El Sombrero

Holiday Wrap-Up

We decided last minute to book a 4th of July weekend trip to San Antonio. We stayed at the awesome Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Resort, but first we took Carver to Seaworld as it's become our annual tradition. Plus he is still "free" there so gotta love that $50 saver.



As soon as we enter their gates, we always head straight to the dolphin encounter. Carver excitedly asks to feed the dolphins, but it's always Gilbert & I who end up throwing the dead fish in their mouths b/c, well...our little timid guy just isn't quite ready for that close of an encounter.

Carver has a new "silly" move (stance) that he does a few times a day. Of course it cracks Gilbert & I up. This is basically what it looks like - contort his face turn to the side with legs stretched out and put his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of his face. Maybe point his fingers. I know, it's awfully strange. Atleast Dad goes is right there with him, with his own version.

Gilbert's favorite part of Seaworld this year - feeding the birds.

That's it for Seaworld. I decided to not take the same annual pictures of Shamu. However, Gilbert did catch some very unflattering pics of yours truly on the Shamu Rollercoaster with Carver. I'm glad at the end of the day, I'm in control of what gets posted atleast!

We were more than ready after a good 5 hours there to head to the resort and see what was in store. First we got all set up and took naps.

Then we immediately headed to their famous lazy river. Here's a view from my chaise lounge in our waterside cabana. Very luxurious indeed! Not to mention there was no crowd by the time we got there the first day, we so basically had it all to ourselves. I really should have captured a pic of Carver in his floaties just moving along with the current. He loved every bit of it.

Of course Gilbert was in hog heaven with the hammock.

What makes this resort so unique is that it isn't hotel rooms, they are like apartments. All 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condos. It's all about the families and kiddos. I had to document the living quarters so please excuse the mess. I'm really not this messy at home but for some reason let it slide elsewhere.

The fully stocked kitchen....

View of our living & dining area...

Carver enjoying his banana on the sofa...

Our room set-up. Carver's toddler aero-bed fit perfect in the corner. We could've had him in the living room on pull-out bed but it was so nice to sit in living room and watch TV or relax after he was in bed.

Huge bathroom with 2 entries from hall and bedroom. Separate tub/shower. If you know me, you know this is high on my list of "extras."

My tour guide debuting the balcony which also had 2 separate entries - from bedroom and living area.

Another shot of the boys...

Only a mother could love her kid's tootsies as much as I. I don't know what's with me, but I just adore them.

A little strange, I know...

Then we hear the boom and thud of fireworks - they were so loud it seemed they were in our parking lot. How lucky were we, right across the street the Hyatt Hill Country Resort put on a seriously great show.

Daddy gave Carver a lift for better viewing...

The man I married...the 1 sock wonder....doubt he even knew he was missing 1.

We were able to catch a couple shows...one from inside as well.

Of course pictures do no justice, but let me tell you folks - these fireworks were perfect for us. We were in our pajamas, no crowds, just us stepping 1 foot outside our door. Perfection!

There's gotta be more???

Nope...no more, it's bedtime, son.

The next day we did go to El Mercado in San Antone for some music, great food and the typical cultural experience. Nothing to catch on film. But then we packed up, ready to head home and made a pit stop at Wonder World in San Marcos. It helped us extend our mini family vacation just a little longer.

Well, there it is. The pose again as we arrive at Wonder World...

First thing we did on our guide was go into their cave system. Lots of central texas history behind that dating back to the 1800's but I'll spare you.

Climbing so many steps requires some rest now and then..

Carver was treated to their souvenir cup, the dinosaur bobble head with an Icee inside. What a treat for a special boy!

Next up: hop on a train and feed the deer.

Finish the tour up with some popcorn of course.

Then home sweet home! No place like home. That's for sure.

We also got to come home with only a 1 day countdown til Carver's summer school program that goes through the whole month of July. Can I get a halleluiah?

First day right after the holiday weekend...

Even got a new backpack & lunchsack to kick off summer school. Never seen so much enthusiasm to wear something.

We're on day 2 & I don't know who is happier - mom or Carver!