Family Vacation 2014: Stop #1, New Orleans

As a family we were all excited about the opportunity to take our first real family vacation.  Sure we have done little trips here and there, but nothing like the driving that would take place on this adventure with a 4 and 3 year old in tow.  But, we did successfully make it across 5 states over the course of a week.  We drove across Texas to New Orleans, LA.  Then after stopping there for a couple of nights we drove to Sandestin, FL to take in the white beaches and blue water.  After enjoying Sandestin we stopped in Mobile, AL to visit the battleship U.S.S. Alabama before returning to Texas.  Sounds like fun right....well, it was!  The kids did really well in the car and did very little complaining.  So sit back and relax as we share a little bit about our trip covering the crossing of 5 States.

We were all excited to begin the family vacation adventure.  Our first stop was the city of New Orleans. Yes, I know this not typically the stopping place for a family vacation, but we wanted to do a swamp tour, take the kids to Jackson Square, and eat at Cafe Du Monde.  All of these things were done.  However, the most entertaining part of the visit may have very well been the entrance to the city.  As we attempted to exit I-10 we immediately came to a standstill. We weren't sure what was taking place. Traffic was backed up, police were attempting to direct traffic, and the traffic signals were all blinking red.  Well, as it turns out the city complexly shuts done when JayZ and Beyonce are performing at the Superdome!  The outfits worn by the people going to the concert made many of those on Bourbon street look pretty normal.  So, after a long day of driving, we finally checked into the St. Christopher Hotel and walked to get some yummy food for dinner.

Our first order of business the next day was taking part in a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour.  We were all excited to go on the tour.  It might seem like a cheesy tourist thing to do, but it was a lot of fun.  Our guide was excellent and very informative.  He shared candidly about his life as a true Cajun, the animals he works with, and his home. Surprisingly the kids (especially Cade) paid close attention to him and loved every minute of the tour.  During the tour we even got the opportunity to hold a five year old alligator!  Caelin was the only one to not hold the alligator cause "it is alive and slimy", hahaha!  Cade said his favorite part of the boat adventure was going potty on the boat.  The boat had a toilet that in order to use, you would scoop water with a pot into the potty, go potty, and then use a pump to get the dirty water to flow out.  I bet it wouldn't had been so much fun if he would of been the one to do all the work!  Instead he just laughed and thought it was hilarious.  After we returned from the swamp tour we unloaded and regrouped at the hotel. We then headed out on foot to Jackson Square. We walked the square, ate the "flat donuts" at Cafe Du Monde, and enjoyed some of the local jazz musicians. It was a lot of fun. Of course though if you are in New Orleans you must take a stroll down Bourbon Street.  However, do not do this at night is you are dragging two young children with you.  So we did Bourbon Street during the daytime.  Now we know not to do Bourbon Street even with kids during the daytime!  We hurriedly waked past a man in fishnet hose, heels, and leather vest at one point. However, the best was the young woman wearing a red skirt and two very carefully placed red stars (I will leave this to your imagination) at which Cade looks over then back at us and says very seriously, "She needs to put some clothes on."  Needless to say the kids were exhausted from all the walking and sightseeing so we ate dinner in the hotel room, had a movie night, and prepared for the next day during which we would arrive in Sandestin, FL.

Picture Extravaganza

Getting family pictures is definitely NOT our favorite.  Not sure if it is the stress of outfits (we never want to end up in the "Awkward Family Photos" book in 10 years), the rush to get everyone ready and stressing over who is gonna mess up their hair, or the zillion times we have to hear/say "look at the camera", "Say fuzzy boogers", "if you want Legos, then LOOK at the camera!"  Regardless, I am proud to announce we accomplished 2 AMAZING photo sessions.  Last week, our family of 4 went in and did our thing.  I was so pleased with the results and am happy to report we survived!  Then, this week we went in with the entire Hall Fam to get pictures of the 10 of us.  The last family picture was 10 years ago, so a lot has changed since then!  Here is a line up of the best shots from both sessions.  Praise God for great family pictures and that it is over!

Sea World!

This year after the McCharen Reunion, we drove into San Antonio to enjoy a few days at Sea World and stay in our favorite Hotel, the Hilton Hill Country.  This is always a fun time with the kids as they are always amazed at the animals and watching the shows.  Since we drove over and got there around Noon on Sunday, we quickly checked in at the hotel and then did the Sea World Bay at Play splash day.  This is a fun afternoon with their favorite characters, playing in the water, climbing the ropes courses and riding the rides.  I always know they will sleep good this night!  Ha!  Just when I thought they would pass out, a second wind came and they were awake and wanting to swim in the hotel pool, make smores, and watch Shrek 3 on the outdoor screen.  I think it was almost 11pm when they finally crashed!  The next day we slept in and ate breakfast on our way to Sea World.  This day we focused on the shows and the "bigger kid" rides in the park.  Caelin's favorite part was the Dolphin show and she was NOT too crazy about the Atlantis water ride which has a HUGE drop.  She was all smiles, but after the ride said, "no thanks".  I couldn't help but laugh!  Cade however is a thrill seeker and rode the Atlantis ride numerous times with Daddy while Caelin and I walked around. Cade also loved the Sea Lion and Otter show with Clyde/Seamore.  I can't say I blame him either.  I loved watching the walrus do sit-ups!  Just amazing.  Both the kids also loved the Pets Ahoy show which featured lots of different animals doing trick.  It had dogs, cats, birds, pigs, skunk, ducks, and more.  After a full day of fun and laughter, Cade won a surprise visit by the "surprise team".  He answered a question correctly and won a LARGE stuffed Shamu.  Caelin of course wanted it and so Cade quickly turned around and gave it to her.  I was so blessed by his caring heart.  Of course, as we were leaving the park, he announced that the mommy Shamu needs a baby Shamu.  So, as luck would have it, we have 2 Shamu's now!  That evening we enjoyed BBQ from a favorite, Bill Miller.  When I was growing up in San Antonio, we would have Bill Miller's all the time and it always makes me smile.  We also enjoyed more swimming, smores, and relaxing in the hotel.  It was sad to know we had to leave the next day, but we have another great adventure in a week to New Orleans, San Destin, and Mobile.  Thank you Lord for summertime and amazing adventures!