach in Santa Monica. We weren't really prepared for beach going, but when it's 65 and breezy, the ocean isn't that inviting.

Finally got some In N Out.

Last PR pics

2010-08-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

Quick... before summer runs out... Pics from Puerto Rico on Wiggo's wedding day:

P.R. pt. 2.

2010-08-04T12:42:00.001-05:00

I mainly draw out these posts so it feels like we do a lot of fun things for long periods of time. But the reality is that we do a lot of time consuming chores for long periods of time. And I don't think any of yall want to see me trimming the hedges or Erinn wranglin' dust bunnies... Or do you?

We spent Day Two wandering around the big fort in Old San Juan.

Looking down the hall of our hotel in the morning.

Of course the day started off the same way as day one...

Hit the blue paved streets for....
Coffee and Mallorcas at La Bombanera

Coffee machine or flux capacitor? Both, but only if you make 88 cups of coffee/ hour.

Then headed up to the fort, which is maintained by the U.S. Park Service. They do good work.

Here's a panorama looking up at the fort. You have to click on it to get the full panorama.

Two shots from outside the grounds.

Once inside, there's a ton of stairs that you have to descend. This is us going back up.

Four different lookouts used for spotting enemy ships. The first three are ancient. The last one was built during WWII to spot German U-Boats.

Erinn coming out of one of the lookouts.

Anti aircraft guns were mounted here during WWII.

That lady in the yellow never sang an aria from the balcony like I thought she was going to.

Tall walls.

Ended the day by meeting up with Will and Nicole and ate some Puerto Rican cuisine. We avoided the chicken cordon bleu, because as the waiter said, "It's from Sam's"

Puerto Rico (pt. 1)

2010-07-26T18:54:00.001-05:00

Last week we ventured away from Simon to go to Wiggo's wedding in Puerto Rico. It was a much needed respite. And it's one that we probably won't see for another 4 years or so.

We split the trip into two parts, the first half in Old San Juan for two days by ourselves (sort of true, we linked up with Will and Nicole on day two). The last half was spend in Rio Grande by the beach with the wedding party.

Here's some of the sights from Old San Juan.

All the buildings have beautiful, bright colors of varying sherbet flavors.

We checked into our hotel, El Convento, a convent built in the 1600's across the street from the Cathedral, but converted to a hotel in the late 60s (1960's).

We started our first full day at La Bombonera, a cafe that has been around for at over 100 years so you know they know how to do it right. Gourmet said "fail to visit La Bombonera, and you might as well leave empty-handed." So we ate breakfast there twice.

What you see in front of Erinn besides her hot chocolate and my coffee are two mallorcas. They're grilled pastries with butter inside and powdered sugar on top. The one in the middle has bacon, egg and cheese. Glory. Walking around Old San Juan afterwards was like toting a rock around in your gut. For Erinn I'm sure it felt like double.

We stumbled around OSJ with no particular agenda, quite a departure from the past two years. We found this cruise ship where I'm showing you how awesome I think it is to be cooped up on a sideways hotel and only be able to see 6 hours worth of an island before departing for the next island. Needless to say, the area around the cruise ship docks was filled with touristy crap.

So we continued walking.

This is looking back toward the fort way off in the distance. I'll upload pictures from there soon.

After walking, we decided it would be neat to go to mass at the Cathedral, especially since it's the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere, built in 1651.

We thought it was going to be in the main part, but after sitting there for 10 minutes, I asked in my spanglish where mass was held...

It was here. We were two of about 9 for the weekday mass, no A/C. Obviously it was held in Spanish. We held up quite well with the responses.

Doesn't seem like a very private confessional.

I didn't know she was Puerto Rican.

We lit two candles for two folks back home. One for a baby that, if his 9+ pound birth weight was any indication, came too late. And another for our friend's mom that left too early.

Happy Bertsday!

2010-07-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

Dad got an invite to Bert's BBQ's 40th Anniversary last week. And since I'm not one to turn down a free T-Man or Frito Pie, we went to celebrate.

Simon working on a white bread appetizer.

Simon has finally reached the age where he's aware a picture is being taken and yet doesn't know how to smile/ pose naturally.

Miss you on MLK Bert's.

Julio's Fourth

2010-07-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

Fourth of July means 99 cent per pound brisket and fireworks til 1 am. I used to participate in the latter, until I discovered the rewards of a 10pm bedtime. Now I just shake my fist in air out in the driveway, robe not quite tied off.

