Oliver at EIGHT months

           During Olivers eighth month we flew to San Antonio to visit my brother, Mitchell, his wife, Becca, and their sweet baby girl, Halle. The flight was really good despite it being Olivers first trip on a plane. As soon as we stepped out of the airport the heat hit. In a way it was comforting, it felt like home. 

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

           It was so hot that we frequently went for dips in the pool. When we first put Oliver in the pool with the floaty he wasn’t sure what to do. We put him on a big shallow step and he just started walking backwards and crying. The step was so big he was able to do this for a few seconds before we caught up with him and stopped him. It was hard not to laugh. 

             We had a lot of fun days while we were there. We went to the outlet malls and did some shopping, we played mini golf, and swam some more, all while poor Mitchell had to work. When Mitchell did get off at night we would go out to eat (fajitas!), play Mario Kart on the WiiU, or indulge in a “sweet volcano” from a much loved shaved ice 2point0 place that they discovered. Oliver even took his first solid steps in their apartment! Texas really felt like home when I got to meet up with my good friend Kylie and her family. They had plenty of embarrassing stories to tell Nathan... thankfully most of them were about my brother, Matt!

Sea World

             On Saturday morning, Mitchell, Becca, Nathan, and I went to Aquatica. It’s the new waterpark attached to SeaWorld. It is the coolest water park. One slide had a clear tunnel through a sting ray exhibit and another made you question whether you would live or die (seriously). It was our first outing without Oliver and it was too fun! Soon we missed our babes though so went back home, changed, and headed back to the park with our little ones in tow. This time we went to the actual Sea World part of the park. We saw dolphins getting fed and cool looking fish. Oliver really likes looking at fish. I am currently trying to convince Nath that we should get one!

             We also went to a couple shows. The Shamu show was in this absolutely massive stadium. Before it started they had a pre-show “dance party” going on. People would do certain dance moves and they would get shown on the jumbotron. During the freestyle part Becca and I stood up holding Halle and Oliver and made those babies dance… and they totally put them up on the big screen! I still chuckle thinking about it - chubby babies being forced to dance for everyone to see - gotta love it!

            So another day we did what my father insisted needed to be done while we were there. Go eat at the Big Bib. Oh man, did it live up to the hype. It was cheap and oh so delicious! And the last honorable mention for food in San Antonio is…. Shipley's Donuts. We had breakfast there twice, and grabbed an evening treat (dozen donuts) too. Oh my YUM! Why, oh why, are there no Kolaches up north?!

A pic we sent to dad of Becca and I peeking into the Big Bib

            On one of our last days we went to the Alamo. I will never forget it! (Hehe) Mitchell warned me not to ask where the basement is in the Alamo, its disrespectful. Darn.We also went to the Riverwalk. I love love love the Riverwalk in San Antonio. It has the coolest restaurants, shops, and hotels alongside this river. It’s a little Venice-esque. It had lots of awesome water features, which Oliver loved. He just stared at each one as long as we would let him. Cutie boy. As we walked along the Riverwalk, we went to the one place I deemed as a must-see. The stage on ‘Miss Congeniality’ where they do the interviews (“All you really need is a light jacket!”). We couldn't find it for a while but Mitchell didn't give up and he eventually found it for me -though we did have to walk through "Pee Alley". Haha! What a good brother!

Remember the Alamo!

      It was such a great visit! I miss Texas. It has a little piece of my heart there. Thanks to Becca and Mitchell for the fabulous time!!! Love them LOTS!

     The flight back was fine and then it was back to regular life. Regular life is not so boring though. Not with my Gops by my side!