THE TWO CALS DISCOVER LADY BIRD'S WILDFLOWER CENTER

One of the best things ever to happen to Austin is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where they have done extensive research on our native plants in each part of Texas, have lots of wonderful demonstration gardens, host art shows and plant sales, teach classes, and have one of the best/worst (if you are trying to be frugal) gift shops in the world. Then there's the cafe, a beautiful aqueduct system, and a stone tower with the best views around. It's also a great place for kids and, since it's only about five minutes from my daughter's house, we arranged a play date there for the two Cals. Here is a brief sampling of their adventures:

Do you see the giant bird nests behind the far mosaic wall?

Tweet-Tweet! One little birdie, sharing with the other.

Apparently none of the public parks they take Big Cal to in Cincinnati have sand boxes, so they weren't sure what he would think about this giant sand pit. He LOVED it. Could've stayed there all day! Little Cal was happy to just sit and observe, which was fine with us since, the first time we put his mama in a sandbox with bare feet, she totally freaked out.

The most surprising event of the day?

Running into old friend Nurse Nellie (from back in our Bahrain days) and her grandson Wyatt, who just happened upon us in the sandpit. Nellie told me that later, when they got home, Wyatt said, "Wow! There were a lot of Calvins at the park today!"

All this, and perfect weather too! In January.