Family Fun Abounds At Front Porch Days

Plum Creek’s Annual Free Family Festival

For the past 9 years, the neighborhood of Plum Creek (plumcreektx.com/) has thrown a party lovingly referred to as “Front Porch Days.” And this is one party you don’t have to bring anything except yourself and the desire to have a great family day.

On Sunday May 2, the public is invited to join the fun at Fergus Park (next to the Plum Creek Community Center and kids pool) from 11am to 4pm. There will be plenty to do with the family. The event is completely free, save for the washers and golf tournament. And you’re welcome to bring your own food, or get lunch from one of the many food vendors on site.

Those who have been to this celebration over the years know there is a plethora or activities. This year is no different. For the kiddos, Front Porch Days boasts bouncy-bounces, a petting zoo, paintball, pony rides, a 1k Fun Run, and a 12:30pm performance by the Emmy Award winning band The Biscuit Brothers followed by Rockaroni and Cheese, a fun interactive kids band.

For the adults, there will be a washers tournament, a golf tournament (on 5/1), a pie baking contest, and live music on two stages that include Front Porch Days Alumni and neighborhood resident Bruce Curtis Fallgren as well as area bands Aimless Gun (who will be playing the FOX morning show on Friday 4/30), Lucas Cook, Righteous Brisket, and The Dead Phonetics. The music will kick off at 11:00am with a performance by the Kyle United  Methodist Church praise band.

Front Porch Days is largely a volunteer effort with residents of the neighborhood doing the planning and event management with the blessing and support of the builders and Home Owner’s Association. Thousands of people attend each year and leave with a smile on their face.

Plum Creek is a 2,200-acre master-planned community located in Kyle. Visit http://www.frontporchdays.com for a full schedule of events.

I took this photo at The Jumpy Place on 4/17/10. I know that because it's the last day my little girl could be in that area. She turned 3 on 4/18/10.

Jesse The Kid...

Today was the community-wide garage sale in the Plum Creek neighborhood. I wandered a few houses and bought some cookies from the Girl Scouts down the street. Then I ran into some other neighbors... and with them was their son Jesse. He had just sweet-talked some other garage sale house into GIVING him this bangin' blue hat.

If you're in the Kyle area next weekend... come on by on Sunday. We're throwing a party. It's called Front Porch Days and we'll have music (nine bands including The Biscuit Brothers), kids games, a petting zoo, a washer's tourney.... and a lot more. Check out the Website at http://www.frontporchdays.com.

Mini-Pecan Pie @ Texas Pie Company
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Last weekend I stopped into the Texas Pie Company and bought a mini-pecan pie. I think it was $4. Perfect to split between 2 people.

I always try and talk them into making me a mini-peanut butter pie but have been unsuccessful as of yet. I think I just have to pay for it to let 'em know I'm serious. :)

If you're ever in Kyle... the Texas Pie Company is a great place to stop in for a sandwich... or dessert.

Youth Rules @ Kyle United Methodist Church

DSCF7936.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I know some adults that need to read these too.

Happy 6th Birthday to my daughter.

Baptism @ KUMC

DSCF7990.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This was a "total immersion baptism" at the Kyle United Methodist Church. Really moving.

Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

One last shot from the Kyle Cemetery. The flowers out there are truly beautiful. You should make the drive out.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is the same grave as Wednesday... one side was yellow... the other blue. Pretty neat.

Cemetery w/flowers

Cemetery w/flowers
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Bluebonnets
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is the scene at the Kyle Cemetery. Thanks to KDP reader "Spence Ohana" for tipping me off about the fantastic flowers at this location. I got some really nice landscape shots from the field in front of the cemetery.

I'll post a few more of my Kyle Cemetery wildflower photos in the next few days.

I'm Being Counted! Census 2010
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Woo-Hoo!

I got my census!

I'm going to be counted!

Are you?

2010.census.gov/2010census

Entrance to Claiborne Kyle Log House
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Yesterday was "Blooms Over The Blanco" At the Claiborne Kyle Log House. I'll post a photo of the house tomorrow.. but this was the scene when turning onto the road the leads to the historic home.

