San Antonio (part 2)

 After everyone was settled in, we started doing a bit more sightseeing. We got to explore the botanical gardens (which was also a first for us). 

It happened to be much hotter than we realized. They had a little man-made stream that tons of kids were playing in throughout the gardens which was so refreshing!

Bonnie got to skip her rest time most days this trip, which meant she got some extra one-on-one time with Baga. 

Baba Choo Choo taught Riser how to take a ball to the chest.

We also went to the River Walk, a favorite for us. Most of the crew did one of the boat rides while Baga and I did a little walking with Riser. 

Afterwards we went to Historic Market Square.

Choo Choo showed Bonnie around their rock garden.

That night we went out to eat with the larger crew - aunts, cousins, and grandparents!

Aunt Diane

After dinner we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream - a first for the kids and they were thrilled! Apparently this is the DQ that they would take Eric and Alison to as kids.

The next morning it was time to head back to the airport - this time at 4 am. I would like to say this portion of the travel went smoother than the first, but it was worse. Riser threw some major tantrums. Ah, life with a 2 year old boy. The poor kids were exhausted. Regardless, it was such a wonderful visit. We are always so thankful for the kids to get time with their cousins. 

It was also so nice to get home!

San Antonio (part 1)

Once a year we try and do a reunion with Eric's family so the kids can see their California cousins. Originally the plan was to do it at our house this year. But logistics changed and about 6 weeks out, we were looking for flights to San Antonio. There were very few options from Richmond so we had to take what we could get, which meant a flight leaving at 5:30 in the morning! We got the kids up at 3 AM and started our quest. Bonnie was all about it. Riser on the other hand, was not his best self. The lack of sleep was apparent.

Thankfully on the first flight we had two whole rows so Bonnie was able to bounce back and forth between Benny and I.

There was not a wink of sleep from either child (or me) on either flight. It was quite the marathon trying to keep this little boy content enough to not make a scene. 

Bonnie continued to enjoy every bit of it.

Of course the moment we got picked up at the airport, it was lights out in this little noggin.

We happened to arrive the day of the eclipse, we were so excited to see it! Unfortunately it was a completely overcast day to where we couldn't even tell where in the sky the sun would be. It did get very dark and eerie, but that was the extent of our experience. 

It was wonderful to be done with the travel portion, and the kids quickly made themselves at home. 

We planned to stick around the house the next day after long travel for everyone the day prior. 

Bonnie enjoyed going to Auntie Alison's 'salon' to get her hair done in the morning.

We went to the nearby playground in the morning. 

Eric's grandma 'Beba' came to visit for the afternoon. It was wonderful to see her, she was in tears seeing everyone. 

Meanwhile the girls took off to get their cousin time in, and we hardly saw them.

Cuddles from Uncle Shary.

Riser could not get enough of playing cars with Beba. He would zoom them all over her legs and arms, she thought it was the silliest thing.

After dinner the kids wanted to put on a show for us. 

The next day we went to Mission San Jose - a first for us! It was beautiful.

The girls also earned junior ranger badges.

Back at the house, Riser's favorite toy during the trip was a wiffle ball pitching machine. He would chase the balls and reload it over and over again.

Bonnie is always excited to help in the kitchen, especially when it involves making cookies.

We went to get barbecue for dinner.

Then bathtime, a favorite for Baga. 

After the littles were in bed, it was game time. A wonderful way to end day #2. The second half of our trip will be coming soon!