Texas

There are definitely perks to having jobs in the academic world.   L and I both get the campus winter break (for the most part - we don't get an entire month off but we do get a much more abbreviated work schedule) and Luke of course gets his standard 2 week break over the holidays.  We definitely made the most of it!  Our winter break will come in installments here because we filled it with fun and travel and some of our favorite people!

We headed to San Antonio, Texas!  None of us had ever been there and we have heard great things about it.  There was also a Pokemon tournament there and Luke was very excited to make that part of our trip!  So here is a little glimpse into the beginning of our winter break and two of Luke's big Christmas gifts. 

So, just us flying to San Antonio for Luke to play in a tournament was a Christmas gift to Luke in and of itself.  Our flight was delayed 4 hours!  Which is such a pain but luckily there were at least 20 other Pokemon players on our exact flight so the gate area was FULL of people playing cards at tables, on the floor, wherever!  It was fantastic and a great way to pass the time.  I'm telling you, the Pokemon community is just lovely. 

Round 1.  150 players in Luke's division.  

This kid placed 15th!!!  We are so proud of him!  He didn't let his nerves get to him and he kept his cool, he was a gracious winner and loser, and he stuck to his gameplay.  So proud!  

San Antonio is a gorgeous city!  And a growing city.  The growth is definitely evident in all of the construction but the center city and Riverwalk area was just beautiful.  L and I urban hiked for hours and hours while Luke played and we got to explore so much of the city and its culture.  I wouldn't hesitate to go back!  Just a really cool place.

In the downtown section the Riverwalk is lined with restaurants and shops.

Countless bridges to get you from one side to the other

Our home away from home.  We went with an AirBnb because we added some extra days to our trip to wander as a family and we love having a kitchen so that we can make our own meals and don't have to eat out all the time - money saving for sure! 

The Riverwalk was lit up in the most beautiful lights at night - I think it is always like this and not just for the holidays and it was just breathtaking.

The Alamo

The river boat cruises with a guide narrating your trip were very popular

Except for the very first day we had Gorgeous weather!  We took the Riverwalk from our house alllll the way past the city and into more residential areas. 

More Alamo

A beautiful and festive Mexican market

We surprised Luke with the Christmas gift of going to a San Antonio Spurs basketball game!  It was such a cool experience!!

My two favorite guys!

Luke loved this super cool art installation below the highway overpass.  There were quite a few fish in the river, turtles too.

We really enjoyed our mini vacation to San Antonio!  Luke did amazing and we got to wander and wonder in a new place - you can't beat that!!

And a shout out to the best of the best...Steph and her family provide Jasper with his home away from home and we are forever grateful!!  This is the picture Steph sent right after she picked him up.  He loves her so much!