Plum Creek Lake - Kyle, Texas

This is the dock at the Plum Creek Lake in the Plum Creek neighborhood in Kyle, Texas. Residents of the neighborhood are allowed to catch-and-release fish... and there's a jogging trail around the lake. You can also be like my family and I and hang on the dock and skip rocks.

Biker Barbie

A bike at the Kyle Parks & Rec Bike Rodeo... had this Barbie bike attached to it. Pretty awesome... Barbie has seen better days. :)

Happy 9 and 6 Kiddos!

April 21, my brownie turned 9. April 18, my blondie turned 6. They rock.

That is a 2 layer ice-crem cake... made of ice cream sandwiches, because my wife is awesome that way.

This was at their birthday party last weekend. We spent their birthday weekend at Old Settlers Music Festival... which was amazing.

Bountiful Baskets!



Bountiful Baskets WIN!


Every two weeks, my wife and I buy from Bountiful Baskets in Kyle, Texas. For $15 you can get an assortment of veggies and fruit.

This is my photo of the stuff we got today. We spent more than $15 on this haul... because we added on artisan bread, granola, carrots and apples.

Totally worth it.
Look up Bountiful Baskets in your area - http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/
If you want to connect with the Kyle group, it's on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BountifulBasketsKyleTx

Ray Hernandez Farewell Celebration

Ray Hernandez Farewell Celebration, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013 the City of Kyle declared it to be Raymond Charles Hernandez day. The Executive Director of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce was also celebrated as he has accepted a position at another Chamber.

Ray is the one in the back row under the Texas flag.

Today is his last day as the Executive Director of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce.

Train Art in Kyle

Train Art.

Sometimes we have to wait on a train here in Kyle. Well... most times. I like to take the time to check out the traveling art show.

Respect.

Respect., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

There were many flags around Kyle, Texas flown at half-staff yesterday to honor the memories of those who perished in the senseless Boston bombings.

This one was at the Sac N Pac (20925 Interstate 35 North).

Casa Garcias in Kyle

Mmmm fajitas, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Went to the Kyle location of Casa Garcias yesterday for lunch. Had their fajita plate... it was under $7 and it was pretty stellar.

I dig the fact they have a tortilla lady making fresh ones. Mmmm fajitas.

Casa Garcias
5401 S. FM 1626
Kyle, TX 78640
http://casagarcias.net/

Kyle Parks and Rec Family Fun Ride

Kyle Parks and Rec Family Fun Ride, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Today the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department had a Bicycle Rodeo and Family Fun Ride. We had a great time. It's fantastic to live in a town that has so much to do.

Texas.

Texas., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My daughter's boots hanging out over the water of the lake at Plum Creek in Kyle, Texas.

I don't know why her boots have zippers on the side. They don't serve a purpose... I guess it's an 8-year-old thing.

Duane and Marilyn Beals at The Claiborne Kyle Log House

2013 Blooms Over The Blanco, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I snapped this picture of Duane and Marilyn Beals at the 2013 Blooms over the Blanco at the Claiborne Kyle Log House in Kyle, Texas.

Duane and Marilyn served on the Claiborne Kyle Log House Commission for many years before "retiring" from it recently.

They are the reason I learned of and first visited this historic home all those years ago. Glad I did. It's an amazing piece of Kyle history.

It's open on the first Sunday of each month from May - August this year. If you're in the area, it's worth a look.

If you' like to stay up-to-date on things concerning the Kyle Log House, they've got a Facebook Page - facebook.com/KyleLogHouse

Celebrating the Fajita King's Birthday on 3/13



Sean Claes & Ray Hernandez

 So, March 13 was the Sonny "The Fajita King" Falcon's birthday. I think I've established his awesomeness in the Kyle area in the last few days.

On that day, I called up Kyle Chamber Director Ray Hernanadez and we went to Garcia's Restaurant (575 E Ranch 150 Rd, Kyle, TX)  to celebrate Sonny's birthday the way any self-respecting Kyle citizen should... with a fajita taco.

