Spring Break Mini-Vacation: San Antonio

We took a little trip to my hometown for a few days.  Since Tyler has split days off, we fit our fun between Sunday and Wednesday.  The drive on Sunday was rainy and traffic-y.  I hate I-35.  Before we got to Austin we decided to veer off the main freeway and wander down via 281.  It was so fun to drive into town that direction, more my part of town.  We stopped by the temple even though it was Sunday night and gates were closed and told the kids about the night when Tyler and I ate a picnic dinner on this hill and said what a perfect place for a temple it would be.

  Then on to the Hotel.  We got 2 rooms at a Hampton Inn and that worked pretty well for our large family.  I bought myself a book to read (that is a true vacation!) and I really enjoyed it, though sad--staying up way too late to finish it.  

 Monday was a rainy, dreary day making our plans to walk everywhere a bust.  We headed to the Mexican Market which is one of Tyler's favorite spots. I bought Amelia a sweet little dress of course. Since it was pouring down and you really can't complain about rain in Texas, we drove over to North Star Mall.  The kids never get to go to a mall since I normally despise them, but I have a soft spot for NSM because I spent a lot of time there as a kid.  

 Finally the rain abated and we walked to the Riverwalk and took a boat tour of course.  We meandered around and ended up at the Alamo.  We did not go in because the lines were long and kids were hungry.  I figure it's not going anywhere....

 Tuesday we went to Sea World.  I'm glad we went that day since it's the only day the sun came out even though it was still coolish.  

 Wyatt LOVED Shamu and whispered to me "Me want that guy"

Elle and Maddie rode the roller coasters. Elle is an addict after her first ride.  Will rode one too, and takes after his parents (not fans).

 It was a really fun day.

 This girl loved watching the shows.  Such a sweetheart.

 Penguin selfie.

After Sea World, we had a too-quick visit with my oldest friend Susie and her family (so fun), dinner at Kneaders (yummy but crazy with a toddler) and a drive-by my old house and neighborhood.

I found these behind the bed in our hotel room when I was searching for my cell phone.  I had a good laugh and left them there.

 Wednesday Tyler took the older kids up the Tower of Americas and I hung out with the littles outside.  

 Sorry Maddie looks like a weirdo.

They loved the 4-D movie.  Tyler said it was major Texas indoctrination.  Made him glad we live here :)

 I dug these mid-century air vents.

 San Antonio is such a beautiful city.  I'm so proud to be from there.  The downtown is so neat and they keep working on it to make it even better.  

 After that we drove to the 2nd Mission on the trail: Mission San Jose.  Now, I admit it.  I had never been to The Missions.  It was so interesting and beautiful.  Even though it was cold.  

 Whatever this plant is, it smelled so good.

 I loved this blueprint poster and hoped they sold it in the gift shop.  Sadly, no.

 That was the only mission we made it too, because, once again, everyone was hungry.  I will definitely go back to these and rent the bikes and visit them all.  

And last, on the drive home we popped into Magnolia Market for all you Fixer-Upper fans.  It was packed and Wyatt was screaming hysterically so I glanced around and we left.  

  It was a great fun, fast trip.  We survived the hotel sleeping and the car ride but I'm not in a hurry to leave again.  San Antonio is such a special place to me but it was so nice to come back to our own home!

So glad to be in TEXAS! 

I went to MommyCon

Last weekend I got the chance to attend MommyCon.  I had heard lots about it from my alternamama friends, and bought a discount ticket with my babywearing group.  I also heard about all the swag you get from the VIP sessions, so when I got the chance, I bought the babywearing VIP pass too.  I would have bought all the VIPs, but since they sold out so fast they asked us not to buy more than one.  Next time, I will buy them all since that's what everyone else did!

MommyCon is a big day of speakers, classes, workshops, and vendors in the natural parenting realm. I believe they do 12 events a year and this was the first time coming to Memphis.  Apparently it took lots of convincing for them to try it, but it sold out quickly!  There were people there from Texas to Florida and beyond.  

It was pretty awesome to see over 500 babywearing moms (and a few dads).  First up was Jen from Cotton Babies speaking about cloth diapers.  Now, this is my go-to brand and Jen is pretty much a celebrity to me.  She was fascinating to hear and when she started talking about the new print release she asked if anyone had purchased the new ones and had a 6th month old.  ME!  I did! I have a 6 month old!!!  So Jen (in a huge convention center room of people) gave ME this t-shirt that matches the new diaper.  You cannot buy it, and I was the only one.  It was pretty awesome.

 Then she started giving away prizes and throwing diapers out into the audience.  It was so fun.  

I got this scarf/nursing cover just for taking a picture in front of their logo. Sure!

We got to meet Jessica from the Leaky Boob, hear from the founders of attachment parenting, laugh with Jamie the BabyGuy. Break for lunch and then I chose mini classes on amber necklaces (hoping to hear some facts) and baby proofing. Then more giveaways!

The babywearing VIP was... OK.  We were guaranteed either and Ergo or a Beco carrier and I was hoping for a Beco because I already have an Ergo (thank you Carrie) and it's not my favorite.  It doesn't fit my ahem, larger size very well...

Well, of course I draw Ergo.  Buuuuuut, they've been redesigned and they are awesome!!!  I got the amazing Sea Skipper and it's very comfortable, fits me, better padded straps.  I was pleased, especially since the ticket was only $40!

So here is my loot from MC: Lots of stuff in the swag bag, lots of fun for sure.

 If you have a MommyCon Event near you, I highly recommend going!  It was a great time!

Grandparents Day

So I figured out the problem with blogging.  I keep thinking I'll do it when my house is picked up and Wyatt is content.  Well, as evidenced by the amount of my blog posts, that's never going to be the case.  So the house looks like an F5 tornado hit and Wyatt is downstairs causing more damage, but here I am (I did actually sweep up the bag of Cheerios that was dumped on the floor).  I'm also super groggy and drinking one of Tyler's Mt. Dews just to make it through.  I'm sure the baby will thank me.

Anyway, the whole point of this:  Monday the elementary school celebrated Grandparents Day by inviting them all to lunch.  So my mom, even though she just returned from Utah, drove over Saturday and stayed with us til Monday.  She was brave enough to venture to the school by herself (no other children, so that kept me home) and eat with both Elle and Will.  Here's proof:

 Aren't they all cute?
Apparently the school was not prepared for the onslaught of eager grandparents and Elle and Nana had to sit on the stage with their food in their laps.

So thank you Mom for coming over and as always bringing groceries from Whole Foods.  I do appreciate it.  I also appreciate you braving the crowds so I didn't have to!  We love you!