For more information on the home, visit http://www.kylechamber.org/KylesRecreationAttractions.php

Doggie poo-drop station in Plum Creek.. and some bonus wildflowers.

Giraffe in pew.

Giraffe in pew.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Yes... it's a giraffe sitting in church.

Determined.

This was the scene at the Plum Creek Easter Egg Hunt (the 0-3 area) last Saturday. Good times.

I can't see his mirrors.

I can't see his mirrors.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

It's OK... I was at a stoplight.

Bluebonnet

Bluebonnet
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I've not had a chance to really take wildflower photos in Kyle, but there's a few places I need to go. I hear the area near Kohler's Crossing and 1626 is a good area.. and there's a fantastic patch on Fairway in Plum Creek near the golf course and the lake.

Anyone in Kyle know of some good wildflower spots?

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”  ~Robert Flatt

Happy Easter Everyone.

This is the scene at my house...  real eggs... plastic eggs... cascarones... candy... peeps... artwork.. a little something for everyone. 


Happy Easter.

DSCF6797.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is the cross outside the Kyle United Methodist Church on Good Friday.

I'm not sure what part of this seemed like a good idea... This is my daughter Harper (who will be 3 on 4/18). My neighbors (The "Ninjohnsons) thought she should try to use a sword. Her nickname is ALREADY "Rampage" and "Blondzilla." Yeah... let's add a sharp object to that.

(The sword is blunt.. and Mrs. Ninjohnson was about 1" outside the shot FYI)

So.. I shot a wedding on Monday. I always like to take neat photos of the food. Try and get a different angle. Here's the fruit tray.

Gone Fishing

Plum Creek Fishermen....
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

No.. I haven't... but man it'd be nice.

Seaton Hospital in Kyle

Seaton Hospital in Kyle
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

The grey sky just made this look cool... I really dig the giant cross on the side of the hospital as well. It serves as a nice reminder of who's REALLY in charge.

Is this NOT the fanciest McDonalds you've ever seen?

OK... not sold yet? Here's a FIREPLACE.

...and the kids play area  (in addition to the climbing zone) has these interactive instruments that really play... neat. This child was strumming the guitar... and there was real strumming sounds coming from the speakers on the ceiling. Neat.

Who's That Clown With A Guitar? 

Why... that's Ronald McDonald! The new McDonald's Restaurant opened up in Kyle this month. It's only the second restaurant in town with a kids play area... this is a photo of the mural on the wall.

VERY neat looking McDonalds. Probably the fanciest I've ever seen.

I'll post a shot of the interior tomorrow.

My 2 year-old thought it was snowing this past weekend when she walked out to our driveway. It's actually the flower-petals from the tree in the background blowing all over our back yard and on my truck. I thought it'd make a nice picture. Spring is springing up in Kyle, Texas!

Baptism @ KUMC

DSCF4192.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Pastor Dave Dillon conducts his first baptism ever at the Kyle United Methodist Church in Kyle, Texas http://www.kyleumc.com

Birdhouse

Birdhouse
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Never had a bird live here. We actually bought the bird house for our sister in law about 4-5 years ago... and then we remembered she wasn't a fan of bird houses. It's hung in this tree ever since.

Bread Sticks from Fox Pizza

Bread Sticks from Fox Pizza
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

These are quite possibly the best breadsticks I've ever had at a restaurant. Every few weeks we end up at Fox's Pizza ordering a large pizza and breadsticks... feeds a family of 4 pretty nicely for a nominal price (I'd tell you how much it was if I remembered.. somewhere around $20...)

This is at the Fox's Pizza Den in Kyle, Texas.
foxspizzadentexas.com/

Nice.

Airbrushed Tailgate
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This was the truck at the stoplight in front of me in Downtown Kyle a few days ago. Nice work.

Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in Laredo, Texas... but I've always been a fan of the airbrushed tailgate. I've wanted to do it to my truck... but I can never settle on what I'd like. I know.. it's a bit "old school" or "uncouth" to do something like this... but that's just how I roll.

