Reunions, Brisket, and Longhorn Caverns

For the last 16 years we have had a family reunion at my Grandparents house in Marble Falls, TX, about an hour outside of Austin. Normally it is held the last weekend in June, but Marble Falls was under water that weekend. My Grandparents postponed it until last weekend so they could dry out, redo the back room from the flood damage, and so we could actually cross roads that were previously impassible to get to their house.

We missed a few family members but still had fun. My sister and her family came and our kids always have fun playing together. You could give them a pile of dirt and they would be happy. Luckily, Grandpa had one so all was good.



Here are a few shots from a huge sunflower patch in one of their fields. That little bug posed for several minutes while I snapped away.






Aside from devouring tasty brisket, chicken, and all the sides in various colors, we spent time visiting with some family that we only see once a year, watched our dogs play, and took the kids to Longhorn Caverns. These caverns are about 20 minutes away from my Grandparents house and it was my first time to go. I know! I can't believe it either! It's no Carlsbad but still an underground wonder with a great history of safe havens for bank robbers, Indians, and a speakeasy. I love caves, caverns, and even basements. I'm not sure why I like basements so much. Maybe because I like the private seclusion and quietness that comes with it.

Here are some of my favorite photos from Longhorn Caverns. I was unable to locate my battery charger before the trip so I burned through 18 AA batteries in about an hour and missed a few shots while changing out the pack. I was the caboose in the tour and the guide was very nice about letting me shoot while juggling batteries and holding up the others. There are still some photos I want to go back and get. The way the rocks formed in there are truly amazing.








These photos don't really show all of the visual beauty of Longhorn Caverns. You should go check them out for yourself. It has been years since I have visited any other caverns and I plan on making it back again to all of them around Central Texas very soon.

A Fun and Busy Weekend

Last week my parents moved into a new house after selling my childhood abode. I only spent twelve years there, but they woke up almost every morning in that house for twenty-eight years. It was a little sad to see all of the furniture gone, my Dad mowing the yard for the last time, me taking home the old wooden tree swing with the rusted chain, and taking one last family photo with my parents, my sister and her family, and my wife and kids.



Twenty-eight years of memories. All of those memories make up who I was, who I am now, and who I aim to be. There were many happy times in that home. My parents are wonderful people who always made sure we knew what was important in life - faith, love, kindness, honesty, and compassion to name a few.

We are all comprised of more than just the DNA we are given. We are the end results of two people who decide to bring life into this world. We should all want our children to be wiser, stronger, and capable of doing things we only dream about. My parents are no exception. Thank you for all that you taught me over the years and for always being there when I needed you most. And thank you for the great childhood memories. I'll sure miss that house.



But I am definitely ready to go down the slide again into your new pool! Wahoooooooo!