First Family Vacation

We just got back from our very first vacation as a family. Most people who know me know that we go camping on the Frio River every summer with my family. I have been going since I was Ava's age and I was so excited to bring her to one of my favorite places on earth. Nothing beats being in the Texas Hill Country and being surrounded by such beauty and the company of the ones I love. I have so many memories at the river and I look forward to making many more with Ava. We made the long trek to the river starting on Friday, our anniversary. We would have preferred to not be in the car all day on our anniversary but we didn't have much choice. The drive is just too long to make in one day. Our plan was to drive to my dad's on Friday, he lives close to San Antonio, and then leave for the river on Saturday. We had a little scare on the road Friday when we got rear ended in Hillsboro. Luckily we werent hit really hard and we were all ok. It scared me at first since Ava was in the back seat but she woke from her nap with a little cry once we got hit and then she was smiling and talking to me. I knew then she was perfectly ok. We are so thankful that it was only minor and that we were together and I wasnt alone with Ava. That would have sent me over the edge. After about an hour of dealing with the accident we finally got back on the road, only to stop about 30 minutes later to feed Ava. This was the first of MANY stops to feed her. We stayed on her normal feeding schedule but it seemed like we were stopping every hour. It slowed us down quite a bit and made the drive extremely long. Thankfully Ava was such a good girl in the car. She barely cried and she either slept or talked to her toys. I couldnt have asked for a better little traveler! We stopped in Round Rock to visit the Isaacsons. We had lots of people that Ava needed to meet before going to the river so they were our first stop. Alex was such a cutie and was intrigued by Ava, well her eyes at least! He wanted to poke them like he does with the baby dolls and I thought it was hilarious! Here are some pictures to sum up the rest of the trip.

Every year on our anniversary we eat BBQ since that is what we ate at our wedding. We didn't really think it would happen this year since we were on the road all day. Luckily we came across this BBQ joint in Kyle just outside of New Braunsfels. Mikey ran in and got it to go and we ate in the car. (excuse this horrible picture of me. it's the result of being in the car for 5 hours!)

Meeting Alex for the first time

Meeting my Dad's wife, Shirley (aka Nana), for the first time



Me, Dad, and Ava

On Saturday morning we had coffee with some of my high school friends. This was also the first time for them to meet Ava.

Paige

Ok, so this one is out of order but we also stopped in to see Paige Reynolds on our drive back through SA after the river. She is due with her first baby in the next two weeks, maybe sooner! She looked great and I am happy we got to see her before her little one arrives. We'll be back Paige to meet Baby R! (they dont know what they are having!)

Addie

Carla

Kristen

Shelby was also there but I didn't get a picture of her and Ava. Sorry Shelbs!! How did I let that happen?

Finally made it to the river by late Saturday afternoon. This is the view of our private river spot by the house.

Every morning we hung out on the back porch over looking the river and drank our coffee. Ava chilled out in her swing. She loved being outside and so did Macy!

Coffee Chat with Ava

Yes, we love the river! Macy couldnt wait to go swimming and dive for rocks. We would throw a rock in the water and she would submerge her head and retrieve an even bigger rock than we threw. It was funny!

So this pool was supposed to be for Ava but someone decided it was a lounging spot for her to rest after swimming.

Mikey grilling fajitas

The trade off for Ava to dip her toesies in the river water.

I know Mikey's mom and dad would appreciate this picture. This is how Mikey used to suck on his fingers, no it isn't a hookem horns, so when I saw her doing it I had to laugh. Like father like daughter!

Trying to give our best p p p poker face! (who doesn't love that Lady Gaga song?) We failed as you can see. I don't know who cracks first!

The crew (Mikey, Mom, Mimi, Brianna, friend Kaylee, Big Bob, Macy, Me, and Ava)

My Aunt Lisa and cousins stayed at another house close by so we got to see them too. It was such a short trip but we enjoyed every minute! Ava did wonderfully on our first vacation. It's hard to believe the next time we are there she will be walking!