What I'd REALLY like is to have the Trans-Am Firebird airbrushed on my hood. I'm a little WT that way. :)

Flowering tree
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Spring has Sprung in Kyle Texas. The great amount of rain we've gotten in the last few months will equal some AMAZING wildflowers soon. I can't wait to take those shots.

This is the tree in my yard. I may have a yard that is a "weed garden with a grass problem" but at least my tree is pretty.
:)

Someone can't wait.

Someone can't wait.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

My pet peeve... people who shoot down the side of the road (not in a lane) when there's a little line. This guy deserves my "guy I don't like too much today" award. (I was even nice and blurred his license plate.)

I wondered what happened to Primus

I wondered what happened to Primus
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Apparently they sell real estate in Kyle now. I wonder if "Wynona" is looking for a new home.

Tree in Kyle

Tree in Kyle
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is at the corner of Main and the access road.. on the 4-Way Auto Care land. I don't know what kind of tree this is... but it sure is interesting.

Superbaby...

Superbaby...
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I was throwing my 2 year old up in the air and my 5 year old caught the perfect photo. HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!

Grease Recorvery.

Grease Recorvery.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Now HERE"S a recovery group I need to join.

Just kidding... this is on the side of the building at Jack IN The Box in Kyle.

Yeah.. it made be laugh.. so I took a photo. Now you're looking at it.
:)

Lion mask / Actobat head

Lion mask / Actobat head
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Backstage at the Hays Performing Arts Center in Kyle after the kindergarten class performed the Dragon Dance during the "JUMP Into Diversity" day.

My daughter is wearing the lion head.
Yes... I tried it on too.

Christmas Trees @ Plum Creek Lake
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

In December... these were inside homes in the Plum Creek neighborhood of Kyle. This past weekend the Landscape Committee bundled up the trees... and by now they are sunk into the neighborhood's lake in order to create fish habitats.

Yes... we're a little big odd in Plum Creek... call us what you will... but I think we have more fun than most neighborhoods. We've got a HUGE party coming up in May, great neighbors, and lots of things to keep us engaged.

Here's a story on Plum Creek from March 5 - http://www.statesman.com/homes/new-homes-guide/residents-benefit-from-smart-planning-in-plum-creek-321873.html

Actually... if you want to hear about the future development of Plum Creek... you should go to tonight's joint session of the Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meeting at 6:30 at city hall. I hear Plum Creek will be the only thing on the agenda. Neat.

Stacey and her cake
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Olive Will Be Born Today!!!

This is a photo of Stacey at her baby shower a few weeks ago. Stacey is set to have her baby today. So... please help me welcome "Olive Dunkin" to the world (provided the doctor was right that it's a girl... and they don't change their mind on the name).

Woo-Hoo! Can't wait to meet you Olive! Congrats Dunkin Family!

UPDATE: Baby Olive Dunkin has arrived! She was born at 8:15 a.m. and weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz.

YEA!

Old City Hall (2/10)

Old City Hall (2/10)
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

It's in the midst of being rennovated. I'm hoping at some point I'll be able to take a peek inside.

Really? How!

DSCF3113.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Saw this on the side of a work truck in town.

You know... if I could achieve clear hands I'd be some kind of superhero.

DSCF3140.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I ate at Pho Thaison with the family last week. Took some pictures of the food. Here's the California Roll. My kiddos (5 and 2) are ga ga over sushi. They'll each down an order and a bowl of soup as dinner. It's a pretty neat thing to watch.

The bonus is... the California Rolls at this place are just $3. Dinner for the family is usually under @20.

I've not had anything that wasn't good. My personal favorite is Pho Thaison's Bún - "B2" which is a Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl with grilled pork slices and an eggroll on top.