Some money shots from our 4th.

Welllll, hello there. You're looking stunning this afternoon. What's that you're wearing? Salt AND pepper? Gorgeous.

Simon doesnt really care if the boat is in the water or still on the lift. All that matters is he's on a boat, and he'll tell you. Repeatedly.

Eating some "cookies and cream ice cream." Something went awry in the process and we really only got cold pudding with obliterated oreos.

That ottoman's armrest is the perfect place to hold an ice cream cone.

Hosing off the ice cream.

There's only two things that money can't buy

2010-06-24T20:31:00.002-05:00

And one of them's growing in our backyard. I obviously haven't taken the edger to the backyard in a while.

P.S. For the confused, the Post title is from a Guy Clark song

What are the Windlers up to today?

2010-06-17T10:43:00.007-05:00

Who knows. You'll find out in three weeks.

What'd we do three weeks ago? We went to Rockport, TX with some playgroup friends for Memorial Day. It was a blast, especially for us Dads who don't get to interact with the other little guys like the Moms do.

If you're going to drive to the coast, you have to stop in Lockhart or Luling. The only thing open at 9:30am was City Market in Luling. So I ate lunch then. Ribs for me and white bread and brisket for Simon.

Once in Rockport we took the boat out. I don't think any of the guys were pleased to be wearing life jackets.

The fishing trip the next day started out so promising. Mark caught a shark right off the bat, and then nothing for the rest of the trip. The sea came out even with Mark that day since it took his sunglasses.

The rest of the trip was spent lounging around the pool and yard of Dax's parents.

Aint nothing finer than a spray bottle and looking for critters in the pool skimmer...

... except maybe snacks.

Simon peeks out from his house. "No solicitors!"

Before we left we hit the beach one last time.

More B-Day pics

2010-05-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

From three weeks ago... That's been my style lately. Plan something, then get around to it several weeks (months?) later because we're still catching up on things we planned weeks before that.

Banana cupcake (frosting already licked off)!

Cheatin at washers.

Now that it's 90+ degrees, no one in their right mind would wear pants to the lake.

Working on his lefty crank.

Simon's Second Soiree - strawberry style.

2010-05-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

Kid's first birthdays are generally the big one, but I'm not really sure why. Most of them still aren't aware enough to get what's going on. This time last year Simon still wasn't walking and was only saying a few words. This year though, he's running andshouting in full sentences. So we all had a fun excursion to pick strawberries at Sweet Berry Farms outside of Marble Falls last Saturday. A couple of Simon's friends joined him in the picking.

It took him a while to figure out we weren't collecting rocks and dirt.

Simon and Henry got right to work.

As you can see in this video, Simon realized that the basket was just a waste of time and decided to cut out the middle man.

More grazing.

Simon tells the goats Good Morning in this video and gets a little jittery when they jump up on the fence.

Group shots

And since we were in the area, might as well stop at Opie's in Spicewood for BBQ. It was good, but not out of this world.

Crawfish with the family

2010-04-28T10:24:00.001-05:00

Crawfish season is in full swing and man are they big this year, at least compared to last year. Picked up a 32 pound sack since we had family in from New Hampshire. That ended up being more than enough since there were several in our group who were satisfied with just one. And to be fair, that's one more than I thought they'd eat.

The great Purge begins.

Simon was a little skittish around the live ones.

They didn't stay that way for long. Corn, potatoes, crab boil, onion, garlic, artichokes, shrimp, sausage, and of course, crawfish.

We were lucky to be joined by Margaret, Bill and Chris.

Uncle Bill and I did our share.

Let it Snow

2010-04-21T16:19:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday Mark, Henry, Simon and I took the early morning drive out to Lexington, TX to hit Texas Monthly's choice for Best BBQ in Texas, Snow's. Their brisket is definitely in the top 3. Their ribs and sausage could use some work. Still tasty, but not quite on the same plane as their brisket.

Henry and Simon belly up to the table.

Ribs, brisket, and a fairly dry piece of sausage in the back. Standard trifecta.

Simon works on a rib.

After eating it's time to play cars on the steps to the bathroom.

... or play in the town gazebo.

... or hunt for cats.

So far, Simon's hit Kreuz's, Salt Lick, City Market, Snow's, Franklin, Louie Mueller...Not bad for a Californian. He's got a lot to teach his little brother.