Lucky Dawgs BBQ - Kyle Fajita Fiesta 2013 Grand Champion

Lucky Dawgs BBQ pose with winnings & The Lions Club's Blake Hartman

This past weekend was the Lions Club's Kyle Fajita Fiesta & BBQ Cookoff.

Kyle has a Fajita Fiesta becase it was during Kyle's Dies y Seis de Septiembre celebration in 1969 that Sonny Falcon sold the very first Fajita taco. (source)

This is Lucky Dawgs BBQ. They won Grand Champion BBQ team for 2013.

They received 3rd place Chicken, 2nd place Ribs, and 2nd place Brisket.

I judged all three of those and I have to say... there were quite a few DELICIOUS entries...so this was a tough one.

Lucky Dawgs BBQ - facebook.com/luckydawgsbbq

If you'd like to see ALL of the photos (I took photos of each of the winners in every category) visit my flickr set - http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanclaes/sets/72157633184749574/

Me with Sonny "The Fajita King" Falcon.

Me with Sonny "The Fajita King" Falcon. He CREATED the fajita taco. In Kyle Texas in 1969. I'm about to judge ribs with him., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Sonny "The Fajita King" Falcon sold the first fajita taco. Really. Kyle, Texas is the home of the Fajita taco.

From Wikipedia: "Sonny Falcon is believed to have operated the first commercial fajita taco stand at a weeklong outdoor event in Kyle, Texas, in 1969" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fajita
I got to judge ribs with him at the BBQ cookoff during the 2013 Kyle Fajita Fiesta on Saturday.

I'm a lucky guy.

Bountiful Baskets - Kyle

Bountiful Baskets - Kyle, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Recently, Kyle became a distribution point for Bountiful Baskets (http://bountifulbaskets.org/). This is a photo I took of a few of the baskets on the morning of the last distribution.

Bountiful Baskets is a Food co-op that is run by the folks who purchase the items which are largely produce. The cost is  $15 for a Conventional Basket, and $25 for a 100% Certified Organic Basket. Plus.. they have some fantastic add ons for a little extra $$. The bread is amazing.

My family has bought a basket a few times and the fruits and veggies we get are pretty amazing.

If you live in America, check their Website to see if they distribute in your area. Tell 'em Kyle, Texas Daily Photo sent you. It won't mean anything to them.. but it'll make me feel good. :)

Bob Schneider @ Hats Off For Hospice

DSCF5944, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

On March 24, 2013 Austin musician Bob Schneider played for a great crowd at the annual Hats off for Hospice at Texas Old Town. It was a great day with a lot of money raised for the cause + we even got to see a marriage proposal.

All American Camel

All American Camel, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Last weekend there were camel rides in Kyle. Apparently this was 2 guys out of New Mexico that were traveling with a camel and a Zony (Zebra/Pony). They get permission with the city (so it's all legal) and then set-up shop for a few days selling $5 camel rides.

They said they were headed to San Antonio and Laredo next. Keep up with them here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-American-Camel/307896329248242

Big Red-a-Rita

IMG_0519, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This is a margarita with a Big Red tipped into it... My wife ordered it at Casa Garcia's recently.

It's not bad at all.. I prefer the Dos-A-Rita though (it's a Dos XX beer instead of the Big Red).

Casa Garcia's #5
5401 South FM 1626
Ste 300
Kyle, TX 78640

King Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, and Red Velvet Cake

King Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, and Red Velvet Cake, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I'm really getting bad about posting here. I turned 40 on February 5, 2013.

My party was at Milt's Pit BBQ in Kyle on February 9.

My wife bought me a Red Velvet Cake (my favorite cake), my friend sent me an actual New Orleans Kings Cake, and a wonderful friend from my church brought me a peanut butter pie from Kyle's Texas Pie Company.

It was a good day.

Texas Ramp Project

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My church, the Kyle United Methodist Church, is involved with the Texas Ramp Project (http://www.texasramps.org/). A few weeks ago, we went out with volunteers from Central Texas Medical Center and built a ramp for a family. This is the plaque that was placed on the rail of the finished ramp.

"Since incorporating in 2006, the Texas Ramp Project has built more than 3,338 safe, durable ramps across the state."

