Texas trip - Holly Lake Ranch

The week after Easter was our California nieces' spring break so we made plans to all convene in San Antonio at my in-laws' house for the week. We hadn't seen Alison's family in two years - Bonnie was only 18 months old (and doesn't remember) and Riser had never met his cousins on that side.

While we were in Texas, we also really wanted to visit my grandparents. We originally thought about driving up during the week but realized a 2-3 day trip would take us away from most of Alison's visit so we decided to extend our trip and fly out to Dallas the week prior. 

We had been anticipating and planning for this trip for a while and were so excited! Trying to figure out what to pack was a struggle since we still need cars seats and baby gear. It felt like so much! I will say we used almost everything we brought, but definitely also learned a lot about what we could have done without.

As much as we tried to keep Riser awake until we boarded the plane, he just couldn't hang anymore. He fell asleep 45 minutes before we boarded and woke up as soon as we got on the plane. He (and his sister) was awake the entire 4 hour flight - but did relatively well considering he is a baby with no attention spa

Our flight was delayed and ended up being 40 minutes longer than usual because we had to fly around a storm. We got into Dallas later than planned and when we went to pick up our rental car, found out I had reserved it from the wrong Dallas airport. We finally got a rental and got to our hotel. Eric went out to get us dinner while I got the kids ready for bed. After a quick dinner we all got in bed and went to sleep around 9:30. 

Our first night all sleeping in the same room.

The next morning we drove straight to my grandparents' house! The kids were eager to see Grammy and Opa. The minute I stepped out of the car, Riser reached out to Grammy as if he'd known her forever. And Bonnie didn't stop talking her ear off the entire 2 days we were there.

They were both obviously smitten with Opa as well.

It didn't take long before our kids made a mess of their house with toys and pillows strewn across the floor.

Grammy even had a neighbor drop off a high chair and pack n play right as we arrived.

We had nonstop cuddles, smiles, and quality time - which is all we wanted.

Riser even showed off some of his first steps.

The kids loved being in the kitchen with Grammy. As much as I insisted she don't go out of her way or make anything for us, she made an incredible ham dinner with all the sides, had delicious sandwiches at the ready for lunches, and even fun lunchables for Bonnie - she outdid herself!

She even had a cake just for us! 

And you know it wouldn't be Grammy and Opa's without the ice cream parlor. Opa allowed Benny to take over the ice cream parlor duties (with his instruction of course). 

The next morning Matt and Heidi arrived early to spend some time with us before we had to leave. It was so great to get a chance to see them, and they were so sweet with the kids.

The kids were a great source of entertainment for us all. 

We had SUCH a wonderful, lovely visit and can't wait to go back again. I'm so lucky to have the best grandparents. Thank you for letting us blow through and taking such great care of us!