We have tried to make the most of our first summer here, even in our ordinary everyday routine. We have braved the heat occasionally. Found some indoor play spaces. Already racked up late fees at the library. And just generally explored the 'burbs.
Scarlett adores the little kid sized shopping carts at a couple of the "local" grocery stores.
The park across the road has two trees that provide some shade and playground is covered with pea gravel - perfect for digging and dumping. Thank goodness Jud remembered his safety goggles!
We went outside the metroplex for this little adventure. Personally, I thought this place (Fossil Rim Wildlife Center) was way better than a zoo. Although, I admit we were far more concerned about the animals than they were about us! Some were brazen, like the addax (white body w/ horns) who stuck its nose right on the driver side window and then sauntered over to the passenger side. All of the animals were very congenial. Some I would have preferred less "friendly", like the crazy-eyed ostrich.
And then we have my iphone photography masterpieces...
see the sweet little face in the rearview mirror? The zebras were beautiful.
So, then for Scarlett's birthday we went to Sea World in San Antonio. Pretty fun to have a mini-vacation. We watched a couple of the shows, went on some rides, played in some water and then Buddy and I were just worn out. Leaving Damien and Scarlett at the park to their own devices, they quickly got to work...
conquering some fears: namely, heights and mascots. See, Damien doesn't look scared at all on that ride! :)
Look at those big scary Sesame Street characters being tamed by my sweet little girl. Ha ha! This is the same girl who, only two weeks earlier, was hiding under the table from Chuck E Cheese at her cousin's birthday party.
The next day we were full-on tourists! Went to the Alamo, of course. Kids were not very cooperative, but we managed to stay long enough to get a photo at least.
Then we were referred to an "authentic" Mexican restaurant called Mi Tierra. Gonna go out on a limb and say it is probably the most kitschy, touristy restaurant in town. But at least we were seated under the Selena memorial, clearly first class treatment! Honestly though, I think the food at La Charreada in Bloomington, Indiana is just as authentic and tastes way better (Bajio or Chipotle taste better, for that matter). And yes, we are the kind of suckers who patronize the mariachi band. We also went to the market next door where they had all sorts of trinkets. Jud and Scarlett were begging for a guitar and an accordion, I guess the band was inspiring.
We took the trolley and, of course, went for a boat ride on the river. San Antonio was neat, I would definitely do it again. On a side note, I guess Pres. Obama heard we were in town and tried to catch up with us while we were there, but we just couldn't fit him in to our busy schedule. Maybe next time.