I'm proud to be a member of a team that does so in Kyle, Texas.

The Kyle Water Tower

KyleWatertower686.jpg, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Probably the thing most people have noticed about Kyle... Yup.. we're the place with the water tower between Austin and San Antonio.

:)

Night In Bethlehem (Kyle, TX)

Night In Bethlehem (Kyle, TX), a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

In December, The Fellowship of Plum Creek did a fantastic thing, they put on a "Night In Bethlehem" which took people on a journey of the birth of Christ.

VERY interesting and I learned a few things I didn't kow. My favorite part was the scene where the Innkeeper was saying "No Room At The Inn" but wasn't a mean guy... he was a frustrated business owner... "Why are so many people coming here... I have to turn you away... I don't know... No Room.."

2012 Christmas Program

2012 Christmas Program, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This was the Christmas program at Negley Elementary in Kyle, Texas.

My chiminea

My chiminea, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Happy new year. I swear I'll try and post more in 2013. I've been busy with work, kids, church, and life.... but that's not an excuse.

I have been continuing to take a bunch of photos in Kyle.... I've just not posted them very often.

So... let's start this year.

This is my chiminea... I bought it a year ago because I always wanted one, but the problem with Kyle is... well... it doesn't get cold too often. When it does, I bought some fire logs... and they last like 5 hours.

So.. in order to enjoy this, it has to be cold and I have to want to hang outside for 5 hours. Not something that happens very often with a 5 and 8 year old.

I really didn't think this one through... but it's really enjoyable when it's on... and we've rosted marshmellows a few times too.

Chiminea is Spanish for "fireplace or chimney" and they are used outdoors.

Typewriter?

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Typewriters.

They are like computers but without a monitor and a printer built in.

:)

Found these at a garage sale in Kyle, Texas.

Welcome to Texas.

Need a car? Got a gun? Cash Box Motors in Kyle has got you covered., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Need a car? Got a gun? Cash Box Motors in Kyle has got you covered.

I'm not sure... but I think they also own the pawn shop around the corner... so that MAY explain the sign. :)

Kyle's Pumpkin Patch 2012

Kyle's Pumpkin Patch 2012, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

If you're in or near Kyle, Texas this weekend, come on out to the Kyle Pumpkin Patch located at the Kyle United Methodist Church.

They've got a great sale going on until October 30. No more than $5 for any size pumpkin. They've got an overrun of pumpkins and they'd rather see them go to a good home than leftover.


Visit the Facebook event for more information (including times of operation):
www.facebook.com/events/185875824870308/

Kyle Fair and Music Festival - BBQ Contest

DSCF1537.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This weekend is the Kyle Fair and Music Festival in Kyle, Texas. It happens the same weekend as the Founder's Day Parade (Kyle was Founded in October 1880.

What better way to celebrate than 3 days of carnival, BBQ Contest (I get to judge this year), a parade, 5k (I'm running it), and music festival?

It's true. Kyle, Texas IS Simply Charming.

Kyle Pumpkin Patch - 2012

Kyle Pumpkin Patch - 2012, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

the KUMC begins selling pumpkins October 14, 2012.

Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W. Lockhart
Kyle, Texas 78640

www.kyleumc.org

I took all of the photos in this flyer... the "sweet pea" is my now 5 year old. :)

Flagged.

Not sure what kind of tree this is, but I'm pretty sure it's American., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Walked past my neighbors home the other day and saw this.

Patriotic Tree is Patriotic.

A "shot" of communion - 10/7/12

A "shot" of communion - 10/7/12, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Thanks to my neighbor Jenni, my 5 year old takes communion like she's taking a shot. Yes.. this is actually during communion. I sing in the praise band... so I propped my cameraphone up just above the music stand to catch this.

HEB - Save on gas

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Yeah... it's worth getting a gift card to save on gas.... in Kyle, Texas.

Church family is awesome... Got us a cake!

Church family is awesome... Got us a cake!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My wife and I celebrate 11 years of marriage today.

Hanging with the Mayor and Judge

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

We went to the 2012 North Hays Community Expo at the Performing Arts Center in Kyle. We ran into Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson (left) and Judge Beth Smith (right). So... my kiddos took a photo with them.

