Quick Trip To San Antonio

Memorial Day weekend, I flew out for a few days 

with Kristen and Felix. 

Oh how I miss them!

I'm secretly praying that God will move them closer to home.

Ok, it's not secret.

Mark knew I was missing my girl 

so he surprised me with airline tickets on Mothers Day. 

I love him!

We crammed a lot in a few days.

San Antonio is such a great city with so many must-see's.

They have recently restored a lovely area downtown and designated it as an open air market.  

It's a hot spot for local vendors to market their locally grown produce and home made products. 

We had a lovely time exploring all the treasures to be found.

A water feature for kids to splash through 

was perfect for weather in the 90's. 

Plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax. 

I do love to people-watch.

On the outskirts of the quaint park are restored hotels, cute boutiques and shops. 

The ever so popular Bakery Lorraine, 

just so happened to be on our walk. 

Actually, it was fore ordained that we were going 

to be checking this lovely place out.

You know, iPhotos can't do justice 

but you get the idea how divine this place is.

   

Oh the choices!

We ended up getting porridge. 

It was deliciously dotted with an 

assortment of berries, 

almonds and freshly whipped cream.

Scrumptious. 

(sorry, no pic)

We walked around the nearby 

Hotel Emma.

If you are ever in the area,

add it to your itinerary.

It was once a brewery in the early 1900's.

It is restored into an exquisite hotel.

They kept much of the brewery contents, equipment and machinery which makes it unique.

The huge round brew kettle below

has been transformed into a cozy sitting area.

Do you see the elevator below?

Every nook was fascinating.

I just imagined they used this desk 

for meetings and such.

Who could that girl be

peeking in the window?

I was going to write about the whole trip but this is quite lengthy so I will hush for now.

One more photo of KJ in her apartment

blessing this mother with a cello solo.

'Twas an amazing weekend that I will be thankful for

for quite awhile.

Look Out World!

The minute she said she was thinking about moving,

I began making plans.

"Oh she can get a two-bedroom!"

"Maybe a house."

I knew nothing about San Antonio,

especially not downtown San Antonio.

I am game for anything,

especially when it comes to my girls dreams.

We did lots of research and filled a notepad with notes 

and scheduled appointments.

She packed the bare necessities 

and set our tires

west on I-10.

Look out world for this little teal Toyota Corolla is on a venture.

We looked at 8 or 10 places when we found THE studio apartment above a famous landmark.

It was perfect, although at first we weren't sure how we would fit her belongings.

After we blew the air mattress up and realized 

we had plenty of room,

we began planning and getting excited 

to make this place her new home.

I love the challenge of making the most out of every inch.

 The window offered the perfect nook for this table.

The island was a necessity to provide more counter space 

and some additional storage.

Notice the magnet on the edge to

accommodate potholders and a dishtowel.

 The sofa was her birthday present and provides the perfect spot to "flop" at the end of the day.

 Lots of storage to hide the extras in life.

 The door to the right walks into her surprisingly large bathroom and a walk-in closet.

  The painting on the top of the ladder is a paint-by-number that she completed 

before she moved from Florida. 

We love that it pictures someplace you may find in her neighborhood.

Cookbooks, cookie sheet, cutting board and other handy gadgets.

San Antonio is an amazing city.

Last week was Rodeo Week.

She sat at the cafe across the street from her apartment. 

She sipped coffee while herds of cattle were driven passed her.

I'm glad she can go from one world out her door

and safely back into her little cozy apartment.

(I'm a mother.)

I'm so proud of Kristen.

She says she has found her "home."

It just fits her.

The Move

Kristen has made the move.

She is now living in San Antonio, Texas.

I don't think any of us really believe it yet.

From Florida to Texas,

do you know what city we travelled through?

I can give you a clue.

Do you know what that is?

Its a beignet from The Café du Monde in New Orleans.

It was slightly off our route but we knew it was necessary.

It's been on my list of things to do for a few years now.

Totally worth the lost hour.

She & I drove out here last week to find her an apartment.

She wanted to try something out of her "norm" so she chose an amazing apartment smack dab 

in the middle of downtown 

San Antonio.

I had never been here but I love it.

It seems like Italy to me.

I've never been there either.

There is a river winding through the town like puzzle pieces.

Just about every road has gorgeous tiled stairs 

running down to the river.

Found along the river are charming shops and restaurants.

Live music, dancing and movies on the walls add to the fun.

Ducks, gondolas with singing tour guides add to the nostalgia.

She chose an apartment above The Majestic.

We are having fun decorating, furnishing and making plans.

 This little sidewalk café is just across from her apartment.

Starbucks is a few doors down.

Shopping is everywhere.

We got up Sunday morning and walked to 

The First Baptist Church of San Antonio.

The church is 150 years old and the structure is beautiful.

It is .6 miles from her apartment.

I was not hopeful with all the searching it took us to find a church home in Kansas.

Never underestimate God!

We both loved it.

The church is on the large side but several people found us 

and invited her to a class.

I tagged along and we both loved it.

The teachers even exchanged phone numbers with me 

in case I ever need them.

I don't foresee that ever happening but what if Kristen doesn't answer her phone late one night?

My mind wanders and then it turns into worry.

I feel better having someones number.

That was a huge blessing to this mothers heart.

Mark doesn't arrive with the Penske truck until this weekend.

We are so excited to get the rest of her belongings and make it her comfy little home.

This is the 3rd year in a row that a move has taken place 

in my family.

I moved the last two Fall's and now it's Kristen's turn.

Can't wait to see who moves next Fall.

I will share more updates on this new exciting chapter 

in Kristen's life.

My Baby Is Moving

Kristen was offered an amazing job opportunity.

Our daughter is moving to San Antonio.

Do we know anyone in San Antonio? No!

We now have a new place to explore.

We are excited for her and this new adventure.

The company flew her out for a final interview.
She spent some time touring the city 
and looking at the living options.
Here are a few pics she sent me.

Lovely!
She is hoping to find a place by the river.
The next few weeks are going to be super busy and fun and exciting and nerve racking.
How many hours does it take to drive a Penske truck from Florida to San Antonio?
Sixteen

Mark & Kristen hopped down to Universal Studios this past weekend.

I'm thankful that they can share their love for roller-coasters and Harry Potter with each other.

They paused to take a selfie and text it to me.

Thanks you two!

Do you realize that this is the 3rd year in row that a major move is happening in my famila?

I'm working on my español for Texas.

One more thing,

when I say "Texás"...

I'm hearing the beauty queen in Miss Congeniality.

Oh I love that movie.

I'm going to watch it.

Hope you are having a great day. 

Go and love someone!

A friend of mine was killed in a car crash yesterday.

It reminds me of how precious each day is.

Love to all.