Happy Mother's Day

to the reason I became a mother... my oldest. We are celebrating his birthday this weekend as his birthday is on Monday. How appropriate as I spent my first Mother's Day giving birth to him. Somehow celebrating his birthday has been all the celebration I need for Mother's Day, and gives my heart a deep, contented smile. Fortunately for me, he is a boy after his mother's own heart (in some ways because he's definitely a boy after his father's own heart, as well), and LOVES adventure. Which is why we spent his birthday with a sleepover and kayaking in the morning at our favorite place at Barton Springs, Zilker Park Boat Rentals.

Yes, I survived a sleepover with six boys. I need a t-shirt which says just that.

And they're off!

Shawners

 While this is how he started out, he graduated to rowing in his own kayak this time! Go Shawners!

 Tons of turtles! Shawners caught two baby turtles before I could stop him. I made sure he washed his hands well.

Pretty birds on Town Lake aka Lady Bird Lake

 An under the bridge stop.

 The one on the left actually did climb up there and jump down while I prayed the whole time--especially because that concrete divide drops down five feet and goes out about five feet on either side, so Brando made sure he jumped beyond that.

 Love this.

 Colors of the kayaks--my favorite.

 Brando and I.

 My favorite view on the river--the Austin skyline.

 Austin has a ton of pianos around the city right now that random people sit down and play. This guy was singing, as well, and it sounded amazing. Absolutely loved being serenaded on the river with a piano, while kayaking--what an amazing experience!

 My early Mother's Day present from Brando--this is how I spent the entire time when I wasn't taking pictures.

 See the pretty swan swimming among the boys?

 Justinbustin and his best friend kayaking in front, while his other friends and Shawners were catching turtles. I love the lighting in the creek that feeds into the main part of Town Lake--an extra treat when you rent from this place.

The lighting makes for gorgeous pictures that I love

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing, beautiful mothers out there that make this world go round!