This may be the only time I'm cool with saying my kids stood before the judge.

Flea Market - Kyle Texas

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Took the kiddos to the Kyle Flea Market this past Saturday. It was a rainy day and I wanted to give the kids a little adventure.

It was pretty neat. I hadn't been inside there for a few years. Yes, it was smokey and smelled like funk in some areas, but overall a really pleasant experience.

http://www.kylefleamarket.com/

Kyle Flea Market
Open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday and Sundays Only
Exit 213 S IH 35 on the West Side
1119 N. Old Hwy 81
Kyle, TX. 78640

Moo.

Moo., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This ginormous cow is at the front of the brand new Walgreens in Kyle, Texas.

The Walgreens opened in the last 2 weeks. The big sale I found when we went was Blue Bell 1/2 gallon ice cream for $3.99.

My belly full of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is happy about that.

Obama Punched Romney!

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Right in the nose, too.
We stopped in at Kyle's newest business, a Walgreens, and found these masks. I thought it'd be a funny shot to get the kiddos wearing them and acting like they were fighting.

My 5 year old punched my 8 year old right in the nose. Still kind of funny. :)

We owned that pool.

Saturday night and we've got Plum Creek's pool to ourselves. Ahhh., a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Last Saturday night we had My neighborhood's (Plum Creek) pool to ourselves. Ahhh.

I guess most folks assume the pools are closed for the winter. It was relaxing.

Communion at Kyle UMC

DSCF6873.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I was taking a few photos and video at the Kyle United Methodist Church last Sunday... and I caught this shot of communion.

Claiborne Kyle Log House - Supporters

Kyle Log House Supporters, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Constable James Kohler, City Council members Becky Selbera and David Wilson, Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson at the Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner.

The Fried Chicken Dinner happens on the 4th Saturday of September each year. It is a fundraiser for the upkeep of the Claiborne Kyle Log House.

More about the Claiborne Log House - http://www.facebook.com/KyleLogHouse

Casa Maria - In Kyle

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Casa Maria recently opened in Kyle, Texas.

The best thing about this place is the Panderia that is attached to the restaurant.

My wife is VERY excited that they have Tres Leches cake for sale by the slice.

I'm a fan of the OREJAS (flaky cookies that kind of look like pig ears)

Yum.
Yum.

Under Penalty of Law...

Found in the sidewalk. Hooligans strike again!, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Found on the sidewalk. Hooligans strike again!

Mermaids.

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

The girls went to a mermaid themed birthday party recently. Neat towel/tails!

My daughter made stromboli!

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

On Monday, my 8 year-old daughter made a stromboli for dinner... and a side salad.

My wife blogged about it on her "Say A Mouthful" food blog. Here's the link if you care to read: http://sayamouthful.blogspot.com/2012/08/easy-stromboli.html

Stream @ Texas Old Town

DSCF5469.JPG, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

This is located at an event center in Kyle, Texas by the name of Texas Old Town.

Info: http://www.texasoldtown.com/

Big Red-arita in Kyle

This was what my wife ordered at Casa Garcia's in Kyle at dinner last night. It's a margarita with a Big Red sunk into it.

School Supply Drive in Kyle

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

Hope & Love 4 Kids hosts an annual school supply drive in the Kyle Community. This is the donation spot at the Kyle United Methodist Church.

Visit http://hopeandlove4kids.org/ to find out where all of the donation areas are... and what school supplies are being collected. The information in on page 4 of the Newsletter PDF that you can download via the site (or here).

Not Just BBQ Plates

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

The decor at Railroad BBQ in Kyle, Texas. They've got license plates all over the restaurant. Some are vanity plates. How many words can you find?

Swim Classes

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

My girls are taking swim classes at the Kyle Pool. They're doing a great job at teaching the kiddos how to swim. I think my 5 year old is going to be sans floaties soon. HIGHLY recommend taking the Kyle Parks and Rec swim classes.

An Invitation..

, a photo by seanclaes on Flickr.

I really wanted to go in.. but I didn't. It was OPEN and everything.