Simon's jams

2010-04-13T10:34:00.003-05:00

Austin may be the "Live Music Capital of the World." And there's no better place to exemplify this than in the playroom. Simon routinely pulls down the guitar and sings all the songs he's learned recently. His favorite songs are the ones sung by Mrs. Carol at school.

For this one, he starts off singing Joe McDermmott's "Everybody Plays Air Guitar".Click here for a listen to the original. Erinn and I then try to get him to sing Mrs. Carol's "There's a dinosaur knocking on the door..."
This how he usually closes a show, with a medley. It goes Bim Bam/ Baby Shark/ Bim Bam Shabbot Shalom (Hey). And then he tunes his machine.

Easter morning

2010-04-07T14:16:00.004-05:00

Simon greeted Easter morning the same way he did on Christmas, with wide eyed awesomeness.

Started with his basket:

Then had breakfast, got dressed, and went out the front door...

.... to discover that....

... holy Jesus. You guys have to see this....

Over there! Someone has "hidden" our dyed eggs right in plain sight!

Here's one!

And another!

Look at all these eggs! I'm going to dump them out of my basket and onto the hard concrete.

Then it was onto Mass at St Eds. And then over to Erinn's parents where there was more awesomeness.

Another Easter basket!!

And more egg hunting with Olivia.

Simon was way too into the goldfish in the plastic egg to pose for a picture.

Happy Easter yall.

Edit from Erinn: Yes, I look pregnant in the picture because I am (in case any readers did not yet know our news). We are due in early October!

Addition from Andrew: I really haven't told anyone yet. So now you know... And knowing is half the battle.

Preaster

2010-04-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

For Easter prep, Simon got to dye his eggs. Outside and without clothes on, because that's how Dad likes to prepare his eggs.

Erinn put the egg in a whisk so he could dip the eggs in the dye.

As you can see, there are only 9 eggs here. We started with 10, but when Erinn told Simon to drop the egg in the dye, he didn't hear the last part and just dropped the egg onto the deck, cracking it.

Rodeo time

2010-03-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

Also known as State Fair Light.

I was really looking forward to taking everyone out to the Rodeo for the BBQ competition. Even with the unseasonably cold weather and gale force winds, we loaded up and rolled out to the Travis County Expo Center. It was colder and windier once we got there and Erinn let me know about it.

We hopped from tent to tent. The first stop fortunately for Simon was the Kids Tent with the petting zoo.

After a heavy lathering of hand sanitizer, we headed across the parking lot over to the BBQ setup where we saw some sweet rigs, like this one:

Plenty of hospitality, but in the end it was too windy to continue. So we headed to the see the world's smallest cowboy, Whiplash.

Simon and Erinn waiting for Whiplash.

Whiplash is a monkey that rides a dog. And when I say ride, I use that term loosely. He's strapped onto the dog. Whiplash corrals some sheep and gets all the credit. But honestly, the dog's doing all the work.

I couldn't get a good shot of Whiplash, so here's one the Dallas Morning News took.

Independence Day Parade

2010-03-10T20:46:00.002-06:00

We found ourselves downtown last Saturday at the Farmer's Market, but took a detour to watch the Independence Day Parade. The camera ran out of juice before we left, but it was fun, if not hokey.

Simon: "You promised me freshly squozen orange juice and here we are, sitting on Congress Ave, waiting for a parade that won't start for another 20 minutes. This isn't even my regular stroller. This is the emergency stroller.... I hate this haircut."

Andrew: "We'll get you some juice and that hair will grow ba- Oh look it's David Thomas!"
Erinn: "Who?"
Andrew: "You know, he played Tight End.... nevermind, here comes a canon."

Yes, they shot it off. Several times.

Davy Crockett everyone!

Andrew: Simon, check out that big Texas flag!
Simon: Yay runners!
Andrew: That was a couple weeks ago. We've moved on.

Happy Texas Independence Day

2010-03-02T00:01:00.004-06:00

Celebrated Texas Independence Day early this weekend by visiting two of Texas' treasures, Real Ale Brewery in Blanco and Louie Mueller's in Taylor.

Skipped out of work early on Friday to celebrate our friend Mark's 30th birthday (well 30, plus some change). His wife Lindsey organized a van down to the Real Ale Brewery an hour south in Blanco. Perfect weather for it.

Turns out one of the founding fathers of Real Ale (the guy with the beard on the left) played lacrosse at UT about ten years before me and Mark.

Beer fridge, defined.

I will! And after I've drunk Texas beer, I'll use that toilet under the truck.

