Well it's not Colorado...

Though I think Colorado could have used our economic contributions (wildfires) more than ever this year, we made the painfully-grown-up decision to stick to budget and stay local. We had a Disney World trip coming up in September, and two back-to-back trips of that magnitude (Colorado is as costly just for the sheer gas prices) is a bit much on the finances.

So we decided to go local: New Braunfels. Schlitterbahn, the Natural Bridge Wildlife park, and the Caverns. Anna was (surprisingly) bummed about not doing Colorado but all was forgiven when I told her we'd be staying in a hotel. The child LOVES to stay in hotels. As she puts it, she loves the smell, the look, the bathrooms, the beds, the elevators, restaurant, the lobby, etc. Hilarious! She's a regular traveler!!

We stayed at he Courtyard Marriott and it was right on the river, with trees and grass and a great swimming pool. We were upgraded to a room with a balcony, which made for nice evenings! Anna and Paul spent good pool time in between tourist stuff...

I had reserved a King bed room out of habit (and ok snuggle opportunity) but Anna asked for her own stinking bed so we got two queens! Little booger! She's growing up and I guess I'm still stuck in old habit.












The wildlife park was neat but the zebras were hiding from us (bummer!). The others pretty much came up to the car to get fed (you can buy a bag of feed) and that was neat to see up close.

Schlitterbahn was easier than I thought it would be...for such a great theme park, there's not the logistical overhead of a large one. Parked right near the entrance with no parking fee. You can bring your own ice chests and pick a picnic table once you're in for the day to spread out your stuff. Lots of rides but not a crazy amount of walking to have to get from one to the other. Lots of options for the little ones and grown ups. Anna struggled with the whole tubing concept in the beginning but we basically pushed her into it and she took off with it. By the second day she was telling me to let go of her tube as we would head down little waterfalls and rapids!! The rides were awesome but I can say I wasn't 100% in enjoyment mode, as I was constantly worried about losing Anna or her flipping over or whatever else!!! We talked about what to do if we ever got separated on a ride but that thought freaked me right the Hell out so I was mostly consumed with those logistics with a smile on my face! The rides were awesome but I was always a bit relieved when they were done.

At one point we were headed for a 25ft waterfall on the Congo ride,unbeknownst to us until lwe saw it dead ahead :) Anna sees it, "Mama I want to get out of that door right there!" (Fake door for effects). "Too late, baby! Just hold on tight and I'll catch you at the bottom!!" Me first, then Anna, then Paul. Her first words at he bottom: THAT WAS FUN!!! The same words she's used on every roller coaster since she was 2!
She was pretty tough and confident the rest of the time. We also rode one of those uphill water rides, the kind that pushes you uphill with strong jets of water. Funny how no one mentions it's quite the butt spanking and you're at risk of losing your shorts in the process!!! For real, I don't think I really needed that spanking!! Where do you think that big jet of water pushes?! Ack!!!

Anyway Schlitterbahn really figured it all out. Even their amusement park food and gifts were reasonably priced. Nice place and we are talking about season passes for next year because even those pay for themselves after just 2 visits.
Wish we had photos but Paul's iPhone Life-case FAILED and leaked, and almost ruined his phone.




And the caverns were awesome! Not sure ever why my iPhone always takes yellow photos when I use my flash, but...












And they had a little kids rope course and adult rope course/zip line. Anna tried out the kids one and was frustrated she was too short for the "high" one.
























And finally, they had panning for gems (her love of rocks still strong!)




Not a bad little vacation just a few hours from home! We spent some
Time on the drive home teaching her how to blow bubbles with her gum....she's desperately serious about that.

Now school starts Monday, and tomorrow morning we finally meet her teacher. Kindergarten!

She also has a super loose tooth. Not sure when that baby's coming out but she is having fun with it. Figuring out new ways to eat and all :)

It was her first tooth in, soon to be her first tooth out. Seems like that JUST CAME IN!!!

Happy end of summer, all!