Weekend in Austin -- Bekah Dance Comp/Jon 12th Birthday

Since Miss Bekah has a dance competition in Kyle (outside of Austin) and Jon wants to do his birthday party at Jumpstreet in Cedar Park, Mister and I decide to make a weekend of it.  We leave Dallas at around 6:15 Saturday morning for our drive south and after a quick stop at The Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery for some yummy kolaches and a slight detour due to missing our exit, arrive before Jen and Bekah.  After a frantic phone call from her asking for help as she too misses the exit, we soon are together and ready to start the day.  First up in the competition is Bekahs duet:  "That Cat is High".  You can link to it and see it here.  It won a Platinum award and went on to win High Score for it's age bracket in duets/trios and also Grand Champion for all duets/trios in Division 1.  Woohoo Bekah and Jasmine.

Time for costume changes and a break as the girls wait their turn for their tap number: "Watch The Birdie" .  Check out the link here.  Once again, this number won a Platinum award, High Score for it's age bracket in large groups, and Grand Champion for all Large Groups in Division 1.  The girls did such a good job.

After a quick change (4 numbers) the jazz number, "Steam Heat" was next.  Again a Platinum.  And their last number was a lyrical to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and it received a Gold.  Such a fun day and it sure took me back many, many years and brought smiles to my face as I remembered these times with all of my children -- yep, even Matt.

Congrats Bekah.  AND thanks so much for letting me and Grandpa be a part of your day.  It was Grandpa's first competition and I think Jared was glad he was there --- they got to go and get sandwiches halfway through for a break.  We really had a great time and I cannot believe that you are taller than me.  Grrrr.

After the competition, Mister and I went for some dinner at The Black Star Co-Op and then on to our hotel.  It really is quite sad that on a Saturday night in Austin, I was asleep by 9.  Dang, age is creeping up on me anymore.

The next morning, we found It's A Grind Coffee House and stopped for a quick breakfast on the way to meet the family at Jumpstreet.  I had slept in and that was all we had time for -- I know, I know -- went to bed early and slept in on a holiday weekend.  What's up with that?  Once we arrived at the indoor trampoline park, things were already hoppin' --- ha ha, I'm funny today.

First up was a mechanical bull.  Yep -- and several had to give it a try.  Since it is Jon's birthday, I'll show him first.  The bull wins no matter who gives it a try.

I stand and watch for awhile thinking I will give it a try and before I can make a decision both Louis and Jen go for it.  Here are the videos of their rides:  As you can tell, if you don't have shorts on, well you don't last long.  When Jen's turn ended, she told me not to try.  It hurt more than it should and so my decision was made.

After the bull, Oh yeah --- it is on.  Highlight was Jen scoring on Mister when he was away picking up another puck that had fallen off the table.  What a cheater.  HA HA

It was time to play -- thus Mommy/Daughter time.  That only lasts so long and I am exhausted and move on to just photographing others.  Seems that is the smarter way to go. The tramps are a great time though and everyone gets into it throughout our two hours here.

I manage to catch the birthday boy just before he falls into the pit.  After a short time, everyone needs a rest and soon the whole family is at the air hockey table again.

I get talked into playing a few games of dodge ball and since we are all on the same team, we soon decimate the other side and so I jump ship and go to help them out.  I am no sooner there, than I am annihilated by a previous team member who has come all the way to the center line to blast me with the ball.  Drat.

There is a small arcade to kill time during rests and absorb any extra quarters that may be lurking in purses or pockets.  Bekah and Josh are racing as I climb on the back of Bek's bike.  Now she really has to drive as I don't have a clue what to do.  We manage to still do okay and she gets 8th place high score on the machine.  Not too bad with an old lady on back.

After the two hours are up, it is time to focus on Jon.  He wants seafood for lunch and we locate The Catfish Parlor in Georgetown, which is on the way north again.  We take our time and enjoy a leisurely lunch before climbing back into the cars for the drive back to Jen's house.  Jon and his friend, Bemica, climb in with us and we play word games all the way back.  It was great to watch them get creative with language and use "ten dollar" words.

 We arrive back at the house before Jen and play a game of Blokus with the boys while we wait.  Jon wins the game which seems fitting since it is his day --- and he won fair and square too.  He simply outplayed us.  Soon, the rest of the family arrives with his birthday cake and the celebration really gets going.  All the candles are out in a single blow -- not sure he even took the time to make a wish.

Gifts are next -- I love that HE loves cards.  He opens them first and just giggles away at the ones we give him.  I couldn't decide on one, so put two in there.   The second one has stinky scratch and sniffs --- great face here isn't it?  Mister has found a great stunt kite for Jon that doesn't have rods and once Jon figures out what it is, he is all smiles.

His gift from his parents is a new 243 rifle.  He has just finished his hunter safety class and is excited for the chance to learn to shoot.  As soon as we have had our cake, he and Dad leave for the range to sight it in and give it a whirl.

Mister and I stay for a little while visiting with Jen, but soon realize that it is getting late and we still have to drive to Dallas tonight.  It is time to go, but it has been a great 2 days with family.  I am always astounded by how old my grands are getting --- really Jon --- 12???  My goodness, where have the years gone?  We love ya tons.