Austin

Today we left about noon for Austin. We had our family portraits made with my parents on the floor of the House of Representatives. We had the kids pictures made with dad in his chair at his desk and on the Speaker's rostrum.

They always have such a great time here at the capitol. We are all so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend some real time here, getting to see and learn so much. At one point today while we were waiting for Dad on the Speaker's podium, Thomas was underneath the rostrum looking for secret buttons like in National Treasure 2...I mean if the President has a Book of Secrets then the Speaker of the House must too...right?!! He also pointed out to his sisters the "important drawer" where the Speaker keeps the extra gavels like the one he got! All politics aside for a moment (yes, I can do that occasionally!)...Tom Craddick is a very nice man. He has been very, very sweet and generous with my kids.

Dad's Chief of Staff that was with him all through the session and campaign (whom we ALL adore!) has recently gone to work for the Speaker. So, we got to visit with her too! Mandy just loves Rachael...hours later in the care out of the blue she says, "I really like Rachael." Later she asked if we could "take Rachael home with us!"

They also had to check out the composite of the 80th legislature that has Papaw's picture on it and their names listed on it! It was fun for me later when we passed some of the composites from the 11th (!) legislature, to explain that someday they can bring their grandkids to the capitol and show them Pap's picture and their names.

As we were looking at the old composites, the girls found this grate blowing air and we had a small repeat of Chicago!!

After the capitol, we all went to dinner at Bess's Bistro on 6th Street. It's Sandra Bullock's restaurant and it is AMAZING! The food was fantastic, and the restaurant is beautiful.

For dessert, we drove out South Congress to the cupcake stand. Very Austin. Silver Streamline trailer with a giant rotating cupcake in a vacant lot that sells cupcakes...

Tomorrow morning we are taking an extended tour of the capitol and then heading back home for a birthday party and to finish packing for South Padre. We leave Saturday morning for the beach!!

Blessings,

Leslie