On Saturday, Simon, Dad and I took a trip up to Taylor for an early lunch at Louie Mueller's.

Those business cards started out white, or a subtle off white. Some of them might have even had a watermark before the smoke hit them.

Celebrated with the holy trinity of brisket, sausage and pork ribs and washed it all down with the decidedly Texan Big Red.

Almost fell asleep on the car ride home from a meat coma. I waited until we got home to have a nap.

Good weekend.

Snow Day in Austin

2010-02-26T09:24:00.000-06:00

For those outside of Austin we got a lot of snow earlier this week. Today we'll be back up in the 60s though.

Simon had fun while it lasted.

It's going to be another ten years before we see snow like that in Austin

W is the least important letter in the alphabet

2010-02-23T10:51:00.001-06:00

If it was important, Simon would've remembered it.

Simon's been working on his ABC's. Apparently we have a letter that sounds like "el omompee." As you can see in the video, he isn't quite to the lip reading level. I tried to mouth "W" to him and he made a fish mouth. Personally, I like the "yay" at the end.

Valentine's Weekend

2010-02-17T09:58:00.003-06:00

Busy, busy weekend punctuated with two thirds of the house coming down with something.

Maybe we're all sick because we spent Sunday morning outside watching the Austin Marathon go by on Bull Creek.

Simon really enjoyed it.

He loved cheering on the runners as they went by.

"Yay Runners!".

The deliciousness hits Northwest Hills

2010-02-04T16:25:00.000-06:00

I'm so glad I don't have to drive down to campus now to get my Torchy's Tacos queso fix. Turning left across traffic into that parking nightmare is gone. Now Torchy's has a new parking nightmare where the old Burger House used to be at Spicewood and Mesa. There's only about 6 spots there, but fortunately, when we eat out now it's always with all the old people and people with kids.

Always get the queso. Always. Even if you're eating alone. You get that.

While the pictures of the tacos don't scream "eat me," maybe the description will. This here's the Trailer Park:

"Fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and Cheese served on a flour tortilla with poblano ranch.
Get it Trashy! Take off the lettuce and add queso!"

Or my personal favorite, the "Double Wide":

"Chicken Fried Steak & Bacon, Green Chili Queso, Pico, Queso Fresco on a flour tortilla"... Yeah, buddy. Too bad that was just for the month of January. This month's taco is called "The Situation." I don't watch Jersey Shore so I didn't order it.

Simon, you can have applesauce. Sorry.

New 'cue in town

2010-01-27T09:36:00.002-06:00

Had read good things about Franklin BBQ on the interwebs and knew it needed to be vetted out.

It's basically another trailer, but with picnic tables. The pit has its own house, as you can see here, which allows for some basic cover when it gets windy.

Pit's off to the right. Pop is chewing the fat with the owner, literally and figuratively as the owner hands out burnt ends to sample a la Louie Mueller's.

Standard set up. Ribs, brisket, potato salad, pickles n onions. It was all really good. Actually I'd put it at the top of what's available in Austin. But that's more an indication of a lack of excellent barbecue within the city limits.

Simon digging into the brisket.

I'm including this shot mainly to show Erinn that we still use the bib and placemat when Simon and I go out together.

Franklin BBQ is on I-35 at Concordia St (~32nd Street) and open Wed-Sun from 11am until they run out of food, which is about 2pm.

Uhh, part 2?

2010-01-25T13:37:00.002-06:00

Can part two of an event come a week after part one, and three weeks after the original event?

Now I can't even remember what I did when I was in LA...

Getting together with old friends. But why do I look like I ate a whole pumpkin? You people need to tell me when I'm gaining weight. I'd rather not find out from vacation pictures.

Getting set up.

Fellow Big 12 supporter Ken at the tailgate.

Me and Bean.

Up close and personal with Bevo

The tailgate eventually swelled to over 50 fans who in a few short hours would be heartbroken, but full.

Me and Wells.

Pregame.

"The Eyes"

As close to legendary as possible.

24 hours later, I was fully cheered up by the chicken and rice guys in NY.

The line was 30 minutes. The temperature was below 20.

Worth it.

Back from the west coast/ east coast

2010-01-17T20:58:00.000-06:00

I got to play the role of superfan/ deadbeat dad/ road warrior all in one week. Not my cup of tea. And I don't even drink tea. Playing superfan was awesome until about 3 minutes after kick off of the MNC game. Here's some pics from LA/ NYC.

