Weekend Recap

Phew.....what a weekend! I really wanted to do a "Weekend Guide" post on Friday because there were so many fun activities going on, but work just got in the way. It was a typical weekend in Austin, full of festivals and beautiful weather. While the rest of the country is cooling off and enjoying fall, it was all sunshine and warmth in our neck of the woods.

First up was the Gypsy Picnic, a festival of all things trailer food. I really wanted to go to this last year, but the organizers didn't anticipate the crowd, which resulted in really long lines and running out of food. Friends who were already there warned me not to go to the trouble. So I patiently waited a year, and Corey and I made plans to head down there early, just in case. Luckily, the festival doubled in size, with nearly 40 trailers spread out along Auditorium Shores. Two stages for music and other random entertainment made for a few fun hours. We met up with friends and had a great time meandering around the park, stuffing ourselves silly with all the great food options. There were no new stand-outs for me (with the exception of the meatloaf sandwich from Rockin Rolls.) It's hard to beat my tried and true favorites like Peached Tortilla (you must try the bbq brisket taco) and Gourdoughs (Son of Peach, please!)

On Saturday night a good friend of mine (and phenomenal hostess) invited people over for a wine tasting party. She's a CPA by day, but is so creative at putting together beautiful presentations of food, and especially dessert! Not the best pictures, but I wanted to keep these for future party ideas. She had a green and white themed dessert table, complete with white chocolate Oreos with a green design on top, and white cake pops served on green sugar. I can't imagine how much work went into putting the table together.

I had to take a side shot as there were always people standing in front. 

She also had a table set with wine, cheese, and other assorted food. My favorite were the manchego bites with quince paste, and the stuffed figs with goat cheese and bacon. Yum!! Again...kill me with the presentation. Corey and I had fun chatting with other people, and ignoring the fact that the Rangers got creamed that night.

Sunday rolled around too quickly, and it was off to the 2nd birthday party of my absolute most favorite (and cutest ever) niece. I just cannot believe that it has been two years since I held that sweet little thing in the hospital. And now she's this gorgeous little blonde spit fire. Running all over the place and talking up a storm. There is nothing that warms my heart more than when she calls me "Mamy" (especially when I get to see her sweet face when she says it.

Two years ago today, holding G just before passing her off to my sister.

Playing in the ball pit.

She had a ladybug themed party, with all kinds-of fun games outside. She had such a great time running back and forth from the ball pit to her jumpy castle. It was a big day indeed. She blew out her two candles, and then had even more fun opening her presents. The girl LOVES clothes, and every time she opened a present with a new outfit, she would ooohh and ahhh, and hold it up to show everyone. It was beyond cute! I especially loved her reaction when she opened the ladybug rainboots I gave her, to go with a matching rain coat my mom got her. She immediately put them on. They were followed with an all pink tutu get up, complete with wings, a wand and a tiara. When the party was over, I dressed her up in the outfit and had the best time watching her run around in it.

So there you have it...a busy busy (but really fun) weekend. So looking forward to my trip to Denver next weekend!

She's being silly here, but I thought it was the perfect "the end" to my post.