Here's what that looks like:


Pho Thaison
5401 FM 1626. Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-3205
http://www.phothaison.com/

Ditch bird in Kyle

Ditch bird 2
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I don't know what kind of bird this is... anyone?
It's currently living in the ditch behind my house in the Plum Creek Neighborhood of Kyle, Texas

Hays Performing Arts Center - 3/2

Hays Performing Arts Center - VOTE
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Yesterday was the primaries. Voting was done. I haven't checked to see who won what but there's one thing certain. The sign-making companies certainly came out on top.

DSCF3168.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Here's my Jack-In-The-Box Jack Ball enjoying a nice afternoon in Kyle, Texas. He told me to let you know the city is "Simply Charming." Then he recommended the Sourdough Jack.

Happy Texas Independence Day.

Today is also voting day. Vote in Kyle, Texas. Here are the polling locations from this site:

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 2, 2010 Click HERE for Democratic Polling Locations Map
PRECINCTS	POLLING PLACE
110/113	Elections Office 401-C Broadway St. San Marcos, TX 78666
111/112	Dunbar Center 801 Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666
114/120	San Marcos Housing Residents Office 820 Sturgeon San Marcos, TX 78666
116	Hernandez Intermediate School 333 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 78666
127	Tobias Elementary School 1005 E FM 150 Kyle, TX 78640
221/225	Performing Arts Center 979 Kohlers Crossing Kyle, TX 78640
223/227	Kyle City Hall 100 W Center St. Kyle, TX 78640
224/228	Buda City Hall 121 N. Main St Buda, TX 78610
226/230	Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 N FM 1626 Buda, TX 78610
229/234	Goforth Water Supply 8900 Niederwald Strasse Niederwald, TX 78640
315	Doris Miller Jr. High 301 Foxtail Run San Marcos, TX 78666
330/334	Lamar Annex 500 W Hutchison St. San Marcos, TX 78666
331/332/336	Horizon Bay Auxiliary Room 1720 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, Texas 78666
333/335/337	Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd 12 Wimberley, TX 78676
440	Henly Baptist Church 200 Henly Loop Henly, TX 78620
441/449	DSISD, Administration Office 510 West Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620
442/448	Driftwood Community Center 15100 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619
443/444	Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 4400 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
446/447	Travis Elementary School 1437 Post Road San Marcos, TX 78666

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 2, 2010 Click HERE for Republican Polling Locations Map
PRECINCTS	POLLING PLACE
110/113	Health Department 401 A Broadway ST San Marcos, TX 78666
111/112	Dunbar Center 801 Martin Luther King Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666
114/120	San Marcos Housing Residents Office 820 Sturgeon San Marcos, TX 78666
116	Hernandez Intermediate School 333 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 78666
127	Tobias Elementary School 1005 E FM 150 Kyle, TX 78640
221/225	Performing Arts Center 979 Kohlers Crossing Kyle, TX 78640
223/227	Kyle City Hall 100 W Center St. Kyle, TX 78640
224/228	Buda City Hall 121 N. Main St Buda, TX 78610
226/230	Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 N FM 1626 Buda, TX 78610
229/234	Goforth Water Supply 8900 Niederwald Strasse Niederwald, TX 78640
315	Doris Miller Jr. High 301 Foxtail Run San Marcos, TX 78666
330/334	First Presbyterian Church 410 W Hutchinson St San Marcos, TX 78666
331/332/336	First Lutheran Church 130 W Holland San Marcos, TX 78666
333/335/337	St Mary's Catholic Church 14711 Ranch Rd 12 Wimberley, TX 78676
440	Henly Baptist Church 200 Henly Loop Henly, TX 78620
441/449	DSISD, Administration Office 510 West Mercer St Dripping Springs, TX 78620
442/448	Driftwood Community Center 15100 FM 150 Driftwood, TX 78619
443/444	Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 4400 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
446/447	Travis Elementary School 1437 Post Road San Marcos, TX 78666

DSCF3196.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is the front grill of one of the Fire Engines of the Kyle Fire Department. Almost as snazzy as their new building.



Below you'll see my shots from the Grand Opening of The Miller-Whitaker Fire Station #1. As a bonus there's a few shots of the The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas Blood mobile and me giving blood. :)