If you land in LA before noon, you go to BLD for breakfast and coffee.

Then it was over to Tripper's to get the briskets going for the tailgate.

Spent the night at a buddy's where Bromley the dog had the rankest farts I've ever smelled from a dog. Brutal.

more coming...

Big Boy Dog Bed

2010-01-09T22:41:00.002-06:00

Erinn posting...we recently bought Simon a twin mattress and placed it on the floor of what will become his "big boy room" over the next couple of months so that he can gradually get use to it by playing in the room, taking naps in there, etc. While it may take Simon a few months, it only took Callie a few hours...

and yes, I know I still need outlet covers in the room. I wouldn't want Callie to get shocked.

Is it just me or am I starting to sound like Andrew?

Trying to recap the last three weeks in pictures

2010-01-04T14:25:00.001-06:00

I'm leaving for L.A. tomorrow, then NYC on Friday and a lot's happened since our last post. Let's recap, shall we?

Simon enjoys a Tofu Dog at his Hannukah party at school. Actually, he didn't touch the Dog, but he ate the entire bun.

Smoked some turkeys for Christmas gifts. Here's the pre-party.

Running around getting last minute things on Christmas eve, we stopped for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. Here's some video form there:

For those that need translating, the video starts with Simon answering what he thought Santa was going to bring him, then tells Erinn "I love you." After that he tells everyone how yummy the milk is and how hard straws are to use.

Simon on Christmas morning:

Wearing Dad's new hat.

Simon peaking into his new teepee to make sure it's Indian free.

It was.

Simon's new Junior Lockpickers set. Each door has a different lock to pick.

Simon and Olivia later in the afternoon.

Simon tears into his other gift from Santa, an oven. Now he can make cupcakes all day long.

Making Peanut Butter Cookies

2009-12-15T10:54:00.000-06:00

Simon and Erinn worked on their kitchen skills together last weekend by making some Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies. Simon uses a Learning Tower to get up to counter level.

Got our "meez" all set up. Nice and neat.

"We should do a little taste test just to make sure this peanut butter is fresh."

"That spoon is only hindering my peanut butter intake. Maybe if I switch to the gift God gave me, I'll be able to get more."

"Seems fresh, but maybe that's just the top layer."

"For better leverage I'll need both hands for this job."

"There's more in the pantry, right?"

"What were we making again?"

Pittsburgh!

2009-12-11T21:23:00.026-06:00

Just got back from Pittsburgh and I challenge anyone to name a city that has more nicknames than Pittsburgh. During my whirlwind trip, I saw Pittsburgh called: "Steel City", "Iron City", "City of Bridges", "Three Rivers", "City of Champions", "The 'burgh", "Future City" (I don't get that one. I guess they're trying to distance themselves from other corroded Rust Belt cities.

The one nickname that I didn't see, but would recommend "The Jowly City." I saw more jowly, burly dudes there than I have anywhere else, except maybe a Vegas hotel.

We landed with 60 mph gusts and 30 degrees. Not quite a joy ride.

Onto the City Theatre, where we're putting on show for the next few weeks.

Here's the set:

Left side.

Right side.

The show went great. Can't wait to bring it Austin. Hopefully next year. Had most of the next day to explore the South Side of Pittsburgh. First off, here's the view from the door of the building looking out:

Sweet, it's coming in sideways. Just like mom used to make.

Walked down to the river. Well, one of em anyway.

What a sad, empty case of Miller Lite sitting in the street. I actually saw a lot of empties littering the streets. I guess that's what happens when the Steelers keep losing.

Here's me saying "Snow? Really?"
If you listen close, you can hear my mom saying "Where's your jacket, Andrew?"
It's back in my room, mom. I left it there. On purpose.

Oh man, NOW you tell me? Where was this sign when I was taking a quick dip in the Monongahela.

I love rolls! Even more when they're good quality.

My dad likes visiting churches when he's out of town. I like visiting sports stadiums. This one looked cold.

Plus it was next to this:

An awesome looking high school that was closed down. "Future City" indeed!

Just a little jog down the road was a place called Jack's. I guess they got a couple extra letters for free because if I was Jack, I would've stopped at "Jacks is affordable." The apostrophe must have been extra. But as you can see on the poster to the right, Miller Lite is $1.17. That is affordability.

2:33. Time to head to the airport in 27 degree weather and snowing, just like Austin last Friday.

