Hill Country Trip

A few weeks back, we took a long weekend and went down to San Antonio. We took our time and stopped several places in the Hill Country on the way there and on the way back. We did lots of hiking, ate lots of cool places and did a little shopping. And we got to spend lots of quality time with Aunt Mindy!

Now the funny thing is, that I seemed to take pictures of our hiking expeditions only! I guess I only wanted to remember how adventurous and outdoorsy we were. ;) However, my sister-in-law was also taking some pictures and posting them on Facebook during our time in San Antonio. If you were to view her pictures, you would think that all we did was eat! Maybe I'll have her send me some pictures and do a separate food post....

In the meantime, here are some snapshots of our outdoorsy, adventurous selves!

First up...Colorado Bend State Park. This place was truly in the middle of nowhere! You hike to a spring fed water fall...Gorman Falls. It was a long hike and a little hot, but we had fun!

We spent our first night in San Antonio at Aunt Mindy's apartment (something Alex had been begging to do). But we moved over to the Hyatt Hill Country for the second night. We had fun swimming in the lazy river and exploring...

Alex was not happy to leave the resort, but we had fun planned for the drive home! Our first stop was in Fredericksburg, where we ate lots of yummy food and did a little window shopping. Of course, I didn't take any picture here! Our next stop was Enchanted Rock State Park. I was quite certain we would not be climbing all the way to the top...boy, was I wrong?!

This is the marker showing that we made it to the spot of highest altitude!

Exploring the caves on the backside of the rock!

One thing is certain, we love going on vacations! Whether it be a short weekend trip, a camping trip, a trip to Nana's or a big cross-country trip...we love to spend time together as a family exploring a new area. And with the long hours our Daddy works, it is the best way for us to have quality, uninterrupted family time.

Any suggestions for our future adventures??

Anna and Nana

This past weekend Anna, Mom and I traveled out to Andrews to spend some time with Nana. She had taken a little fall and was in need of some extra TLC. As we spent time together, I was reminded of the special bond that Anna and Nana have, and have had since Anna was very little.

As a little baby, Anna would go several months without seeing Nana but always seemed to (happily) recognize her the moment we were together again. Before diabetes, Anna would go to Andrews with Nan and spend time together, just the three of them. I have pictures (that I am trying to find) of Nana dressed up in all kinds of interesting outfits that Anna created. They would have tea parties and play pretend and go to the DQ...Anna thought there couldn't be anything better in life!!

Fast forward to this past weekend, and it was bittersweet to watch as roles reversed just a bit. I explained to Anna on the way that this weekend was not about us, it was about helping Nana. She grasped what I was saying whole-heartedly....thankfully! For Nana really did not want Mom or I helping her, however she was more than willing to let Anna. She called Anna, "Nurse Anna" all weekend and while some of it was for fun, lots of it was for real. What an amazing blessing to watch as my baby girl helped her 84 year old grandmother shower, brought her things she needed and worked hard to meet her needs. For two individuals 73 years apart in age, they are amazingly close. In fact, we all are...all four generations. God heaped an extra special blessing on us...

Here are some fun photos of them together...I'm still trying to find some of the older ones.




Alex thinks that she is pretty cool, too!!



Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with Nana. I am thankful to be part of her legacy.



Lissa