Swim Lessons at AquaTots!

I love a good Groupon, but never more so than when it manages to be both a.) for Ava, and b.) something I had on my "to buy" list anyway, therefore saving me money rather than making me spend extra money! That's why, when my inbox pinged and I saw a Groupon for savings on local swim lessons, I just knew it was fated that I enroll Ava ASAP.

Some of you may remember our pool incident from late last summer. Since, teaching her to swim with the same level of skill as she has confidence has become priority number one, especially given the amount of time we spend at the pool over the summer (a season that technically should start around March in Texas...).

Enter AquaTots Swim School.

We purchased four lessons per the Groupon's specifications, and so far we've completed three of them. I was uncertain how she'd react since I don't go in the water with her, but we talked it up, bought her a new swimsuit, and she took to it like, well, a fish to water! She absolutely loves the mornings we go to swim lessons, and looks forward to it all week long!

As for the school itself, I'm so impressed with the set up and facility. I've accompanied children to swim lessons as Westwood Country Club, obviously quite a nice place, as well as at Crenshaw's (great indoor pool but little viewing area for parents), and I would say that I prefer AquaTots to both! Aside from the indoor, heated pool, the entire facility is dedicated to the large pool (for older swim lessons where children don't have parents with them, aka ours), a baby pool for infants and parents to take lessons, and the locker room, with a little display of things they use in lessons that you can buy for at-home use. As such, there are a number of things that make AquaTots a stellar facility for children's swim lessons. On of my favorite - and the only reason I can sneak in some decent pictures! - is that parents sit in comfy chairs on the other side of an all-glass wall. Pretty awesome! I have a full view of what she's learning and am able to lend an extra eye, and she feels like I'm an active part without me having to throw a swimsuit on in public - win, win!

And for only three lessons, she's learned a ton. They've done simple things, like "monkey walk" alongside the pool wall and climb out on their own using elbow-elbow-tummy, and they've done things like supergirl arms to get her comfortable with elementary swim skills and starfish floating. So far, I'm impressed!

Wordless Wednesday: Storytime with Ms. Ava!

Things to Do in Austin: Cathedral of Junk.

Despite all the sightseeing we do in our own city, it seems that there is always somewhere left I want to explore and show to Ava. The Cathedral of Junk was one such place that we'd yet to go but that I had always wanted to, so off we went one drizzly afternoon last week while in the area.

The Cathedral of Junk is described as "the ongoing art installation of Austin, Texas resident Vince Hanneman (aka the Junk King), who sine 1989 has been collecting thousands of discarded objects and turning them into a giant cathedral of junk." 

Though initially just Hanneman's artistic whim, it has become a major tourist attraction in South Austin, located just South of 290 and South 1st Street, in the St. Elmo neighborhood, drawing Austinites and out-of-towners alike to the mass sculpture creation.

We unfortunately were unclear on the details of how it worked, so we showed up on a day when Hanneman was not home to let us take an up close and personal peek, and had to view it from outside the gate instead. On days when Hanneman is at home (you can call ahead at 512-299-7413), you can tour the inside and the backyard in detail - something we'll be back to do ASAP!

In the meantime, check out the Cathedral of Junk as viewed from the street and gate:

The Cathedral of Junk is located at 4422 Lareina Street, Austin 78745. 

A Winter Wonderland!

This past weekend, we attended birthday parties from A-Z (no, literally - we celebrated with birthday girls with A & Z names!), and they were so beautifully done I just had to share.

On Saturday, we went down to Gorgeous Millie to celebrate the second birthday of one of the little ones I work with. Gorgeous Millie is a locally-owned cooperative, teacher-led playgroup, and has to have one of the most beautiful spaces for children I've ever been in. The walls are etched with gold flowers, the furniture is comfortable - an anomaly amongst children's venues! - and every little area is well thought out to encourage constructive and imaginative play. I honestly cannot say enough good things!

Anyhow, we arrived at Gorgeous Millie to see the space transformed into a winter wonderland! Ava even wore a Christmas-y dress for the occasion (and so mama could get another use out of it - it's one of my faves!):

Walking in a Winter Wonderland:

I mean, seriously, how adorable are those details? I particularly loved that the hot cocoa bar also had Prosecco as an option, and the donut and milk snowmen? Divine! 

In case the decor and food wasn't adorable enough, there were also winter crafts and a face painter on hand,which Ava took full advantage of!

One satisfied birthday party patron!

Happy, happy birthday to A! We had an amazing time!!!

Things to Do in Austin: Four Seasons' Lobby Gingerbread Village

Have I mentioned lately how much I adore living in Austin? I thought so. Anyhow, though this post is about a week and a half behind, I just had to share how awesome the Four Seasons Gingerbread Village was while in town. Each year, the lobby of the Four Seasons decks its halls (they have an elf, too!) for hotel patrons and Austinites alike, including a Gingerbread recreation of some local landmarks. Pretty awesome idea, right? 

The Four Seasons Gingerbread Village is created by local pastry chefs, and represents some of our most famous local landmarks, as well as some favorite food spots (and of course the Four Seasons itself!) The village runs during the month of December through New Year's Eve, before auctioning off the houses for charity. If you missed it this year, rest assured it'll be back in December - I highly recommend paying a visit!

Hidden Gems in Austin: Lost Creek Park.

If you've yet to visit Lost Creek Park in West Austin, off Lost Creek Blvd and Highway 360, you're definitely missing out. Having been to this gem of a park as a nanny years ago, I knew of its existence for years, but rarely had cause to be in that part of town. Now that I'm spending a bit more time there these days, I finally made time to make it over there a few weeks back, and am so glad that I did.

Aside from the two playscapes there (one aimed at the little ones and one more towards school-aged kiddos), they've added a rope scape (is that a word? If not, TM!) that Ava was enthralled with and spent most of her time on! There is also a covered shelter with a BBQ pit readily available, as well as restrooms, water fountains and a fenced perimeter - what more could you want?

You can find Lost Creek Park at 1305 Quaker Ridge Dr, Austin 78746, at the intersection of Lost Creek Blvd and Quaker Ridge Dr. 

Wordless Wednesday: Troublemaker.

I left her alone for thirty seconds, and when I walked into the house, she was clothed. Doh.