San Antonio Fun: SeaWorld & The Alamo

We're home from a long weekend/mini-vaca to San Antonio. It was a really good time but it's been a bit chaotic to get back into the swing of things.

Originally, we decided to go because SeaWorld is offering their one day free military passes-which we had used at the Orlando SeaWorld two years ago while we were at Disney. As summer got closer, it became more clear that we were going to run out of weekends so we had to start combining a couple things. Our boy turned FIVE last Sunday and he loved when we went to the Orlando SeaWorld so it was an obvious mash-up. 

We were SO thrilled that some of our son's favorite friends managed to make the trip with us. First, the L family...mom, dad (Air National Guard) and their three boys carpooled with us from Oklahoma. And then, just before the trip, my oldest friend and her family (her hubby and 2 yr old daughter) decided to drive up from Houston. 

We all had a blast at the hotel...swimming, pizza, cake...what could be better?!

(we hadn't even unpacked before they wanted to head to the pool)

The next morning we were up and ready to hit SeaWorld with the L family. We had a great time but if I were entirely honest, I would say we enjoyed SeaWorld in Orlando more. The Orlando park seemed cleaner more themed-but I'm sure having to compete with Universal and Disney have some influence on that.

We saw some shows...

Rode some rides...

Had a dolphin experience...

And got really wet!

(not all of us were thrilled about the getting wet part...this was our princess just after the Shamu show soaked her)

By the end of the day, we were all wiped out! Getting to the hotel, taking showers and getting to bed seemed at the time to be monumental tasks but we did it and we all slept really well that night.

The next morning, the boys went swimming again (our princess isn't much of a fan of the water) while I packed us up. We checked out and headed to our (sort of) last stop...The Alamo.

(on the door to the Shrine)

(a plaque on the ground in front of The Alamo Shrine)

Joshua and I are history nerds and had a great time. For the record, we absolutely recommend stopping by if you get the chance...The Alamo itself is free. You pay for parking and there are paid tour guides or audio tours available but we feel that we got just as much out of just talking to one of the employees (Amelia) than we could have with a tour...plus we had the freedom to move at our own pace...or rather our children's pace.

As I said, The Alamo was supposed to be our last stop but as we headed out of town back toward Oklahoma, we stumbled upon a Tanger Outlet Mall...two hours and more money than I should have spent later, we were officially on the road again. It was a great weekend, a memorable birthday and a fantastic time with good friends.

Our Minivan Weekend

Father's Day weekend brought an unexpected adventure. We had a minivan...more accurately we "tested out" a minivan. For a couple of months now, we've been discussing the possibility of selling my Suburban. For the record, I love my Suburban but it's big-possibly unnecessarily big. And more importantly, let's face it, minivans get better fuel economy than SUVs and saving money would be nice. So, with a little humility, we borrowed a minivan from the dealership in town and went about our regularly scheduled weekend.

The minivan itself was a Dodge Caravan...we have friends who own a Honda Odyssey and other friends who own a Nissan Quest. I'm a little crazy when it comes to researching things so it was kind of nice to get the various perspectives. Overall, our friends seem to get about 22 mpg (on average) and that was almost exactly what we were able to get with the Caravan (I think it ended up closer to 23 by the end of the weekend but still in the same range). 

To be honest, I wasn't impressed. The captains chairs in the middle row were nice-no bench to climb over, but I have the quad captains chairs in my Suburban too so that one's kind of a wash. The doors opening with the click of a button pretty much define awesome but that's sort of where the awesome ended for me. I usually average 18 mpg with my Suburan-which, I have learned, is a little high for a Suburban but my husband is always on top of it...fuel additives and oil changes and blah, blah, blah...I usually tune out after he says something mechanical and just wait to hear when he's taking it and I have to use his car. Also, my Suburban has TONS more storage room. I can tow more than just an itty bitty trailer with it. And, I can drive it in more difficult situations than a minivan could attempt (ie-out at the farm when we want to go fishing or shooting).

Although it would end up saving us some money in fuel costs, it's just not worth it to give up the space, towing and off-road capability (and general awesomeness) of my Suburban. By the end of the weekend...actually by Saturday night, Joshua had announced he was vetoing any further discussion of buying the "bloated car."

Disclaimer: Please don't take this post as an attack on minivans or anyone who drives them...they're just not for us but we know, love and respect many friends who love their minivans.

Emotional Rollercoaster

I've been absent from the blogging world this last week because it's been such an emotional time. I had every intention of writing a small but, at least to me, meaningful Memorial Day post but to be honest, I didn't have it in me. The men Joshua served with who died on his deployment and their families are never forgotten. They're always in my prayers and although I would have liked to pay homage to them again here, I just couldn't.

There's been so much pain. Good friends who are literally picking up the pieces of their lives after the Moore tornado. Also, a fellow former-nanny friend of mine found out the family she used to work for lost their son in an accident. So much overwhelming grief. Please keep them all in your prayers.

But there's also been joy. My step-brother (the one I like the most-shh, don't tell the others) got married on Saturday to a woman he loves with all his heart-what more could a sister (even just a step-sister) ask for?! And thankfully Joshua, whose Guard unit was called up to provide perimeter security for Moore (and in their "down time" chose instead of sleeping like they probably should have, to run supplies back and forth to the affected areas) was able to leave early to join us at the wedding.

