Spring Break 2013

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Huge thanks to the Geary's for watching baby Arlo this week.  Being new parents, we are a little green.  About 3 weeks ago Amber mentioned that Arlo's daycare was closed for Spring Break.  What?!  Baby's need Spring Break?  Doubtful.  Caretakers do... 

So, with no vacation time to give, we called for reinforcements.  Arlo grew so much this week, maybe it's because we were getting to keep a closer eye on him, but he is now rolling over, reaching, grabbing, scratching, and pushing his butt up getting ready to crawl.  Watch out world, here comes another Ross.

 

Diving Sulawesi

/ Diving Sulawesi/

No, I did not just go to Indonesia, I wish...

I was fortunate enough however to have visited Indonesia twice while my not quite yet in-laws were living in Jakarta.  We visited Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2009 and I hate to say I've had this raw footage on my computer since then.  I finally had to do something with it, so here it is, simple, yet informative.  

Christmas Trees!

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I'm wanting to document the rad trees Amber has had around the house this year.  We are even more stoked to be celebrating Christmas now that Arlo is around.  This year, he will be together with his 6 cousins, I'm sure they have a lot to teach him!

Main Christmas tree in the front room.

Secondary tree showcases all our family and friend's Christmas cards.  OK, Amber put ours on top...

Arlo Fletcher's Newborn Shoot

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My very talented sister, Marian Adrian and her camera spent some time with Arlo Fletcher.  We think the results turned out great!  What do you think?  

Thanks sis!!!

Texas Monthly BBQ Festival

/ Texas Monthly BBQ Fest/

The 3rd Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival was a smoking good time.  ​21 of Texas' greatest BBQ joints hand picked by Texas Monthly came to Austin to celebrate meat.  Brisket, sausage and plenty of ribs were smoked up and attendees could sample Texas's bounty without having to pile into the wagon and hit the road.  

In my humble opinion, Lamberts from Austin had the best brisket, B​uzzies from Kerrville had the best sausage (beef and pork mixture with cheese and jalapeños) and East Texas classic Country Tavern had the best ribs.  

Some shady folks at the shady table.  Thanks to the Thornson's for a great home base.​

After stuffing my belly, our crew moved to the grass, sat in the shade, and listened to Hayes Carll and his band play.  ​

Hayes Carl rocks away the afternoon in downtown Austin, TX.​

Hayes Carll and me after the show.​

Looking forward to next year's festival.  Cheers!​

How to Play Kubb

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How to play kubb shows you exactly how I play the ancient game of Lawn Darts, Yard Chess, Throw Stick, whatever.  It can be played on grass, snow, sand, gravel, virtually anywhere.  It's great for tailgating, camping, picnics, and lazy daze in the park.  The Kubb set can be made with a saw and a trip to the hardware store, or purchased online.  It is safe for all ages.  The game can take anywhere from a few minutes, to over an hour, depending on the size of the pitch and the ability of the players.  Go ahead and play, you won't be sorry for long.

Thanks to Andrew Minnick of 9amArt.com for help shooting How to Play Kubb.

​There are resources available to buy a Kubb set, but I believe it's cheaper, and more fun, to build your own set.  Below is a DIY cut sheet and check out Built By Kids description of how they built their set.

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​​DIY Kubb set.  

​A king I made as a Christmas present.

Toyota Highlander and the Yakima Frontloader

/ Yakima Highlander and Toyota Highlander/
​Yakima Frontloader on Toyota Highlander

​Yakima Frontloader on Toyota Highlander

We recently bought a 2011 Toyota Highlander, which we are really enjoying.  But, with every new car, requires new gear.  I was looking for the best way to transport my bike, while still leaving the rear hatch accessible and landed on a roof rack by Yakima, the Frontloader.

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​However, after mounting the rack and the bike, which was fairly simple, we realized that the rear hatch cannot be opened without coming in contact with the rack.  No bueno.  ​

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​Toyota Highlander hatch to hit Yakima Frontloader

​Toyota Highlander hatch to hit Yakima Frontloader

My Mother-in-Law Linda Geary found the solution.  Flipping the rack around allows the hatch to open completely and Yakima's customer support confirmed that this was a safe way to transport your bike.​  Thanks Linda!

​Yakima Frontloader and Toyota Highlander w hatch open

​Yakima Frontloader and Toyota Highlander w hatch open

Debby and Kyle's Epic Wedding

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Congratulations ​on love found, and having an epic wedding.  Thanks for including me, I hope you don't regret it;)

Paddling the Upper Guadeloupe

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The Guadeloupe River is spring fed and begins near Kerrville, not far from the Herald E. Butts (H.E.B.) family ranch, according to our happy bus driver.  It flows from the Hill Country to the Gulf of Mexico and is host to many tubers, kayakers and anglers.  Since the Geary's moved to Spring Branch last year, we have been excited to explore the upper regions of the Guadeloupe River. With Chris and Allex in from Oklahoma, and April and Rick, we had a great crew.​

Last weekend we tackled the 4.5 mile stretch from Nichols Landing (formorly known as Specs Landing) to the 281 bridge. Water was up a little from the recent rains and flowing at 40CFS, we decided we wouldn't want to go in canoes if it were much lower than 30.  

Good times on the water.

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Happy Birthday Freedom

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​Amber and Justin Ross at Travaasa

Travaasa is the quietest place I've ever been.  I guess that is a good thing, since we are marking the end of our family count being 2.  You can be as active, or inactive at this Hill Country resort and spa, which suits us just fine.  

One of the greatest parts of Travaasa is the food.  Everything is prepared farm to table and has roughly a 250 mile range for everything on your plate.  I'm told next year they will be farming their own vegetables across the street.  That's local.  I like that.  ​

While we would be excited to go back to Travaasa Austin soon, I think I'd rather visit their Hana location next...​