Monday afternoon, my wife and I took our kids to the Zilker Botanical Gardens, and I was reminded of how blessed I really am to be self-employed and homeschooling our children. My friends in corporate jobs don't often get the opportunity to spend a few hours on a weekday enjoying nature and family time. Frankly, I am ready to return soon to the gardens, especially since we didn't get a chance to see the whole thing this time.
Since my last visit, which was over a year ago, they have opened a new section called the "Prehistoric Garden". The kids were highly excited about this, so we spent quite a bit of time in that area. I only saw one dinosaur statue, although I must admit I was expecting to see more of them.
According to the garden website: "In 1992, amateur paleontologists discovered dinosaurs once roamed the grounds of Zilker Botanical Garden. More than 100 tracks made by six or seven reptiles along with the bones of an ancient turtle were found." Cool stuff.
They also recently added some large and colorful butterfly-shaped benches, which made for plenty of photo ops.
My wife is very knowledgeable about....well, about everything, it seems. Last week, we had a date night at the Blanton Museum and she taught me about art. This week, she taught all of us about some of the different plants there in the garden. She is also the resident entomologist in our home, and the IT department.
One of my favorite parts at Zilker is the rose garden. For me, it is evocative of the grounds of a country estate, perhaps something owned by royalty. We literally took time to smell the roses while we were there, and the most memorable one had a light peach scent.
Near the rose garden, there is a cupola which once graced the top of Austin's first public school many years ago. Our two-year old called it "the little house" and she kept asking to go into the little house repeatedly, until she saw a wasp in there and decided that perhaps the little house was overrated.
There is a wooden footbridge which sits over a pond with water lillies, and it sincerely reminds me of a Monet painting. We had our portrait taken there years ago for some marketing materials. Since Monet is one of my very favorite artists, this spot is one of my favorite places in town.
My son found a very large leaf, perhaps from a banana tree, that he brought home with him. He even made me take a picture of it for prosperity's sake, although I didn't include it here.
There is plenty of shade and the winding trails make for some good exercise, especially when you have a tired six-year old girl on your shoulders.
Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the gardens during a visit to town. If you live in Austin and you haven't had a chance to check it out, make some time.
Their website lists hours and gives more details on the grounds: http://www.zilkergarden.org/index.html.
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I have been working as a full-time Austin area Realtor since January 1997. My years of experience serve me well as the broker and co-owner of Austin Texas Homes, LLC, which began operations in 2004.
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That looks like such a neat place! 'Didn't know you home-schooled the kids... guess I missed too many of your posts. I'm seeing more and more of this, and lots of wonderful adventures kids are havin that probably wouldn't ever happen in public schools. Thanks for sharing the photos. Enjoyed this!
You are truly blessed! I am enjoying your blog every day.
Jason, As busy as it seems you are, that was probably a well needed break.
Now get back to work and
Have a Fabulous Real Estate Day!
Anona
Looks like a nice place. If I ever get to that part of the country, I would definitely put on my list of places to see. Up here, we have a place nearby called Longwood Gardens,
Jason, I really enjoyed this post. YOu managed to get Gardens, Gratefulness and family into one localism post and it all flowed together quite nicely.
My son 2 1/2 year old son Zander is sitting on my lap while I type this comment. He enjoyed seeing the picture of your young children. He doesn't like the fact that I am typing this comment now, because he can't see the pic., so I gotta go so we can scroll up to see the picture again.:-)
Looks like a really cool place Jason.
Jason, I love the hats. You are right in being blessed to spend time with your children. I look at time with my father as a child and it was almost non-existent. I sure don't want that for my children. I am with you aand spend as much time as possible. Even if is watching them swing in the backyard or plant some seeds. Great job and congratulations on being there.
Jason,
Nice family days are priceless experiences...looks like you had a great time...We visited Glen Rose in Texas...a great dinosaur park and wild animal exhibit...not too far from you...northwest, I think!!! Check it out, Fran
Beautiful scenery and love those hats!!!!! Looks like you had a great time!
Susan
Jason sounds like you and your family had a wonderful day. The gardens look really neat and the photo's make me wish I could pull out my summer clothes!! Perhaps someday I'll make it Austin and see them for myself!!
Hey Jason, thanks so much for this and similar posts. I LOVE seeing you showing (and teaching) other agents that family MUST be part of our overall life plan. Too many agents find out too late that they've neglected the very people they purport to be working for. These kind of posts show it can and should be a priority.
PS. nice legs man.
Jason - It looks like you guys had a great afternoon. The ability to be flexible in our schedules is without a doubt one of the greatest perks we have. Great looking family.
That's pretty cool that dinosaur bones were found on the site. And it was a great idea for them to memorialize that find, in the park. I would imagine that once they get a few more dinosaur statues, the public appeal with dramatically increase.
Ok, Jason buddy, I love ya but you must make time this summer to get some sun! hahahaha....
Sounds like a great time! It is one of the things that is cool about setting our own schedules.
My sister lived in Austin for several years and sent me this pic from the same place.
I would love to have a botanical gardens near by. These are some great photos and your family is just so beautiful!
Vanessa's sister's photo is awesome! I have a 6 yr old who will be amazed in the morning when I come back and show her the human butterfly!
Jason, this looks like a wonderful time! I am sorry we didn't get to meet your children this time around! Maybe next time. We all appreciated the effort it took for you and Pam to be there...counting on sitters isn't always a sure thing! Pam seems to have great control of her situation and your children will benefit from mom schooling them instead of fighting in the public system.
You are very lucky and very blessed and of course, your family is too!
I will look forward to reading you often and Later in the rain~Deb
What a beautiful family, inside and out! You are such a good dad! Thanks for sharing! That butterfly frame is really cool!
Jason,
I know that this is a family friendly page, but if you ever get the chance, post some 6th street photos! I miss the fun and excitment of Austin! Maybe some photos of Lake Travis? :)
Jason - looks like a great park!!! My wife and I are definately going to check that out next time we roll through Austin!