Roasted Tomato Cupcakes

2009-12-08T10:28:00.006-06:00

Simon shows us how to make Roasted Tomato Cupcakes in the Toaster Oven.

1. Put wooden tomatoes in oven.

2. Yell "Cupcakes! CUPCAKES!"

3. If step 2 doesn't work, trying counting to three and stomping your feet before yelling "cupakes."

4. Allow cupcakes to cool on rack.

More from last weekend

2009-12-06T20:17:00.000-06:00

Jojo helping put on Simon's bib.

Simon surverying Thanksgiving dinner.

The aftermath. He somehow gow pumpkin in his eyelashes.

And then it's onto setting up Christmas decorations...

Thanksgiving!

2009-12-01T07:21:00.001-06:00

Simon making the grandparent rounds before the feasts

With two of Simon's favorite things: Mimi and Pumpkin Bread.

Paw Paw showing Simon the animals in the backyard.

Long Thanksgiving weekend

2009-11-28T08:46:00.000-06:00

Simon, Pop and I got to go to Juan in a Million a few days back. Here are two shots from there.

Simon with Pop's hat.

Simon in his new car seat in my car.

California dreamin' (Arcadia to be exact)

2009-11-09T07:17:00.005-06:00

I saw these cornmeal crusts in the frozen section at HEB and immediately thought back to one of my favorite restaurants near where we used to live in South Pas. There was a place in Arcadia, near the hospital where Simon was born called Zelo that made some kick ass pizzas with a cornmeal crust. My personal favorite was the corn pizza. Sounds like corn overkill, but it's not.

I now always have two of these in my freezer at all times.

Roasted some frozen corn in a dry skillet over high heat.

Caramelized onions make everything better.

Mixed the corn and onions with grated mozzarella and some finely chopped green onions.

Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes.

I'm slowly making my way through recreating their menu. Take a look: Zelo

Stillwater

2009-11-04T20:31:00.006-06:00

When spending time in the state of Oklahoma, the rule of thumb is "don't stay longer than two meals at Braum's." If you eat more than two meals there, you're done. Some friends and I took a whirlwind trip to Stillwater for the Oklahoma State game. 31 hours total, 14 hours of that in the car...

Will, me and Joe in front of Boone Pickens Stadium.

You know it's a big game when parking is up 50% from the normal $20.

I approve of this smoker.

I don't approve of the Pistol Pete lawn ornaments... at least not the one in the middle.

At a bar before the game, we found out you can still smoke anywhere. All you need is an ashtray and a thigh.

At halftime, needing to find a restroom, I took some stairs upward. They took me to the roof. I cut Sean McDonough in line at the press box bathroom.

John, me and Joe waving goodbye to Booney P as he flew away early.

Braum's meal #2... that must mean it's time to go.

Simon the Bat

2009-11-02T08:24:00.001-06:00

Pumpkin time!

2009-10-28T11:07:00.001-05:00

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

2009-10-26T14:19:00.001-05:00

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

2009-10-22T07:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-21T19:08:00.001-05:00

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

2009-10-19T07:12:00.002-05:00

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)

2009-10-18T20:41:00.005-05:00

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

2009-10-07T20:07:00.001-05:00

... or allergic. One of the two.

Conde Nast trims fat

2009-10-05T10:26:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-03T20:52:00.002-05:00

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.

I beat Mangia at their own game.

2009-09-30T21:03:00.002-05:00

Haha! Finally! I did it. I beat Mangia at their own game. I've been at this recipe for years and failure after failure has finally brought me a victory.

I have figured out Mangia's spinach stuffed pizza. Previous failures have included: too watery, not enough cheese, too much cheese, where are the onions?, whoa that's too many onions, that's a lot of sauce, still too watery, thick crust, and so on. Until now...

My pizza crust, divided into two, with it's vessel behind it.

Pressed a whole dough into the cast iron skillet. Fill with cooked (and drained really well) spinach, cooked onion and mushroom, and cheese. I used mozzarella, parmesan and Simon's provologne.

Here's where I've screwed up in the past. Tonight I added a thin crust layer. I also screwed up by adding sauce. Then I realized my mistake and scrapped it off. I put it in a 450 degree oven for 6 minutes to parbake. Afterwards, I added the sauce and a little more cheese and baked for another 12 minutes and booya- stuffed pizza.

Twas tasty.

Video we never posted

2009-09-24T08:28:00.003-05:00

This was back when Simon just started walking. Callie was showing Simon how much she hates the Mailman, and Simon joined in.