Brake Lights & Bug Bites

We have taken a brief break from the national parks to make our way through Texas! We have the goal of getting back to Ohio by the beginning of May so we planned our stops with that date in mind. We knew we wanted to hit Hot Springs National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Dollywood, but the other weeks were free! Our first stop en route to Ohio was San Antonio, Texas. Honestly, I picked San Antonio because of the Alamo, maybe the most famous landmark in Texas. I picked a campground near the Alamo and not too far from some shopping (IKEA, Costco, etc.). It has been a while since we were close to anything other than a local grocery store so we were in need of some staples and some summer clothes for the boys! A week would surely be enough!

But, we really enjoyed San Antonio and we loved the campground. We started a few projects in the camper. We rested. We explored. So, we needed more time! Thankfully, we were able to extend our stay another week.

Here are a few highlights from San Antonio

-San Antonio/Alamo KOA-our campground was so wonderful! It was well-maintained, provided lots of activities and amenities and was filled with families! The pool was a welcomed treat as we had several days in the high 90s (a record high for March in 17 years!). The boys played hours of Gaga Ball and football with friends. Tate took the record for number of times down the slide and the number of rides on the Glow Train! The boys participated in karaoke, crafts and special snacks!

-San Antonio Missions National Historical Park-5 Spanish Missions were established in the area in the 18th century. Four of the missions are maintained by the NPS while the fifth, the Alamo, is maintained by the State of Texas. The missions purpose was to conform and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. We retraced the steps of the mission Indians and friars with a ranger-led program and the boys earned another Junior Ranger Badge.

-Sea World-Shamu-need I say more? 🙂 When we decided to stay for another week, we purchased the San Antonio City Pass which allowed us to pick 4 different attractions to visit in the area. Sea World was a must! We snuck in right before spring break started in the area so the crowds were minimal. We watched each of the shows twice and the boys rode all the rollercoasters multiple times! I loved walking down memory lane of the Sea World that was in Aurora, Ohio when I was a kid. We got to the end of the day and realized we never even stopped for lunch! We were so busy packing everything in! It was such a fun day!

-Tejas Rodeo-Bull-riding, Tie-down roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Mutton Bustin’, and Calf Scramble. We had so much fun getting a taste of true Texas rodeo! Have you heard of Mutton Bustin? 4-7 year olds ride sheep and compete for the longest ride! It was a favorite event for everyone! Tate kept calling for “More Eep!” And, we are so thankful that Grant did not win a calf during the Calf scramble, although he was really close!

-The Alamo-originally built as a Spanish mission, later abandoned, and then turned military fortress. The siege and final assault on the Alamo in 1836 is the most celebrated military event in Texas history. Davy Crockett played a key role in the defense of the Alamo, ultimately dying in the battle. We could not believe the number of people visiting the Alamo. It was so busy, but I guess when you think of Texas, the Alamo usually comes to mind!

-The River Walk-Situated along the San Antonio River, two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops wind and loop under bridges. We enjoyed riding the river taxi, people watching, and listening to the live music.

-A New Washer/Dryer! A highlight for me was the addition of a washer/dryer to our rig! Most of the campgrounds offer a laundromat, but having a unit in our rig is sure a treat. It required a little rearranging of the boys’ room, but the new layout is even better, and I love being able to do laundry right in our rig!

Who knew there was so much to see and do in San Antonio!