Austin. Mom. Blog. » activities

Deutschen Pfest

Dianna — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:20:02 +0000

On Saturday we went to the Deutschen Pfest in Pflugerville Texas. The boys and I had a great time. The only reason we left after a few hours is because I ran out of cash. I will keep in mind to bring more next year. We started Saturday morning by joining the Children’s Parade on Main Street in Pflugerville. We only walked four blocks with other children, but it was totally worth it. The boys thought it was pretty cool to be waving to onlookers. I pulled them in our red wagon and we all wore our t-ball Dodgers shirts. I wasn’t aware that the kids get ribbons. Every participant got a green ribbon. They also judged the parade and to my surprise we placed second and also got a ribbon for that. Way cool! After the Children’s Parade we stayed on the side of the road and watched the Main Parade come through. The boys got tons of candy and even received a popsicle. The popsicle was a huge hit since it was hot and humid. We headed to the festival afterwards. I thought it would be a good idea to check out the booths for something to eat so we ate in the festival. The boys ate hot dogs. Each one was two dollars and they were so overwhelmed with everything around them, they only ate half of it. So, for next year I will try to feed them lunch before we go into the festival. We went directly to the children’s activities after lunch. There were inflatables (free), a petting zoo that cost $2.00 for ten minutes per person, a train ride that cost $3.00, horses to ride for $3.00, face painting (free), and a clown making balloons (free). My boys still had the same interests as last year. Andrew’s favorite was the petting zoo and Collin’s favorite was the train ride. Since I only had a few dollars after all the activities, I allowed for each boy to pick one game to play. They both chose the paintball game. For five paintball shots it cost $1.00 and then they got to choose a prize. There was still so much we could have done, but my cash flow ran out. There were plenty of food booths that had ice cream, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, fajitas, hamburgers, barbecue, and so much more. A funnel cake kept crossing my mind. The Deutschen Pfest also had carnival rides and games. I didn’t even walk that way with the boys since the cash was out. I definitely know for next year to bring a lot more cash and to make sure my husband is off of work to enjoy the festival with us. We had such an entertaining time and can’t wait to go back next year.

Andrew Holding a Rabbit at the Petting Zoo

Collin on the Train Ride

Galveston Trip

Dianna — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:49:05 +0000

We went to Galveston on the 20th and 21st. We stayed at the Moody Gardens hotel and loved it. We have stayed at the hotel before so we weren’t surprised on how kid friendly the hotel was. The hotel had a room set up as “Santa’s Workshop” where the kids could do multiple Christmas crafts. We got to enjoy writing a letter to Santa, making gingerbread necklaces, Christmas door hangers, cookie decorating, and playing several board games. The hotel also had a heated pool. We enjoyed the buffet breakfast in the Terrace Restaurant (which did cost) in the morning. It was a little pricey, but for a kid friendly hotel and the walking distance from the hotel to the Moody Gardens resort, it was worth it. We paid approximately $150, which included taxes. We stayed at the hotel because we were aware of the activities it offered for kids. We knew we wanted to enjoy the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens. The lights were really nice and we had plenty walking room through the trail. We weren’t inching our way through like we were at “The Trail of Lights” in Austin last year. Last year it was too crowded for us and instead of looking at lights we were just fighting our way to get through. At the Festival of Lights there is a fee of $5.95 a person, but I believe it was worth it. They had an ice skating rink you could have paid to use, but our boys are too little for that. Also, there was plenty of concession stands you could buy hot dogs, nachos, hot chocolate, kettle corn, drinks, and even smores. We got each of our boys a smore kit and they had sticks where you could roast the marshmallows over a large fire pit. The boys really enjoyed it. The cost was $2 per kit. After the lights we had the option to enjoy the aquarium($5 a person), enjoy the 4D theatre Polar Express film ($5 a person), or go sit on Santa’s lap, but we decided to call it a night. We used to have Moody Gardens season passes a few years ago and enjoyed it back then. I would recommend Moody Gardens to any family looking for a small vacation. The weather was so nice over the weekend that we also got to enjoy the beach both days. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect small mini-vacation.

10 Weeks and Counting

Dianna — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:44:04 +0000

My oldest son has been going to school for ten weeks now and still says he doesn’t like school. He tells me on a daily basis he doesn’t want to go. After school he tells me he has fun and informs me of all the activities he participated in. I was really hoping the “dread” of going to school would have passed by now. It has been TEN weeks. As his mom, I do understand where he’s coming from. He has been home with me for 5 years of his life. I had the opportunity to stay home with him since the day he was born. He did go to pre-school, but it was only for 3 days of the week and for 5 hours a day. Now he has to go 5 days a week for 7 hours. What a change! I truly miss him every day, but I know in my heart I couldn’t give him the education he needs if I home-schooled him. We have great communication so I’m hopeful it will all work out. I have tried different exercises on how we could make school more enjoyable and would love some feedback on more. A few things we have agreed on include; me going to his lunch once a week, letting him have rest time when he gets out of school, and letting him buy his own lunch. For some reason, he loves to buy the cafeteria food. He tells me he likes the ability to choose different side dishes. My husband tells me we need to take him to Luby’s. My son can pick as many sides as he wants there. Well, I’m hoping the school routine gets better and I will keep everyone updated. If anyone can give me any tips or advice, please feel free to do so. I know this might sound too dramatic, but my heart aches when he tells me he doesn’t want to go to school. I want the comfort of knowing he’s happy.

Halloween Night

Dianna — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:04:57 +0000

It’s the day after Halloween and I’m exhausted from last night’s activities. My boys still seem as energetic as ever. From a time change to the “going door to door” routine I must admit, I am tired. My two boys still woke up this morning at seven-thirty and it didn’t phase them we went to bed at 10:30 the night before. Their usual bedtime is 8:00. The energy of a child is priceless. Last night was fun. My oldest son dressed up as Jango Fett from Star Wars and my youngest son dressed up as Thomas the Tank Engine. We met up with a close friend of mine and did the “trick or treating” with them. She has older kids so they lasted longer than mine. My Jango Fett kept up with them, but my Thomas only lasted a few houses. Their bags were filled to the max with candy. Honestly, I had hoped they wouldn’t get so much candy. I will just end up giving it away once they forget about it. I’m the kind of mom that likes the pretzels, erasers, and pencils instead. I know that sounds pretty lame, but keep in mind they are still 3 and 5. Fortunately, they stuck to my rule of only one candy last night and to my surprise my Jango Fett actually chose the pretzels over candy. That was a shocker. So, overall the kids had fun, we were in good company, and nobody got hurt. It was a successful night. Anybody as tired as I am?