Gigi gifted us with what has been hands-down the best airbnb experience we have ever had. And I say "experience," not just "stay," because the whole week was just picture perfect. *Picture* perfect. You know how when you browse rentals, the photos of the house are always better than the house? Not Gigi's!

Click around and get a sense of what a wonderful tribute her home is to the history of Austin and specifically one of Austin's great neighborhoods. Now, get this: the real deal is WAY BETTER than these pictures.

It was a family reunion that brought us to A-town this time. Many of us grew up here and this is the way we remember the town. Kids aged "from one to 92" enjoyed the holidays in style. And yes, the porch is the place, even in late December. This is Texas, after all.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gigi. My sister is so lucky to be your neighbor and the rest of us will just have to settle for returning again and again.

Specific shout-outs: the art! It's like living in a folk art gallery. Great kitchen, for cooking big meals or just as a gathering place. Great bedding and pillows. Very kid-friendly. Huge, fenced yard for kids (we left the dogs behind this time, but they'd be in heaven). The Famous Porch! The Compound: rent both dwellings for larger gatherings. The 'hood: kids loved the library across the street. Also Green Pastures (easy walk).

It was all just so exactly right.

Finally: would you take the time to write a review like this for a Hilton?? C'mon, Austin is a special place. So when you're here, do as we do, eat as we eat, stay as we stay.

See ya soon, Gigi!