Deep in the Heart of TEXAS!

After a long 8th grade year (blah!), I literally went from our final day to Iowa City in preparation of our trip to Texas!  Kelsey and I left from Cedar Rapids at 6:30am for San Antonio, basically just to go.  To get away from diapers and daddy's, both of which we love, but a weekend get-away is always great!

We stayed on the River Walk, which is beautiful!  There were Texan shops and wonderful restaurants along the river.  We walked to The Alamo, which was very interesting.  I dig all of that history stuff, and it's always amazing to try and put yourself in someone's historical footsteps.  I have a better understanding why Texans are as proud as they are.  We shopped at the La Villita and the Mercado, Texan shops with a strong Mexican influence.  It was neat to browse native crafts and jewelry.  Saturday, we went to Sea World.  To be honest, it made me slightly nervous, as I have a completely irrational fear of large water animals (like sharks and whales).  I guess living in Iowa, a 100% landlocked area, will do that to a soul (yeah, I don't get it either!).  It was actually very neat!  Who knew "killer" whales could jump and flip in the air so high?!  We also got to ride a couple roller coasters, a luxury we've given up with kiddos as of late!  Sunday, we ventured to the San Antonio Zoo.  Between Sea World and the zoo, we've seen everyone animal imaginable (except the Gwar, Andy!).  We also happened across the most amazing piano bar ever!  I know (shut up, Andy, Andy and Rory!) - I have an obsession with piano bars, but Howl at the Moon was great!  Saturday was packed, but Sunday was laid back and fun.  Most of our requests were played, and we heard it all, from Aerosmith to Etta James!  

I can't tell you how many gallons of salsa we may have eaten!  The great part of vacation is the no-worries diet (Rory, I am ready to get back to healthy eating!)!  We tried local drinks, rated chips and salsa, and had desert daily!  The Chalupa's - awesome!  Although there, so close to Mexico, there wasn't a chance anyone was getting my last name right!

We had a slight issue with one restaurant, Cafe Ole.  If you don't like your job, go find another!  There are plenty with all of the restaurants on the River Walk (don't go - you've been warned!).  We also had a little airport trouble.  We missed our flight from Dallas to Cedar Rapids at 10am.  We were (very rudely!) put on stand-by from Dallas to St. Louis.  I can't tell you how badly I begged and pleaded with higher powers to get us on that flight.  We were on, and miraculously we were also on the flight from St. Louis to Cedar Rapids.  After much worrying and chewing of nails, we ended up in Cedar Rapids only about an hour and a half later than expected.  We even had our luggage!  Amazing!

If I can recommend one adventure to any would-be summer traveler, I'd definiately suggest San Antonio.  The people are great, the food is wonderful, and Kelsey and I had an awesome time!  

Clap!  Clap!  Clap!  Clap!  Clap!  Deep in the Heart of Texas!

Here's a fun little fact about me: I HATE MORNINGS!  I haven't been up at 4am since we left for Mexico on our honeymoon!  Prior to that, it was 2001 when we all went to the Dells.  Mornings suck!

The Alamo.  It's very much Texas's Pearl Harbor.  It was beautiful and very interesting.

La Mercado, or market, with interesting trinkets and things that were border-line crap!

The bottom floor of one shop was just ornately painted glass junk, like this doggy!

Evenings on the River Walk were wonderful!  It was cooler (100 degrees - boo - but no humidity - yeah!).  Friday, we enjoyed chips and salsa and Mexican at Rita's with the Mariachi band.

Kelsey and I on the River Walk

Yes, that's a whale and no, I didn't freak out!  We were also clear in the back, which was cool with me!  Seriously, the Shamu show was really kinda cool!  I felt a little guilty to be enjoying it without Carter and Andy.  That just means we get to go back in the future!

"The Steel Eel" roller coaster.  It was high and fast, and I loved it!

Saturday night found us at Howl at the Moon, the packed piano bar.  In true Texan style, we met a few friends!  I told this guy that I'd blog about him when I got home.  I told him to search "dude at the bar."  If you find yourself here, my friend, greetings from IA!

Kelsey, me and the lion statue at the San Antonio zoo

The River Walk, complete with the Mariachi band and water taxi!  Neat, huh?!!

The River Walk from the bridge

Sunday evening, we found ourselves back at the less-packed but more-fun Howl at the Moon!  SO MUCH FUN!