Spring "Break 2018

Spring Break 2018 started off on a beautiful Friday afternoon at the annual Jonquil Festival in Old Washington.  We go to this festival every year and over the years I must admit we don't dress up quite as much as we used to for pictures in the beautiful flowers but we still always have a good time.

The old colonial homes are just a beautiful backdrop not to mention all the flowers in bloom.

The girls and a friend even made their way over to the old time candle shop where they allow you to make your own complimentary candle..you even get to pick out your colors!

Just a little throwback from years past that popped up on my timehop.  Where has time gone??

Then after work we headed up to Hot Springs for the annual I Love LK 5k.  The girls managed to stick it out through the whole race with me.  So proud of them for going the distance...

 The girls best childhood buds Grif and Gavin

That night we finally had the chance to go to the Shortest St. Paddy's day parade in downtown.  We have wanted to go for years but it never fell on a weekend..finally we had our chance and it didn't disappoint.

They even had parade starters Napoleon Dynomite...

and Joey Fatone from the Backstreet Boys

The girls loved every second of all the action.

Happy St. Paddy's day from this crazy crew!

On Monday morning before we left town the kids met up with some friends from out of town for a morning with the 4H group playing games. 

And then we packed up the car and headed south to the Big D.  Our first stop was the Omni hotel which is one of my favorites.  But the best part of the room was this awesome balcony that we lucked out on getting with a clear view of the ball.

WE did lots of hotel exploring.

And then that night we Ubered over to my cousins new house to hang out with them and grab a bite to eat.  It's always good to see this cutie, Charlie. 

Then returned back to the hotel to sit and watch the ball.  It was pretty awesome from our patio.

The next morning we were up early for a little workout and the girls even joined in.  How about that view while you are on the treadmill?!

We got ready and continued south to Waco.  We contacted some friends that told us we needed to try out this local hot spot...George's.  It was pretty tasty for sure.

Then we headed over to Chip and Jo's place for the girls a chance to check it out.  Dad decided to sit in the car since he had already experienced the fun with me once before.  They loved it! It is a beautiful spot and on a day like that really it can't be beat.

B even tried out the grass with some gym skills.

And there favorite part was this yummy watermelon juicer that comes from the local food truck.  I must admit I was stealing those straws for a taste myself.

Then from there we headed south once more to Austin.  We spent the afternoon with my cousin Dickie at his home on the lake.  B just happened to take this picture of the dog so I thought why not include it.  He has a beautiful home that made me super nervous with these two girls running around.  After we left his place we took a tour of Austin to show the girls the sights.  Mitch and I used to come all the time when David and Ashley lived there and I sure do miss those good times.  Austin has an atmosphere that is all it's own so I hope the girls were able to see a bit of that through our travels.

We then finished the night up on the riverwalk in San Antonio.  The first stop was a river cruise with the family.

Followed by dinner on the water...we even ran into a few families we knew from back in Arkansas...small world! 

 The next morning we got up early for a workout in the gym then headed out for a walk of the river.  The girls were so in awe of the sights along the river and how pretty it all was.

We even made a stop by the Alamo.  It took a minute of Mitch and I reading to remember exactly what happened there (I know sad but true) but the girls really seemed to get interested the more we explored.

Then we headed back to river walk for more sightseeing

and lunch at the best little English pub.  I highly recommend!!

After lunch we had to start making our way to the resort where we were to meet up with the rest of the crew that was coming in for the week.  But we asked the girls if they were interested in going to some caves I had seen on the way down..they said yes but the minute we pulled in and they saw there was also an animal safari things changed.  Yep, no more caves...

This is my car and I am taking the picture out the top of the passenger side.  How funny is this ole girl?!

Good times were had by all...

We made it to the resort just in time to catch all the other kids on the water slides.  It didn't take long and mine were right there with them!  This is Marly and AB

 B and Hayley and Mason and Will

 They loved the heated lazy river and spent many hours over the next several days doing just this.

 That night we had dinner at the resort followed by an after party in the McCaslins room with a tray full of cookies.

The next morning we got up for a little stroll around the property...it is huge!  This was in front of the golf course.

Followed by an entire afternoon of swimming and parents enjoying some quiet time off to the side with some good food and sunshine.

 Each night we let the kids go down to the pool room and they started their very own tournment. 

The next day we went with the McCaslins to Seaworld.  We had done this trip with them years ago but B was just barely one and Max wasn't even around so it was fun to do a second time that hopefully they will all remember.

 I love all the amazing shows...these animals are truly unique and so smart!

I think we took a pic just like this years ago my how things have changed!

We even got aunt Brandee on A ride!  That was it she was done after that.

The whale show is always my favorite.  This animals are so massive it is crazy to see up close.

 Good times were had by all..now they are ready to head back to the pool of course.

But one last Shark attack before we go...

Last afternoon with old and new friends.  This kids took advantage to get in some pool and hot tub time.

Followed by smores at the fire pit.

And then sadly it was time to head home.   What a wonderful week spent with lots of family and friends.  We definitely made some memories that can't be replaced.  Life is always so much funner experiencing it with these two!

And  let it be said there wasn't a Buckees in sight that we didn't stop at.  I got AB with Buckee but the one I was really trying to catch was B because as we pulled into the parking lot she pulled her first front tooth!   My little girl is getting so big and now is buckless!

Happy Spring Break ...Happy Momma  Now back to reality!