We just got back from spending a couple weeks in big, beautiful Texas. I could not wait to see it with my own eyes ... and it did not disappoint. I admit, it was slightly different than what I had imagined (dust, brown everything, and the Ewings). I could not get over the terrain. It was so flat I felt I could see a million miles! (In fact, we saw an actual tornado during our trip! I was too petrified to take pictures!) The flatness of the landscape let me see pastures that didn't seem to have an end. It was nothing but breathtaking.
I also fell in love with the stone! Both of the neighborhoods in which we are interested have many older homes built of stone. I have always wanted to live in a stone house.
We spent one day over the holiday weekend at Lake Travis. The water is such a beautiful color! I cannot wait to spend more time here, exploring all the banks and tiny islands and the wildlife. It would not take much to convince us to live on the lake...
Y'all know we ate good.
Looks like we've found a new home!
Welcome! I can't wait to see my home state through your eyes!
Posted by: Anna Jenkins | June 03, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Welcome, where exactly did you end up? I am hoping Georgetown because it is tooo cute!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 03, 2011 at 08:17 AM
When are you guys moving this way? I live about an hour from the Dallas area. We love it here!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 03, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Texas is a wonderful place to live - (no partiality here!!) No, none at all. =) Born and reared in Texas, lived here all my life! Hope you love it as well! Your beautiful children are growing up so fast - adorable!!! Question - was the barbecue place you ate at happen to be Salt Lick? Just wondering - have been wanting to eat there ever since we saw it on "Man vs. Food"!!
Happy Friday! I have to agree with Anna, I'm looking forward to "seeing" Texas through your eyes!
Posted by: Lynn | June 03, 2011 at 09:43 AM
So happy to hear from you! And so happy for you all. Everything looks breathtaking! I'm sure every move is an adjustment, but from seeing the pictures, I'm sure this one will be exciting too.
Posted by: Ashley | June 03, 2011 at 09:51 AM
I've always wanted to live in Texas, you know. Guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you now. That does mean you will need to blog more though.
Posted by: Julie, the Mama | June 03, 2011 at 09:55 AM
wow. you really do look on the positive side of things. I absolutely admire that. I shall have to call you Pollyanna!
x
Posted by: sadie | June 03, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I am glad you blogged again! I like following :) Good luck with Texas! My cousin lives there and LOVES it!
Posted by: Amber | June 03, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I'm glad ya'll had a great visit to your new home state! I vote for living near a lake! :) Sounds terrific in this heat! Good luck on packing and moving! You all come back soon..ya' hear! :)
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | June 03, 2011 at 01:29 PM
I too am looking forward to seeing Texas through your posts:your posts from Georgia have really helped grow a love in my heart for The South, it's people and traditions, that I've been fascinated with since I was a little girl- If I ever get to the States on holiday I know where I'd love to tour!. I too love the idea of a stone house(they remind me of Miss Lavender's cottage in "Anne of Avonlea"!)-they are certainly not in abundance where we reside!!
Praying for a smooth transition for you and yours.
Claire
Posted by: Heart Reflections Live | June 03, 2011 at 02:07 PM
I'm an Okie from the North but daughter lives in Dallas...Texas is beautiful. Has so many things to do and see. You won't be bored that's for sure....Just wait until the Texas State Fair comes in the Fall. I've never been but have heard a lot about it. Be sure and post pics when you get moved so that we can see that stone house you're yearning for.
Posted by: Ketha Verzani | June 03, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Oh my, our son is so big, it seem like just yesterday he was an infant.
Posted by: MaryBeth | June 03, 2011 at 05:53 PM
You will LOVE living in Texas! I was born and raised here and just recently got married and am moving to DC! I'm so sad to leave :-( I went to college at Baylor in Waco which isn't far from Austin...it's a beautiful area!!! Have SO MUCH FUN! I can't wait to read more about your Texas adventures!!!
Posted by: Mallorie | June 03, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Dearest Katie,
I am thrilled to hear and see that Texas has been a good experience! Your line about an old stone house sounds heavenly to me. What a fun new adventure for you and that sweet family. Your babies are gorgeous as ever. I'm loving how much they look alike.
I'm praying for you sweet friend!
Posted by: Maria | June 03, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Katie~ I have been following your blog for years..somehow I stubbled upon it thru a link somewhere. I am a TEXAN..and I was born and raised here. I live about 54 miles west of Austin near Fredericksburg. You will LOVE it here...but we have more Hill Country than flat land. Its amazing!
Also, the "stone" you are talking about is called Limestone (white-ish) there is also Austin-stone (its more rusty orange) and its native. I hope the best for you and your family!! Welcome to Tejas!
Posted by: Tori Faulkner | June 03, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Congratulations from Katie to another! I know you'll make your new home just as darling as your last and can't wait to read all about it. Any luck on selling the house yet? If only it was in Virginia-- I'd buy it in a second! :)
Posted by: Katie Tardiff | June 04, 2011 at 07:15 AM
Oh. I think I am the only one that is sad to see you move :-( Everything looks really pretty and I am sure you will love it. Just make sure to get a storm shelter for those tornados. And I will come visit and eat bbq and steaks. The food may win me over in the end. But maybe you should get me some of those shells, too. That might help ease the pain.
Posted by: Kelly Jo | June 04, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Beautiful pictures Katie!! What an adventure! I sure would love to hear more. :) Is your GA house sold yet? Best wishes as you continue down this exciting new path!!! So good to get a little glimpse of your life lately! xoxo
Posted by: Bri | June 04, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Wow, LOVE the stone houses!! I cannot wait to see what you find in Texas and make it your own-so fun!!
It was great meeting you at Ikea today!! Such a random run-in...
Elise
Posted by: Elise | June 04, 2011 at 11:44 PM
You all are going to LOVE Texas! We live in Dallas and never want to move ;-) We can't wait to welcome you to our super fun and diverse state!! Love.Love.LOVE your sweet blog!
XOXO
Posted by: Madison's Mommy | June 06, 2011 at 12:38 PM
So glad you had a good trip! I know you can make a beautiful home no matter where you live. :)
Posted by: Mandi | June 07, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Wonderful pictures of what looks like a very fun visit! Texas is just beautiful, or at least it looks like it :) I can't wait to visit Texas vicariously through reading your blog! I know you must be crazy busy getting ready for the big move.
Posted by: Carrie Mizell | June 07, 2011 at 01:41 PM
That's wonderful! I'm so glad that you & your family are so smitten with your new home.
Posted by: Kim | June 09, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Can't wait to have you here! If you were at Salt Lick (which is what it looked like to me), then you were only about 15 minutes from my house! Be sure and call next time you're here (hopefully for good!) and I'll treat you to some sweet tea and a tour of Austin...
Amy
Posted by: Amy in Austin | June 09, 2011 at 06:22 PM
I stumbled upon your blog (I can't remember from where!) & see that you're moving to Austin! I grew up in Austin & moved back after college in Lubbock. It's an amazing city & I know you'll LOVE it!!
Posted by: Stephanie | June 14, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Yay!!! You're back!! I hope Texas is as wonderful as everyone says it is! =)
Posted by: Marti | June 16, 2011 at 07:46 PM