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The news is out, the Richards are moving to New York?!?! Austin just won't be the same without them but we're excited to visit Saratoga Springs and bet on some horses ;)



We have to make the most of their last month here so we started with the first of many farewell activities, a night on the town to visit all of our favorite establishments! We figure if we remind them of all the amazing things Austin has to offer they'll change their mind. Can't blame us for trying ;)

Shaun's Mom Visits

What better way to welcome someone to Texas than a BBQ! Shaun's mom came to visit for a week and we had the grill fired up and ready to go. Shaun has always been a grill master but being surrounded by BBQ Masters has really inspired him, I think he can make a steak that is comparable to Rays the Steaks?!?!

We had a very full week but it was relaxing at the same time. We are experiencing a record breaking summer with so many consecutive days over a 100 degrees so there were many of afternoons spent poolside.



Our evenings were the perfect balance between nights in and nights out on the town. We enjoyed several home cooked meals but also visited the Salt Lick and Chuy's which are some of Austin's favorite restaurants. We also enjoyed bowling, the outlets, and several movie nights. I think the highlight of the trip though was the Bat Bridge! A unique Austin fact is that it is home to the largest bat colony in the Unites States. The summer is peak season to see the bats fly so we rented a boat and had a sunset dinner/cocktail cruise on Town Lake. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it for myself but when the bats fly it's actually extremely impressive. It's definitely a sight to see and something that should be on the must do list for any Austin visitors!

California is Calling

Everyone knows my love for California, so when the opportunity came up to work for a company headquartered in San Diego I jumped on it!!! It all happened so fast; within two weeks I contacted CliniComp, was on a flight to Cali for an interview, received a job offer, and was resigning from what I thought was my dream job. It all worked out for the best though, BazaarVoice is a dream company but I know career wise I'll be much happier at CliniComp! I'm so excited for this change and to top things off I'll get to work from home and travel to California every month or so, now that is a dream come true ;)

Max's Wine Dive

We've been on a food tour of Texas and enjoying every minute of it! First we discovered Chicken N Waffles at Paggi House and now we've discovered Alligator Apps at Max's Wine Dive. This place had over an hour wait but was worth every minute. They have an amazing wine list, food selection and ambiance. It was perfect for Shaun's date with two lovely ladies ;)

Third Years a Charm

Another year another great anniversary ;) We spent our first anniversary in Paris so I thought that would be impossible to top but each year keeps getting better! Last year we were lucky enough to celebrate our anniversary in the Dominican Republic with Jamie & Annie who got married a month before us. Not only were we in great company but we were living like Rock Stars in Villas & the Penthouse Suite. This year we decided to stay local and explore more of Central Texas. We rented a cabin for the weekend in Fredericksburg, TX and enjoyed all the wonders of this small German town; wineries, breweries, shops, outdoors, live music, & some much needed R&R. Shaun found the most amazing cabin which I feel in love with, that alone made the weekend. The place was perfectly decorated and I really wish we owned it, I wouldn't change a thing. The cabin had a wrap around porch with rocking chairs, large fenced in yard for Cali to play, a private deck off the master suite with a hot tub, and no television. Yes, I enjoyed a weekend with no television ;) It was just so great to just spend the weekend together and reflect on the last three amazing years!

Gruene Hall

We have discovered one of our new favorite day trips! Gruene, TX is the most charming historic town we've seen yet. On the weekends they have a market set-up with various vendors & artists that compliment the shops that line Hunter Rd. But the best part of all is the rustic barn at the end of the strip, Gruene Hall. This is one of the oldest dance halls in Texas and has been home too many legendary country artists. You can walk in any day and no doubt will find fun and entertainment! We will be going back a lot!!!

Fourth and Fireworks

What's the Fourth of July without Fireworks?!?! Well we almost found out. The drought hit Austin hard this year and we've been under water restrictions and fire bands all summer. Leading up to the holiday, firework celebrations just kept getting cancelled left and right but lucky for us there was still one town in the area that was going to sparkle. Thanks Georgetown for saving the day!