San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, a city different from the others. The San Antonio River runs thru downtown just inches below the Riverwalk, a 2.5 mile sidewalk adjacent to the river with shops and restaurants along both sides. The roads are all a full story above the river walk, so you don't have to deal with car traffic. It's a laid-back, peaceful place to wander.

With my ankle still being an issue, we decided to take the boat tour. It was interesting listening to the history of the area while seeing all the sights. The area flooded in 1921 resulting in many deaths and destruction of the buildings. It was thought too dangerous to rebuild, but Robert Hugman had a brilliant plan that included a flood gate and dam, which is what keeps the river in check to this day. 

Next we walked to the Alamo. Photography is prohibited inside. The kids were 

interested in hearing about the battle and seeing the weapons on display. 

Checking out the well behind the Alamo.

He loves his new USA shirt.

We enjoyed lunch outside along the river then headed back thru the Riverwalk. 

The kids had fun waiving to all the tour boats that passed us. 

They loved running and playing in this area. It's opposite the stage that was used in the Miss Congeniality movie. 

Next stop. West Texas....The road thru Hill Country was just beautiful with many different colors and types of wildflowers lining the roads. Unfortunately we just missed the bluebonnets by a few days. 

Canyon Lake

Our next stop thru Texas was Hill Country's Canyon Lake. We stayed at another COE and were again pleased by our site with people only to one side of us and a huge field right behind us for the kids to run around. My friend Rachel brought her twins, Joshua and Josiah and her mom, Mary, to come spend the weekend with us.

They were the first to stay in our "guest house", some might call it a tent. 

They raced to the water, but only Asher and Rachel were brave enough to swim.

The windy day was perfect for kites. At one point we had all four kites in the air. I love that Rachel has all the kids chasing her kite around. And yes, there is one too many kids. We kind of picked up an extra from a nearby campsite.

We made s'mores, special ones with Kit Kats in them....my new favorite! Great idea Rachel!

The next morning the boys taught my kids how to play Hi-Ho Cherry-O. 

They did some exploring....on the rocks.....

....and on the beach.

Then it was time to make their own pizzas before saying goodbye. 

A great way to spend Mother's Day weekend!

Austin, Texas

One of the reasons I had been looking forward to visiting Austin was to meet these moms and kids. Alexx and Rachel are two of my twin mom friends. We have been talking to each other online since we were all pregnant with our twins and due the same month. We have met before, but it was so nice to see them again and finally meet their children. I was hoping to meet our other friend Bethany, but she was out of town.

It was a joy to watch them play together.

After playing in the park a bit, Rachel and I took our kids to the Thinkery, Austin's children's museum. They climbed that yellow worm-like structure more times than I could count.

This water room reminded me of Vegas' Discovery Center, but was much smaller. I was impressed that they not only have the smocks, but crocs for the kids to wear in the room. Of course I noticed this after their shoes were wet.

They loved the play kitchen. Before we left I watched
as Journey took orders from a few of the parents sitting nearby. 

Last we went to the light room, or maybe it's the dark room, either way, it was fun.

Another day we drove down to Sixth Street for dinner at Roppolo's Pizzeria. The kids loved it and were all giggles. Afterwards we walked around downtown and the kids peeked their heads into a bar to hear some live music.

We also stopped at IKEA and checked the kids into their Smaland children's play area. It was the very first time that we've ever left them with someone that we didn't personally know AND the second time that they've ever been in an indoor play area AKA germ central. (The first time they both ended up in the hospital with pneumonia, so yah, we just don't.) It was basically a table for coloring and a ball pit. We left them with strict instructions to avoid the pit - do those ever get washed? Anyway, when we collected them a short time later, they both said it was fun and they want to return. We took them back thru the store with us and this time Journey pushed me in a wheelchair (sprained ankle) which was pretty funny as people kept pointing out.