We were only there for about five days and it just wasn't enough. Every morning I would wake up and think, "Oh no! It's almost time to go back."
I decided to go to Texas for several reasons. One being that Cic is turning two soon and won't be able to fly for free very much longer. Another reason being that I was just feeling drained and needed to recharge my batteries. Lastly, I am pregnant and wanted to tell them in person rather than some lame phone call. So, yes I waited a long time to spill the beans to everyone (I am already 20 weeks along now) but honestly I wanted my Mom to know before all of facebook and blog knew. She is my best friend, after all.
It was FREEZING cold when we left Colorado and I was really looking forward to feeling the warm Texas sun on my face. My Mom teased me and said that we could work in her garden when I got there. When we arrived though, there was a freak ice storm that hit San Antonio and all the highways were shut down. It was CRAZY. My folks live 20 minutes from the airport and it took us over 3 hours to get home. I guess Texas has no snow plows or sand trucks b/c it was chaos! People were so excited to see snow/ice that they were pulling over on the side of the road to touch it. SERIOUSLY?! They need to get out more. (I know that I sound like a total Colorado snob right now, but honestly...REALLY?)
Though our trip was short, it was jam packed. I always love this about my parents. They are the best hosts and always have such fun activities lined up to do. My Mom and I did plenty of shopping and she spoiled the kiddos with lots of fun toys. I was really nervous that I was going to have to hold both kids the entire trip but they quickly leached on to my Mom and Dad and acted like they saw them everyday.
Friday night my parents took us to Chuck e Cheese for dinner and it was just perfect. Kai just took off with my Dad and they played about every game there. The next time I saw him his eyes were huge and he had handfuls of tickets. He was in heaven and my Dad was absolutely a dream with him.
Cic on the other hand couldn't quite figure out what all the craziness was about. She was interested in watching everything, but wanted to watch in the security of someones arms.
My Dad just followed Kai around and helped him with whatever he wanted to do. It was just one of those nights that I want to always remember.
We also went to the San Antonio Rodeo while we were there. My parents got us these AMAZING seats. I had forgotten how much I absolutely LOVE rodeos. It made me proud to be from Texas. I loved everything about it...the smell, the country music, the crazy Western outfits everyone wore, etc. It was so much fun. The rodeo was an indoor rodeo held inside the AT&T Center (where the Spurs play). It has been voted one of the best indoor rodeos and it was just incredible.
There was so much to see and do. We walked throughout the live stock show on our way to the rodeo, as well as the numerous tents of shopping, and then finally past the carnival. I could have stayed there ALL DAY LONG, but alas Kai woke up early that morning with a stomach bug. Yup, it isn't really a vacation unless someone gets sick. I thought that maybe we would get lucky since both kids had sinus infections earlier in the week, but no Kai got sick the morning of the rodeo. He couldn't keep anything down. He was fine as long as he didn't have anything in his stomach so we just took him. MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD, I know. I can't believe I did that, but it was fine. He was fine, he was just sleepy and I didn't want to ruin every ones plans. Wow, sounds horrible when I put it that way. I pretty much just held him the whole time and he loved the cuddling.
Cic was awesome and must have known that I couldn't hold her b/c she was just fine watching the horses on grandma and papa's lap.
Look how excited Kai was to be there. Poor little guy. He was a zombie.
Cic got really drowsy and started to dose off on Papa's lap.
Then she was out.
And so was Kai.
One of my favorite parts of the rodeo...Lady Antebellum.
They played after the rodeo was over. I love them. They were on a rotating stage so everyone got to see them. I sang along to all of the songs with my Mom. It was so fun. I haven't been to a concert since before Kai was born. I've missed it. They did not disappoint either. LOVED IT.
After the rodeo. It looks warm and sunny but it was chilly.
We went to the park on Sunday after church and the weather was awesome. It made me so excited for summer in Colorado. I can't wait to spend all day outdoors with the kids!
Kai is all about playgrounds lately and keeps asking me to take him. So glad that my Dad took us to their neighborhood park. It's fun to watch Kai in his element.
I told him to smile and this is what I got...
My Dad took turns pushing each kid. He was so good with them and so patient. I love him more than he knows.
My attempt at pushing Cic while trying to take a picture at the same time. I had to include it b/c she is so happy in it.
Love this shot.
l.o.v.e.
It was a perfect day. Haven't spent a lot of time with my Dad in the last few years so this was perfect.
We did so many fun things resulting in Kai being pretty worn out by the end of the day. We roasted marshmallows, went hot tubing, made cookies, watched movies, fed deer, shopped, went out to eat, etc. This is what I found one night on the floor when I went looking for him. He was exhausted.
I'm so glad I took the opportunity to visit my folks. Probably my last trip with just two kiddos. Crazy to think about actually. I have the best parents. They are so supportive and helpful. I have got to find a way to be around them more. They just make life easier when they are around. They are never a burden and are always looking for things to do to make things easier for me.
I guess the next time I see my Mom will be when the baby is born. We laugh about how the only time she really comes to visit is when I am having a baby. It's a sad truth. I guess that's what it takes to get her to come to Colorado. :)
I can't wait for her to come though. She is such an example to me. I want to be just like you, Mom. I love you!