(my step-brother Blain, his new bride and my new neices!-I can't wait to spoil them...'S'-the one on the right had to cover her sweet eyes for the kiss)

After the wedding on Saturday, Joshua and I came home and left the kiddos with Grandma and Grandpa. We picked up the kids yesterday and managed to hang out with family friends in town from Houston. It was just was what I needed to recharge. 

Pray for Oklahoma

By now, you've probably heard about the tragedy that hit Moore, OK. There are so many stories...uplifting and heartbreaking.

We're safe. Our home is fine. We live about an hour from Moore. 

Moore is strong city. I lived there in college and am in shock watching the video and pics coming through...it's unrecognizable. 

Everyone we love is safe and for that, we thank God! Many have damage. Some have lost everything.

Pray for Oklahoma. Pray for Moore. Pray for the families from Plaza Towers Elementary, the children and the teachers. Pray for my friend Emily.

How To: Grilling Corn on the Cob

This is a particular favorite in our house and people have asked a couple of times how we do it so here it is...

Start by washing and then soaking the corn for about 30-45 minutes...

Then, carefully peel the husk back but be sure to not accidentally pull the husk off. Remove all the little corn hairs...

Add butter and seasoning...we generally just throw a little salt and pepper but a dash of paprika can be yummy and a good complement to red meat...

Next, rewrap the husks...

Inevitably, while you were pulling the husks back in order to remove the corn hairs and season, one of the husks of at least one of the cobs, came off. Now is when you'll use that little rebel. Pull a thin strip of husk...quarter inch or so works great...and wrap it around the tip of the husk...

Double knot the strip of husk-it can be tricky but a single knot just won't keep the husk closed at all...

Grill for about 30 minutes, turning regularly...every ten minutes or so seems to work out well...

Don't panic if your knots come off toward the end of your grilling time. They do that. A lot. The trick is to keep them on as long as possible to keep the moisture in. Your husks will turn black and some of the corn may get scorch marks but they still taste great...

Enjoy.

Disney World Free Dining 2013

The announcement many were waiting for (and some thought might not happen) came this morning...the 2013 Free Dining offer at Disney World.

This year's offer is more limited than the past but will still help many take a trip of a lifetime they may not otherwise have been able to afford.

Dates:

September 2nd-25th

*so long as you have at least one overlapping date, you can get the free dining offer for your entire stay

Resorts:

All Disney owned and operated Resorts EXCEPT FT. WILDERNESS CAMPSITES, 3-BEDROOM VILLAS, and LITTLE MERMAID ROOMS AT ART OF ANIMATION.

Value Resort guests will receive the QUICK SERVICE PLAN which includes 2 quick service meals, 1 snack and a free refillable mug per person per room.

Moderate and Deluxe Resort guests will receive the BASIC DINING PLAN which includes 1 table service meal, 1 quick service meal, 1 snack and a free refillable mug per person per room.

*guests have the option to upgrade to either the basic or deluxe plans by simply paying the cost difference

For more information on exactly what the Dining Plans cover, visit our Disney Dining Plan page.

WHAT'S REQUIRED?

You must book a stay with at least 3-nights and 2-days park tickets.

HOW TO GET IT?

Just call 407-WDW-7675 and ask to book a Magic Your Way package which includes resort stay, park tickets (park hopping and water park upgrades available) and of course the free dining plan. A $200 deposit is required at the time of booking and the balance is due 45 days before you check-in. If you already have a trip planned, call the same number, have your reservation number available and simply ask to add the free dining offer to your vacation.

ALTERNATIVE OFFERS:

If you've decided that the dining plan doesn't work for your family for whatever reason, but are hoping to still save some money while staying on-property, Disney is also offering a 30% off room discount for most resorts. THE OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED. Depending on the number of people in your party and the cost of the resort you are staying, the 30% off may be a larger discount.

Spitting Image

I've been arrogant at times when it comes to parenting...breezing through with an easy-to-parent son and years and years of nanny experience...infants, teenagers, triplets-heck, even a family with ten kids. I was ready to take on the challenge of parenting head on and do it with ease until one little girl came into our lives and uprooted everything.

It's humbling to have a child who reminds you of all your most negative qualities. I have that and so much more in our little princess.  She's our "strong-willed" child and I celebrate it...most of the time...because I know it means she'll grow up to be a brave woman with conviction and determination.

But then, there are days like today when I wake up and my first thought is "oh no, what is she going to do today?!" It's exhausting. Not just having a strong-willed, loud, sneaky, demanding child...just about all nearly-two-year-olds are that way. It's the way she's strong-willed, loud, sneaky and demanding that's exhausting because it's a reminder of all the areas of my own character that are less than stellar.

It's not that she's stubborn, I'm stubborn. It's not that she's loud and abrasive, I'm loud and abrasive. It's not that she's manipulative, it's that I'm manipulative. I feel like a hypocrite trying desperately to teach her not to be these things when I know my heart betrays me. I'm all these things and I've lived long enough to know that they're not good things. They make life more difficult. They make relationships more difficult. 

I'm starting to realize that all I can do is parent the best I know how and let God do the rest. Which, if you've been paying attention, you know isn't easy for me because like my daughter, I want to control everything. But God wanted more. He gave me a child who is bringing me closer to Him. He's using her to show me that He wants better not just for her but from me and I'm listening.