San Antonio Surprise!

So, again...summer was coming to an end and Chad and I realized that we didn't take a family trip like we did last year.  We really enjoyed it the previous summer and I wanted to make it a tradition.  So - on a Thursday night Chad got lucky on priceline.  All of a sudden I heard, "Well, I guess we're going to San Antonio tomorrow."  He bid so low that he didn't think he would get the hotel...but he did.  We hadn't even really finalized going, but the hotel was booked!  So, I quickly packed up all the kids stuff, my stuff, and some snacks and other essentials you need when traveling with a four-year-old and a toddler.  We drove to San Antonio early Friday morning (after booking the hotel and packing just the night before) and made it to Sea World by 10:30.  Since I'm a teacher I get a free pass every year, and Delaney is still free since she's under 2.  It was a heck of a deal.  We spent all day at Sea World going to show after show, seeing all the animals, and riding lots of rides with Brooks.  It was 5:00 by the time we left (it was a "no nap" day for everyone), and luckily we only had to drive 5 minutes to The Hill Country Hyatt.  We changed right into our suits and hit the pool.  We had dinner pool side and ate s'mores pool side.  I took Laney to bed and Chad and Brooks stayed outside to watch the movie on the big screen.  The next day we spent all morning at the pool floating the lazy river, swimming under waterfalls, and building sand castles on the "beach".  By the time we left at 1:30 the kids were completely wiped.  It was a perfect little vacation close to home.  I look forward to another adventure next year.

Brooks rode this big ride with Chad.
If you look closely you can see Brooks gripping the lap bar for dear life.
He loved it and wanted to ride again. 

Feeding the dolphins.  Laney's called them, "Dolphs!"

Floating the lazy river...not so lazy with two crazy kids.

S'MORES!

Oh yeah - roasting some marshmallows!

Apparently Laney was too into her s'more to stop and smile for the camera.

There is nothing better than waking up and snuggling together in a hotel room.  

Ready to go home!

Playing with Friends

Well, summer is over (I guess it has been for weeks now), and I am realizing that I neglected posting some pretty fun things.  Right before it ended, back in August, the kids and I took a trip up to Arlington to visit some friends.  Brooks had a BLAST with all his friends.  Of course, the mommies had fun staying up late and talking as well.  First we stayed a few days with Cari and Parker and Pierce.  It's great because Brooks and Parker are just 11 months apart, and Delaney and Pierce (who I forgot to get a picture of) are just 6 months apart.  They all played so well together.  Brooks and Parker played nonstop.

Brooks and Parker were always coming up with crazy things.  

Seriously?!  I heard them giggling and I came in to find them hiding in Parker's laundry hamper.  
Silly Boys.

They did manage to chill for a few minutes and snuggle in bed to watch some cartons.  

We also went to visit Melissa and Ethan and Averie.
We had a great time at the Dallas Zoo.