Sleepless in San Antonio

Well everyone, I made it back in one piece (sort of) from our trip to San Antonio, Texas. We had a fantastic time visiting with my friends from my online "May Mommy" forum. Here is a quick review of who these people are. When I was pregnant with Dane, I logged into a forum daily to chat with other moms with the same due date. Most of us became instant online friends and Jessica (the mom who lives in San Antonio) and her husband created a special forum just for the May Mommies! So, for the last few years, we've all shared triumphs and tribulations with each other online. We had a reunion in New York in March of 2008 with the kiddies, so it was time to hang out again. Kashni and her husband Karan came all the way from India with their two boys Aryan and Ansh, Lauren came from North Carolina with her daughter Claire, and as I said before, Jessica lives in San Antonio with her husband Shane and her two daughters, Brooke and Sierra. Jessica is also 13 weeks pregnant with their third child. WOO HOO!

The trip was a bold move on my part as Ryan is only 11 weeks old and, how shall I put this, he's my sensitive child. Dane is a toddler, but I have to say, he was pretty well behaved during the trip. Luckily, with help from the wonderful flight attendants on Southwest, the flights there and back were as painless as they could be. Once in San Antonio, everyone in our group was so helpful and took turns giving me a break. I didn't have to do any cooking or organizing, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you guys!

Take a look at the photos from the trip. I think I captured the fun and adventure we experienced, but there were so many more I wanted to share! Also, remember to check out the new videos. There are some from the trip that are just priceless. I'm still uploading more, so check back for new ones daily. Stay tuned for another blog update next week as Dane's birthday party is tomorrow! Three years old...wow...

Who's that crazy mom traveling by herself with two boys?

Some in flight entertainment.

Ryan wasn't quite sure about take off.

We had arrived in San Antonio and Sierra was there to greet us with a smile!

There are Dane and Brooke goofin' off at the table.

We were still waiting for Lauren and Claire, so we headed out for dinner in Gruene, TX. I don't have any pictures from dinner because Ryan screamed the entire time. Sigh...

A tired, hungry group!

Let the screaming begin!

Kristy, Jess and Kashni looking dapper:) Karan was nice enough to buy me a beer that evening. I needed it.

Dane was pretty tired. This was the picture the next morning.

A little chase to start the day off right.

Kash, Ryan is almost as big as you!

Brooke, Claire and Dane are looking suspicious.

The place where we stayed had an abundance of rolly pollies. The kids LOVED them.

There was a debate about what this bug is. Any suggestions?

Oh! That explains it:)

Shane is the human playground.

Jess and Claire.

Jess and Brooke:)

Getting our munch on before we play.

Here is the yummy cake that Jess made for all the May birthdays. It looked like a disaster area when we were done with it.

Little Ansh enjoying the madness.

Dane, cheer up!

Flirting time.

We got some tired kids on our hands.

Brooke is ready to get to Sea World to see "Shampu" as Dane called it.

Dane and Claire had some great conversations in the back of the car on the way to Sea World. Check them out on our video page.

THE THREE PHASES OF RYAN'S TRIP TO SEA WORLD:

1) I'M TICKED OFF AT MOM!

2) I'M TIRED OF BEING TICKED OFF FOR NOW

3) OK, I'LL BE HAPPY FOR A MINUTE-I'M A REASONABLE GUY

Here we go!

Sea World!

Jess gave all the kids "Texas Rocks" shirts! Awesome!

Checkin' out the birds.

Seriously, mom, when is this gonna be over?

Shampu!

Okay, Shamu WAS kinda cool...

Dane is contemplating going on his first ride ever...

And he's decided that he WILL attempt!

We got to ride with Aryan. Aryan would speak to Dane in Hindi and Dane would speak back in what HE thought was Hindi:) It was awesome.

Jess, Claire and Brookie enjoying the egg ride.

Here is Ansh preparing for playtime in the water world.

Happy times in the water! It was really hot!

Hey prego, you're looking hot!

Ok, water...seems kinda fun...tell me more...

Karan and Aryan, checking out the dolphins.

Brooke, Claire and Lauren takin' a look, too.

Sea World was a hit, but it's time to rest.

Brooke WOULD have been sleeping, but Ryan thought he'd scream the ENTIRE way back. She was not a happy camper.

The next day (our last day) we headed to the children's museum.

Here is Dane talking about the WAAADDLTHNAKE...again...

It might be hard to find a heart beat in that kid...just sayin'...

Kash and Ansh goin' for a ride in the ambulance.

Dane is sad because it's time to head to the airport.

The gang heading to the airport. What do you think Ryan is doing right now?

Dane was NOT happy about leaving. He kept saying, "Leth turn around, mama! PLEEAATH!"

Dane and his buddy Aryan giving each other hugs in the line at security. Those kids played hard.

Throwin' a little "chaka bra" before the plane takes off...