Chickens!

We got our girls a few weeks ago. I can't even remember when we got them, or how old they are now. The last time we got chicks I was more thoughtful. But don't worry...our new girls are happy, healthy, and all around in good spirits. 

We have quite a few more hens this run.  We started with 14 and lost two. 
12 is a fair number.  Only, I absolutely love having chickens and I might squeeze in a few more.  Here's a run down of what we have:

Black Australorp
Barred Plymouth Rock
Americauna
Rhode Island Red

We bought one hen house and Mr. Foy made the other.  That crafty farmer took our un-used dog kennel and transformed it into the Playhen Mansion.

I think tomorrow we're picking up a rooster from a gal in town. 
Another reason for our neighbors to question our sanity.

 We kept the chicks in a tote (with a heater) in the garage until they got large enough to move into the chicken tractor.  We moved them into the larger coop just as soon as it was finished.

 

Outings 2

I took a day off last week. 

While the big kids were in school, Rachel and I enjoyed an afternoon at Zilker Park, in Austin, with our new friends. 

We met up for lunch at Whole Foods.  The Austin version is the size of a super walmart and is loaded with tasties and characters. 
We sat outside and ate our conscious meals while our preschoolers made the hipsters nervous (priceless).

Then we caravaned over to the park for a ride on the Zilker Zephyr.

Music is everywhere in Austin...even at the park!

Outings 1

Before our beloved "Uncle Dave" left we spent the day in Austin. 

We roamed through the Austin Zoo then took a walk through south Congress (downtown). 

We rounded our day off with a generous meal at the Spaghetti Warehouse
(like the Spaghetti Factory only waaaaay better).

Love Day

I was completly ok with letting Valentine's day slip past this year. I'm still beat from the move (and prob. always will be).

In times past I've made a "to-do" of the day. Complete with special, heart-felt gifts for the Littles, a decorated home and a traditional baked-goodie of sorts.

This year, I figured classroom celebrations could be sufficient for the Littles.
guilt ensued.

Gratefully, Mr. Foy and the Gigi came to my rescue. 
Those two SAVED Valentines day!

Mr. Foy insisted that we go out to dinner and celebrate our marraige.
And the Gigi prepared a sweet party for her grand babies (complete with v-day cakes and gifts).

So, after a day of painting a brown fence (project homestead) I put myself together for my hot date. 
Mr. Foy informed me that he had to go out and get more paint while I got ready.  He came home with a bouquet of beautiful pink tulips...instead of paint.

God bless that man!

The sentiment brought me to tears.

This was the best I could do for gettin' cute.

That night the two of us enjoyed a meal at Monument Cafe and a stroll downtown.
My heart is full.

Our First Visitor

We've been hangin' out with THIS guy all week.



We've spent our time with Dave just sitting

around the house, eating and chatting about life.

We asked Dave what he wanted to see while he was here in Texas.

He replied that he didn't come here to see anything.

He came here to see us.

We love him!

The littles have been rocking his world.

They love Uncle Dave.

He leaves tomorrow.

But I'm sure we'll all belligerently beg him to stay forever.



Home Improvements

We've been spending our days busily repairing our new abode.  Honestly, the work has been done soley by Mr. Foy (I'm occupied cleaning poop diapers and making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, remember).

Here are some shots of Mr. Foy painting the outside. 

She was a drab gray and we spruced her up with a fresh, minty, earthy green and a warm chocolate brown.

*side note- having a painter for a husband (or a husband as a painter) comes in handy. Up next, Mr. Foy gets to refinish the kitchen and laundry room cabinets.

He can hardly wait ;)





show off



Before & After



Before

After









Laundromat

I've fallen in Love...with the laundromat.

The laundromat is the magical place where a

mama like me (with a house FULL of dirty clothes)

can get them all clean at ONCE!

12 loads = 1 washatopia experience

My sweet little washer and dryer cannot keep up on the demands.

Washatopia is like Disneyland for this weary mama.



*forgive this phone pic*



Every once in a while I drop the Littles off with the Gigi and

drag Mr. Foy along for a hot date...at the laundromat.



A perfect afternoon at the Washatopia. It was Freezing that day as we enjoyed warm beverages, big screen tv's and good conversation...all while every article of Foy clothing is given another chance.



Lake Georgetown

I felt like a family nature walk was about due. So, last Saturday we went down the street to Lake Georgetown.  Yes, this beautiful lake is just down the road and we had yet to explore it.

I imagined the Littles frolicking along the trail, finding bugs and soaking up the spirit of exploration.  But, I must've lost my mind because it didn't go down like that at all.
Instead, all 3 girl whimpered, cried and even balled ginormous tears as we tortured them with nature and exercise. 

Dave and I still had a great time. This spot is so beautiful and offers such a great trail that even toddler tantrums cannot corrupt.

What about Nathan? Well, let's just say we don't call him "Nate the Great" for nothin'.

Snow Day...yup, Texas Snow!