Enroll This Kid in Gymnastics! from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.

**As you can see it is getting more difficult to get Dean to sit for a photo shoot. Matt did the best he could while flying solo

We set out on Saturday morning and made the 4 hour drive with out any stops! Go Dean! After arriving in Austin we searched out Trudy’s Tex Mex for lunch. Trudys was recommended by several of our friends and we had to try it. The food was great. They are famous for their Mexican Martini but it was a little early for me to start in on the drinks so we opted for tea. Matt had a heavenly stuffed avocado, I enjoyed delicious brisket tacos and Dean gobbled down tons to queso, beans and rice. We left the restaurant one very satisfied family.

After a little rest time at the hotel we set out for central Austin and our friends Stuart and Kelly’s house. We had the opportunity to meet their youngest son Winfield (1) for the first time and see their ever beautiful daughter Murphy (4). Murphy quickly shared the plan for the evening and encouraged everyone to get into their swimsuits so we could head to the pool. We relaxed at the Elks Lodge pool lazily swimming and enjoying yummy pina coladas. After we felt fully water logged and hungry we headed to Mighty Fine Burgers. Mighty Fine is an Austin only joint. The burgers and fries were delicious and hit our hungry spot. After a long day our babies were ready to turn into pumpkins so we said good by to the Sampley family and headed for our hotel.

Once back at he hotel we had to work to get Dean ready for bed. This was Dean’s first time in a hotel and was rather an exciting experience. It has been a long time since we have all slept in the same room. Thankfully Dean did great and enjoyed a restful night in his very own big bed. Matt and I on the other hand closely cuddled together in our own double bed – much smaller than our bed at home.

Sunday morning brought even more fun. Matt had arranged for us to have a wonderful breakfast at the hotel. It was so relaxing to wonder downstairs, eat a delicious breakfast and leisurely return to our room to get ready for the day. Now, only in Texas and especially Austin could your child eat a Belgian waffle in the shape of our great state!

Our morning adventure involved taking Dean to the Texas State Capitol. He loved running through the lawn, marching up and down the stairs and I’m quite certain he felt a deep seated desire to run for Senate. He loved the rotunda and how high the ceiling stretched above him. While outside the building Dean played with the cannons, adored the horse statues and tried to swim in the fountain. He also found it very important to point out very bus that passed by. Let me tell you, downtown Austin has a lot of buses!

After playing we headed to Kirby Lane Cafe to meet up with Myra, Patrick, Morgandy (almost 4), and Bretton (5 mo.). I was so excited to see my friend! We haven’t seen each other face to face since October when DT and I were invited to Florida. We had a fabulous time catching up, enjoying lunch, and just being together. I loved having the opportunity to cuddle with Bretton. He is such a sweet, happy little boy. I even got to rock him to sleep and have him lay quietly in my arms for a moment. Ah, such joy! This was while Morgandy and Dean were running around the patio with their daddies. They gave Myra and I time to finish our meals and talk a bit longer. It was so nice to sit with my friend and talk face to face. Myra mentioned that we had been friends for 20 years! There are not many people who can say that they are still friends with someone they went to middle school with. I am thankful for our friendship and that no matter how long it’s been we can always pick back up where we left off.

After our lunch we only had a short amount of time before needing to head back to Dallas. We were invited over to Joe and Kim’s house to play. Dean made himself at home at their kitchen children’s table which was set with crayons and coloring books. I think he enjoyed having a work space that was just his size. We know just the gift to Dean in the coming months! After a few photo ops it was time for our relaxing weekend to end, time to come back to reality.

I have decided that we will make a “Back to School Overnighter” a Hopkins’ Family tradition. It was the perfect thing to keep me out of the school and my mind off of work before the students come back. Thanks Myra and Patrick for the perfect excuse to come to Austin.

**Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post! I know it was long but I wanted to make sure we had a full account of our trip for memories in the years to come.**

We lucked out and made it for a childrens show that they have every Saturday. The show was simply a man and his guitar and a few puppets but Dean loved it! Matt and I enjoyed watching Dean participate in the show. After the show and some window shopping we decided it was time for lunch.

Dean had the pleasure of watching the Zamboni work on the ice rink as Matt waited in line for Dean’s Five Guys grilled cheese (utterly delicious if you were wondering). Dean was very intrigued by this “truck” that he had not seen before. He is very into cars and trucks right now so the Zamboni held his attention for a good 10 minutes (that’s a long time in toddler land). After snatching Dean’s lunch Matt and I headed to La Madeline for our own yumminess.

Dean passed out on the way home. As you can see in the picture he was quite comfortable kicking back. The Galleria was the perfect destination for our way too hot Saturday. I’m sure we’ll have more beat the heat trips this month as it doesn’t look to cool off any time soon. Until Then!

1. He had learned to climb and stand on top of EVERYTHING! He especially likes to stand up on his toys that have wheels. Can you imagine the heart attack this mama has every time he stands up, stretches out his arms and goes “Ta Da”? I called to make sure our health insurance was ready. At some time in my life I expect so spend a little time in the ER with this dare devil.

2. Art supplies make a terrific snack. Matt and I have tried to sit down with Dean on several occasions and color. Dean isn’t really interested in making marks on paper but he’s completely interested in chomping on a crayon or licking a marker. I am extremely thankful for baby wipes which seem to remove just about everything.

3. Pick, Pick… translation = let’s play the guitar. We recently worked on decorating the study and were able to hang Matt’s guitars on the wall. Since they are now visible Dean is keeping Matt in practice. Every morning and night we hear “pick, pick”. Dean truly has a love for music in his heart.

Simon Says… from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.

It works with the belly.

Today Dean was given a Texas Tech t-shirt by our dear friends the Cherrys. The members of the Cherry family are proud Texas Tech Alumni and have worked hard to teach Dean how to Wreck ‘Em. I am partial to A&M but will allow Dean to make his own choice in regards to college. In addition I have always said, “if you buy the shirt I’ll let him wear it”. They have held me to my word and now Dean is proudly sporting the Red and Black. Thank you Bill for thinking of Dean while at Brandon’s graduation. Who knows…we could be back there one day for the same.