Friday, June 13, 2008

San Antonio for Kids


Last weekend, we visited San Antonio. In truth, we were celebrating my father-in-law being awarded the top tax attorney in Texas by the ABA. Since the award ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regencey Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, we made it a family-filled weekend. For once, I have to say, we really seemed to hit things right.

Little K met her Great Grandma Helen for the first time ever. GG Helen flew in from Chicago. What a treat it was to see those two interact! I loved it when Little K pretended to take photos with the disposable camera and asked everyone to say "Hot Mama" while they posed individually for the shot. GG Helen didn't miss a beat. She was quite the "Hot Mama"!

I can't say enough about the hotel either. Super Kid Friendly! The Hyatt really makes it a treat for the entire family from the on-site playground and tether ball set up to the indoor face painting and evening ice cream parlor. The lazy river allows families to float around the campus in inner tubes. Even Little K thought it was a cool way to relax. Every day, families can treat themselves to a delicious breakfast buffet where children age 5 and under eat free. There's no skimping here. It's yummy. Saturday evening the hotel offered a family dinner buffet of Mexican food and festive decor in the courtyard. Don't forget the pony rides, too. The staff was incredibly helpful. Trent & I shared a room with Little K and still enjoyed the spacious room.

Saturday morning, we drove maybe 5 minutes to Sea World for a 2-hour stay that amazed even the biggest critic. Once she got over the initial shock of large animals jumping into air from the pool, Little K really got excited about Shamu's performance. I liked the fact that it was so close to the hotel so we didn't have to travel far after our hot trip through the water amusement park. Refreshing at the Hyatt was easy to do over lunch. I'd love to visit this hotel again.


After our celebrations concluded on Sunday, Trent, Little K & I headed to the Alamo. At left, Trent, Little K & stuffed-animal Dyno pose for a pic in front of the famous Alamo. The crowd was not too much either. Next, we headed to the River Walk and found the entry to the River Boats. Little K was especially interested in this, and yes, Dyno even traveled onboard the boat. Trent later told me that, while he initially hates doing city tours, he really liked the history that was shared on this one. Sometimes, you've just got to do it. I'm convinced that staying at the Hyatt for most of the weekend and then taking a short trip to the Alamo and River Walk is the way to go. I wouldn't change a thing next .... summer?

Until the next nap time...