Austin, TX (USA)

Everyone was awake by 0900. We ate breakfast at the hotel and headed out of town (I-10 to I-410 to I-35) around 1000. Major rain had been forecasted, so I was particularly interested in getting home before it hit I-35. Mollie was navigator at the beginning - and she looked around at the many signs and buildings with a great deal of interest. She likes being up front as much as Brenna... It occurred to me suddenly that Austin traffic might be horrible (where the Longhorns at home this week?). I scanned the radio stations all the way into the city and couldn't figure out where the game was until Erin suddenly called out that she could see a field of burnt orange in the stadium - it was a home game! Luckily, the game had already begun and only stragglers made up the little traffic we encountered. The girls wanted to know what the score was - and we learned that Texas was losing (everyone was sad). We made very good time after that and stayed ahead of the weather. We checked out one of the Safety Rest Areas south of Temple (first time we've stopped at one). It was nice - tornado shelters, bathrooms and a playground. On our way again, the kids ate a late lunch in the car (we brought food). As we passed Waco, the National Weather Service announcements began on the radio. I got a little nervous as they listed off towns just north of our home - but it wasn't raining on our car until around the time we hit Fort Worth (1430). We arrived home in time to empty the car before a huge downpour began. Everyone was in good spirits from the trip, though - Mollie was oblivious to the rain as she played with her new beluga, Luna...