Nick here....
After a very fun and exhausting wedding in Dallas for Dave and Elizabeth, we landed in Austin! First time for me:) We had planned on heading to Big Bend Ranch State Park, but cold front is heading in dropping the temperatures into the 20s/30s. Although we were pumped about seeing big bend, I didn't want Anna and Jackson to suffer in the cold ;) So rather than tent camping in the cold we opted for Dave and Elizabeth's apartment while they are on their honeymoon!
We got here yesterday and headed down to the Barton springs near downtown (http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool). This is a cool naturally spring fed area of the river that has recently drawn 800000 visitors a year. They have built up some platforms on the edge of the pool, which makes it very easy and fun for all ages. It's still only around 70 degrees, but still nearly took my breath away when I slowly stepped down the later. I definitely suggest checking it out if you are in Austin, and best part it's free!
We then hung out with Jackson in Zilker park and met the famous Regal Begal (https://www.facebook.com/myregalbeagle/) named Sid and his owner. He took a couple pictures of Jackson to post on his page zilkerbark, but have not seen the post yet. Jackson had been playing soccer and football, so his drool at that point may not have been what he was looking for.
Today we went a much needed donation yoga class at Black Swan Yoga. We both felt much better, and got a juice from a sweet place called the Juice Joint. Later in the day (after a few episodes of criminal minds, which is one of the unimportant things we both miss) we headed to McKinney State Park (http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls) about 20 minutes outside the city. It had a very cool rock outcropping and some great swimming holes. They had recently had a flood, so some of the area was closed off. You could see some of the remnants from that flood and a bad 2013 flood up in the trees. Pictures posted below. Spending 1 more day in Austin and then headed to Carlsbad!