Fiesta in San Antonio

If you ever plan a vacation to San Antonio be sure and come in late April for the vibrant week of Fiesta. Usually the bluebonnets are blooming in the hill country and the triple digits and bugs have yet to take over.

Even with the breezy, and I dare say perfect day, the kids were miserable in the shade, much less the sun. That's what happens when you grow up in the Pacific Northwest. I was so grateful to get some Vitamin D that didn't come out of a bottle, but the kids were far more focused on water, snacks and going inside somewhere --anywhere with air conditioning.

My sister with my niece and Flowerbaby drove us all over downtown for the day, even though the Riverwalk was closed for the parade. Still, cracking cascarones on everyone's head in El Mercado was a laugh (Little Man took absolutely no joy in this Fiesta tradition), and The Alamo turned out to be much more educational for Peanut than I'd anticipated. She was fascinated with the glass cases full of found objects: buttons, guns and soldiers' real letters describing the aftermath of battle as the Mexicans headed South.

We were just looking for a nice spot on the San Antonio river for a dinner picnic and ended up underneath the 300 year old Mission Espada Aqueduct. The Mission Trail is a must if you want to experience the true flavor of San Antonio although it's helpful to go before 5pm when they're actually open. Shoes were thrown off immediately and the cool, shallow water beckoned. A minute later Peanut started shreiking with glee and begging for us to come see the ants. We each crossed the river to find a gigantic Leaf Ant colony in action. A treasure!