Take away anything water related, and biking/hiking and what is there to do?

[aleavelle]

Yes, that's why I addressed only cBach as my statement addresses what he said.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by aleavelle

cBach, I'm getting the point that those things is all Austin has to offer (according to you).

I think people on this forum have been very generous in sharing a lot of good information with you, despite the challenging, and some might say insulting tone of a couple of your posts.

My suggestion: This would be a good time for you to concentrate on expressing appreciation for all the good shares that have come your way, and to let things slide with those people you irritated enough to push back.

Seriously, it's the warm welcome you want to cultivate here, not the reverse.

[aleavelle]

Some of you are far too touchy. I do appreciate those who aren't and offered ideas, suggestions, etc. Those of you who get irked at such a simple question stand out more.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by aleavelle

Some of you are far too touchy. I do appreciate those who aren't and offered ideas, suggestions, etc. Those of you who get irked at such a simple question stand out more.

If you appreciate what people shared, let them know. I haven't seen any real gratitude expressed yet.

And if you find some people are irked with you, I suggest you take some responsibility for the way you presented your complaints, and just let things slide.

[love roses]

Austin is a very outdoorsy type city with some decent non outdoorsy things to do, but perhaps you could take daytrips to other nearby cities with the girls and your wife. You might actually enjoy some of the things Houston has to offer. I lived there before here and still love going back for visits.

[sinking]

Originally Posted by aleavelle

My wife and I just aren't too fond of topless women "bouncing" about. lol

You've mentioned this in numerous threads and I am still thoroughly confused. I thought perhaps they are lesbians but then dismissed that idea because then both of you should be fond of topless women. So now I am back to still not understanding why you are so disgusted by topless women that you mention it in many threads.

[owlman]

People are so reactionary. aleavelle never said he hates parks/pools/hiking/biking, he's just looking for other family activities. Surely it's easier to just suggest some fun things to do rather than trying to make his family less conservative or asking "Y U NO LIKE OUTDOORS?"

[capcat]

I'm guessing that summertime is when you'll be looking for vacation-type activities for the girls you're working with. During the school year, which is right around the corner, their time and yours should be more structured and activities centered around school events, organizations of interest, projects and homework. I know that kept my family busy. In the summer, we got away for a day trip to a theme park or a weekend in Port Aransas occasionally, and a week or two for a vacation every other year. As they got older, they had summer jobs and it was more difficult to coordinate our schedules due to their commitments, but they learned a lot about money management and responsibility by having a job. I don't know if your group is free to leave for camps, but Laity Lodge Youth camp in Leakey, Tx was a wonderful experience for my kids, as were camps sponsored by Young Life. For a while, our house was the place for Young Life Meetings. My kids were involved in school choir, sports and drill team. My job was to support that with my presence at performances and involvement in other ways. Teenage years were a busy time. Also, my children enjoyed involvement in their church youth group, which was very active. Austin may not be the best vacation destination, but it was always a good place to live and raise a family. Opportunities may vary depending upon the profile of the teens you work with, but there are variations on all of the above in Austin and central Texas.