Last weekend, Chad and I took the kids on our first vacation as a family of 4! We decided to stay closer to home this year and opted for Sea World in San Antonio. Clayton doesn't particularly love long drives at this point. Hopefully, we can head out of state next year.
This year, however, we decided to take Chad to work on Friday so that we could pick him up and head straight out of town. This was a great idea, in theory, except that we got stuck in rush hour traffic with a toddler that neglected to nap while in bed that afternoon. By the time we arrived in S.A., Clayton was DONE! We were relieved when we pulled up to our hotel around 9 p.m. As Ellie, Clayton and I were waiting for Chad to pick up the key, we were surprised to see my cousin and her family checking-in, too!! They were traveling from east Texas to enjoy their own family vacay! Once in the hotel room, Clayton went to town enjoying all of the doors and light switches. It was difficult to wind him down for the night but the two babies (and adults) were finally out around 10. I must note here, however, that Ellie was an amazing traveler! She rarely made a peep on our entire drive! Hard to imagine with how loudly some of Clayton's tantrums were - ha, ha!
The next morning, we picked up breakfast and headed out to Sea World. Chad and I are Sea World novices and were very surprised at the ticket prices (65+ for each adult and 45+ for each child under 3). Fortunately, we had a coupon (courtesy of my mom) and the babies were free. Once inside, we spent around 3.5 hours in the park and 90% of our time was at the water park. Chad and Clayton walked around and Ellie and I attempted to find a shady spot in the water to dip our feet. After swimming, we watched a sea lion show which was enjoyable. Next time, we think we will go for a couple hours in the morning, go back to the hotel to rest during the hottest part of the day, and then return to the park in the early evening. Live and learn, right?
This year, however, we decided to take Chad to work on Friday so that we could pick him up and head straight out of town. This was a great idea, in theory, except that we got stuck in rush hour traffic with a toddler that neglected to nap while in bed that afternoon. By the time we arrived in S.A., Clayton was DONE! We were relieved when we pulled up to our hotel around 9 p.m. As Ellie, Clayton and I were waiting for Chad to pick up the key, we were surprised to see my cousin and her family checking-in, too!! They were traveling from east Texas to enjoy their own family vacay! Once in the hotel room, Clayton went to town enjoying all of the doors and light switches. It was difficult to wind him down for the night but the two babies (and adults) were finally out around 10. I must note here, however, that Ellie was an amazing traveler! She rarely made a peep on our entire drive! Hard to imagine with how loudly some of Clayton's tantrums were - ha, ha!
The next morning, we picked up breakfast and headed out to Sea World. Chad and I are Sea World novices and were very surprised at the ticket prices (65+ for each adult and 45+ for each child under 3). Fortunately, we had a coupon (courtesy of my mom) and the babies were free. Once inside, we spent around 3.5 hours in the park and 90% of our time was at the water park. Chad and Clayton walked around and Ellie and I attempted to find a shady spot in the water to dip our feet. After swimming, we watched a sea lion show which was enjoyable. Next time, we think we will go for a couple hours in the morning, go back to the hotel to rest during the hottest part of the day, and then return to the park in the early evening. Live and learn, right?
After Sea World, we spent a few hours lounging around the hotel room. Ellie slept and Clayton was expected to stay on the bed and attempt "quite time." We enjoyed an early dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and then had the babies in bed by 7 p.m. They were exhausted!!
The next day, we drove a more scenic route home on 281 and had a much more relaxing experience!! We stopped at a peach stand and Clayton helped my pick peaches for cobbler, we sang songs, and looked for school buses. It was a lot of fun!
Overall, Chad and I are really happy that we took our kiddos on their first of many family vacations. We learned a lot about what we would like to try again and even more about what we DON'T want to do again. Here are some pictures of our little vacation 2010.
The next day, we drove a more scenic route home on 281 and had a much more relaxing experience!! We stopped at a peach stand and Clayton helped my pick peaches for cobbler, we sang songs, and looked for school buses. It was a lot of fun!
Overall, Chad and I are really happy that we took our kiddos on their first of many family vacations. We learned a lot about what we would like to try again and even more about what we DON'T want to do again. Here are some pictures of our little vacation 2010.
Clayton LOVED our room!
Our Sweet Babies
Playing Around
"I'm Cute."
Arriving at Sea World
Water Park
Clay and Chad were joined at the hip.
Mommy and Ellie time. She was HOT!
Asleep for the night by 7!
Chad and Clayton asleep after a busy day!
