Singing at the TX State Capitol

Sola Gratia had the opportunity to sing in the Rotunda in Austin on Saturday.  Even though James is so little, I still really wanted to be a part of it, especially since I’d learned all the Christmas music.  Some wonderful friends and family were able to watch the girls so Matt, James, and I could go to Austin.  Mamma and Pop came over early early (6am!) so we could leave and they could get the girls ready.  Then about 11:00, Lisa came and got them to play at her house.  She also took Anna and Joanna to see the Nutcracker while the little girls stayed home with Tony and took naps.  I’m excited to see the pictures she took of their day! 

We had a pretty uneventful drive there, and Matt’s Mom and Dad let us use their GPS!  I think I may be addicted.  I LOVE it.  :)  James slept some, looked around some, and ate some when we stopped.

We all arrived around 11:00 and rehearsed outside the visitor’s center.  Matt took this picture:

 

Most of the rest of the pictures were taken by my friend Kim.  She used to sing in the group when she lived here, but she now lives in Austin.  We’re so glad she was able to come watch us sing then go eat with us.  She just got a new camera, so these are some really great shots.  Thanks Kim!

The group in front of the capital building:

We sang in the middle of the beautiful building form 12:00-1:00.  It was so hot in there.  Later, you will see my hair gets put up.

 

We sang our program through twice.  It was pretty cool, but I sure would have enjoyed it better if I had felt some A/C on that 80 degree day in my lined black suit.  :)

Here are a couple of shots Kim took of the building:

Looking up, above where we were singing:

There were several levels you could go up and look down from.

I took these next two:

There was so much light in there, even my camera did okay.  Matt took a bunch of us while we were singing as well, but Kim’s just turned out so much better that I didn’t post ours.  :)

After singing we went to Ranch 616, a restaurant just a few blocks from the capital:

One of the group said that only in Austin would you see a picture of the Last Supper, a Longhorn, and a nude, all on the same wall.  :)

I ordered fish tacos.

Matt ordered Pork tenderloin.

But then we switched.  The tacos were uber-spicey!

Here’s me and my James!

The source of much of the spicey-ness – fried jalapenos.  They even made Matt sweat a bit and hiccup!

We had a great time in Austin and are so thankful for our friends and family who kept our girls safe and happy for us!

Sadly, James cried most of the three hour trip home, but I know he’d had enough of traveling for one day.  On a good (no, super-fantastic) note, he slept an EIGHT HOUR stretch last night.  It was pretty fantastic.  I figure it’s probably a fluke, but I’m hoping it’s a sign of things to come.  :)