San Antonio

For Christmas, our kids received the gift of a trip. I wish I had videod their faces when they received it. No, not because it was sweet. Because it was hysterical. We told them we wanted to give them the gift of memories and gave examples of some of our camping trips. The older two instantly had looks on their faces like, "They are NOT taking us camping in this weather." When they opened their gift of the Lion King tickets, Abi started screaming about going to Disney World. Um, no, just San Antonio. So funny! They also received Season Passes to Six Flags which we used at Fiesta Texas.

We left the Sunday after Christmas. (My birthday, which I forgot!) We got a bit lost but we got to see Bryan-College Station and we bypassed Austin. We got to the hotel around 3 and started to get ready to go to Fiesta Texas. Chelsea was not feeling well so she headed for a hot bath. We ordered some pizza and just waited it out. She started to feel better around 6 so we headed on over. We loved it! Four of their major coasters were closed but it was ok. We still had plenty to do. This is also where I noticed my camera batteries were low and I had no more batteries. We started out on a roller coaster immediately. Andrew and Abi weren't so sure, but hung in there. We had so much fun as a family. We would go our seperate ways for a while then meet back up. They had a little hill set up with ice to sled on. The kids loved that! Chelsea, Abi and I rode the ferris wheel and I thought we were all going to cry in terror. And we love coasters! That thing was scary!

The next morning we all slept late then enjoyed some waffles. We got dressed and headed to an indoor ice skating rink. I loved ice skating! I could have done that all day. I think we only had 4 falls between all of us. After resting back at the hotel, we headed back to Fiesta Texas. Chelsea got me on their version of the Superman. You know the tower that drops, flings you back up, and so on? I was screaming the entire time but I LOVED IT! It was my favorite ride! After that we headed to the river walk for dinner. We really wanted to see the lights because we had been told how pretty it was. It was but there were so many people! We ate outside (thankfully by the heater) and decided to ditch our dessert idea. We headed back to the hotel for much needed rest.

On Tuesday we headed to a local mall to get Eric some slacks and Chelsea a jacket for the play. While there, I talked to my friend Emily, who I went to HS with and lives in San Antonio. I had wanted her opinion on nice, inexpensive restaurants in the area. The one that I had wanted to go to did not have prices on the menu according to her so that was not an option. While we were talking (and I was so enjoying the conversation! I haven't talked to her since...maybe our 10 yr. reunion?? Anyways, I hope we can catch up again soon!) Eric was buying slacks. Eric hates to shop, he hates for me to nag him about looking nice so he bought the first pair he found. He bought silk slacks. Silk slacks. Let that sink in for a moment. I am the coupon queen. There are not many coupons for silk slacks. All I will say is he had better not gain weight because he is going to be buried in these pants. Thankfully Chelsea's jacket was on sale! After that, we went to Incredible Pizza. We loved this place!! (another shout out to Emily! I had read about it on her blog) They had an incredible food bar and the neatest places to eat in. We watched a bit of the old musical "Oklahoma!" Then we did (all indoor) go-carts, bumper cars, a 4-D ride, bowling, and some games. We laughed so hard! It was great! And the best thing is that this place was owned by a Christian coorporation so the music was clean. We all agreed we need one here. After that..back to the hotel to get ready for "Lion King."

Now remember me trying to find a nice place to eat but not expensive? Well, we had decided on the Cheesecake Factory. But we were an hour behind schedule so we decided we couldn't travel that far. There was a bistro right next door to the theater. I had seen their menu online and thought it looked good and not so expensive. Unbeknowest to me, I had looked at the lunch menu. Let's just say our kids got a very big treat!! Chelsea looked at us and said, "OH MY STARS! The steak is $29!" We told her no worries, just order whatever. They didn't even have a kids menu!! But what are you going to do? You are there, you have to eat, so you might as well enjoy it. When Andrew and Abi's dessert came out, it was supposed to be a simple scoop of vanilla ice scream. Well, not at this fancy bisto! It resembled a bird! It was served on a half pineapple covered in strawberry sauce, caramel, and chocolate. All the kids could not quit giggling. It was a very nice treat though. We all looked so good so we deserved to eat at a place like that. Right? Just agree with me so I will feel better. ;-)

The Lion King was next. OH MY The Lion King! Wow! There are no words to describe it. I do not think any of us were fully prepared for this show. We have been to plays but this..unbelievable. Chelsea was leaning back in her chair when it started acting all teenage cool and when the animals started to walk out, she sat straight up and said "What the duece?!" (her favorite saying) with a big smile on her face. Abi's face was lit up with amazement the entire time. Andrew laughed so hard at every line and kept me in the know with how they were doing everything. (my little mechnical minded child!) We were all in agreement about how great this play was. It is a must see!

We went to the outlet malls in San Marcos the next day to spend all the kids money they got for Christmas. We had requested that from some people so they had plenty to spend. After that, we stopped by my sisters and brother in laws for dinner and some Lewis snuggle time. We got home around 11:30 and fell into bed.

We accomplished just what we wanted on this trip. Memories, good memories. We had such a great time. As soon as I figure out how to upload pics to my new Christmas present, a new computer!, then I will show you the few pics I have. The one of my kids from the night of the play is so good!!

Thanks for reading about our trip! You are a great friend if you did! Love you all!!!