A Weekend in Austin, Texas

Saturday morning, I hopped a plane to Austin, Texas for a short two-day trip.  My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, nieces and step-sister all live there, so when Robbie's band plays there and I can find a way to make it a semi-business trip for myself, it becomes a very convenient, practical, and affordable getaway to one of my favorite cities.  I was especially grateful to get to go this time because my sister-in-law ran the Boston Marathon last week, and all of the little kids were there when the tragedy occurred (as I shared in more detail here).  Knowing that I'd get to hug them extra tight after what they'd just experienced sealed the deal on this trip for me.

I only brought a small carry-on, so there wasn't room for my camera, but I made sure to snap a few photos with my phone.  We didn't get to do a lot because I was there for such a short time, but it was really nice to get to hang out with family, see my husband after a couple of weeks apart, play in the sunshine with the kids, and do some quick exploring on Monday before it was time to board my Chicago-bound plane. Oh, and eat deep fried avocado tacos. Yep.

I'll admit that I've been insanely tired since I got back Monday night (two flights in 48 hours, an overall lack of sleep, and four energetic kids between the ages of three and eleven will do that to you), but sometimes a fast, last-minute weekend trip can be the best kind of trip.  There's so much less planning and stress involved, and if you can stay with friends or family and plan a work meeting or two while you're visiting, it can be infinitely more cost-effective too.  If you can make it happen in one of your favorite places, even better.  Austin is such a great town.  I used to move from state to state every couple of years, and I've reached a place in my life where I'm content with the roots I've put down here in Chicago, but Austin is definitely on my "I'll maybe live here someday" list.  In the meantime, it sure does make for the perfect weekend getaway.