Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

So this is somewhat off-topic. I've sewed my heart out for a few days and took the afternoon off with my boys. After their preschool today, my oldest (almost 4) suggested we go to the wild"flier" center. Really, he suggested yesterday, but they are closed on Mondays.

So we went after I picked them up today, and as Mr. Pants requested, brought the small point and shoot Kodak for him and my camera for myself, then strapped little C into the baby carrier, and off we went.  (don't I look exhausted?!)

 We couldn't have picked a prettier day, although it was extremely windy. The Wildflower Center is basically a center for researchers, a repository and nursery for specimens, and a beautiful public garden area with some trails.

For those in the Austin and central TX areas, this is almost the perfect time to go.  Wait about a week, probably closer to two, and the state flower, the bluebonnet, should be in full bloom on the trails.  There were already a few early bloomers showing off.

They have some stock-pond type container gardens, some of them full of water.  There's some minnows (for insect control) in those, and that's little C's favorite.  He just says "ish!" the whole time and won't let me move without a fight.  There were some turtles (red-eared sliders) greeting us at the front entry wetland, too.

A's favorite part is the tall tower by the cafe, where you climb up to a landing/deck area, and then take another flight of stairs to the very top for the view...they plant succulents and cactus around the edge too, which is pretty, and probably a good deterrent to any jumpers?  I guess you never know.  They do host weddings there I guess.  :)

I know, I'm like, 12, but this cracks me up every time.

We enjoy walking the trails, although they are a bit too well maintained for us.  We like a little bit more challenging and wild, but A took advantage of the easy walk and became obsessed with taking photos.

They also rotate sculpture exhibits through the gardens...I really loved the ones this time - the giant wildflowers.

We had a great time, though we didn't stay long today.  You can order from their shop online, where they sell apparel, gifts, and various other things.  My favorite is this mug that resides in my kitchen and I use frequently.

source

It's a place we love to visit, and right now you can't miss the signs of spring.

Early blooming verbena...it's been a warm winter here.

Some tiny baby cedar elm leaves

Do you have somewhere similar you like to go?

In terms of sewing, I've just been doing minor mending, but I'll get another project up soon.  As I said, just resting and rejuvenating my creative bones for a couple of days.  Crochet is on hold too, since it's just getting too warm to have big projects across my lap for hours.  Oh Texas, how I love thee.  Here's an example of what's it's like here this year:

 I took these pictures today.  Doesn't it already look late spring turning into summer?  I can't wait to see what kind of hot we have this year...

This weekend is our biggest camping trip to date - we're traveling 8 hours away (in the same state - dang Texas) and camping for 2 nights, and then driving 1.5 more hours to camp 2 more nights, then come home.  I think I might've been insane when I planned this.  I've always wanted to see Palo Duro Canyons and Caprock Canyons though, so this is my chance.  Here's hoping we pack well and thoroughly, and everyone is healthy before, during, and after.  Did I mention we camp with our dogs too?  My sister is looking in on our cat and fish while we're gone.  I'm pretty sure she's relieved our adopted parrot got spring fever and took off over last weekend, so she doesn't have to listen to him again.  :) gotta love sisters.

I can't wait to show you pictures of our camping expedition. Here's hoping the weather holds!

Thanks for following me - I'll reward you with some good projects soon!