Spring Break in South Padre Island

Yes, you read that right.  I took my family to South Padre Island for Spring Break.  We were ready to have some fun in the sun and the beach.

My daughter has been asking us to take her to the beach.  She was born a human but in another life she was a mermaid. 

South Padre Island has beautiful beaches.  We had visited a couple of years back but my husband was not able to make the trip with us.  I am sure my daughter does not even remember since she was so little.  We headed to the island for a couple of days to get away from everything.

My favorite things about this trip:

1)  Family Time-We have not taken an entire week off together in - NEVER!  My husband usually works for Spring Break.  I normally take time off and hang out with my kids.  We do weekend trips, or staycations but never actually plan to get away from it all. 

2)  Location-I love the beach.  I did not realize how much my little girl loved the beach too.  Why do I love the beach?  The beach is a fun place.  I love reflecting on the beach.  I love listening to the ocean.  Seeing the beauty of the sky meeting the land.  It did not matter where we would have went as long as we were together.  But the beach did make a perfect spot for us to enjoy ourselves, each other, and it's beauty.

3)  Memories-A vacation sometimes is not all fun, happy, joy-joy times.  Most of the time we forget something, we get lost, kids have tantrums, etc... but even those memories one day will be funny stories or things you miss once your kids grow up.  I am learning to let go.  I am a very controlling person and this hard.  I am a perfectionist and forgetting, losing, or under planning really suck for us.  Lately I am spending more time laughing at myself, laughing with my kids, instead of stressing out, I laugh, laugh hard. 

A specific moment I am learning to let go is the perfect shot.  I put my kids in a spot, expect to pose and smile, and then it happens.  They move, no smile, closed eyes, etc...  My husband loves getting the moment shots.  He has been telling just take the picture.  Remember those moments who cares if it is the perfect shot.  And guess what, those have been become the shots I am loving.  Check some of them out from this vacation:

My daughter was so excited that we were getting ready to hit the water that she could not sit still for a shot.  I snapped this picture off centered, caught her trying to put her shoes on, and actually didn't even take the picture right.  I normally delete these kind of pictures but not anymore. 

This is one of many shots I took.  Again, I was trying to get her to smile for the camera.  I ended up just clicking a lot of shots.  I loved them all.  You can see how much fun she was having in every shot.

This is when I gave up trying to a good picture.  I just starting snapping action shots.  I like this picture because it has the rest of the family in the shadows.  We were having so much fun just watching how much fun my daughter was having.  The water was freezing but she was running, chasing waves.

Every shot has a story.  Our story.

Have you been to SPI?  Do you hit the beach?  When was your last vacation?  What places do you like to visit with the family to unwind? 

Schlitterbahn South Padre Island #BahnLove Celebration

***Disclosure-I am a USFG blogger.  I am posting this information in exchange for complimentary resort stay and waterpark tickets for my family.

Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Waterpark is celebrating 15 years since opening.

Built in 2001, this park is home to our Transportainment River system that is designed to maximize time in the water and eliminate lines.  This river system connects eight attractions that feature rapids, chutes, and gentle currents.

South Padre Beach Resort is Green.  The ropes, Green House, lobby check in counter, parapet walls, chandeliers, waterslides, and handrails are all repurposed, and recycled.

3 years ago, we got to visit and learn about the Loblolly Pines from the Bastrop County fire.  Jeff Henry, with Schlitterbahn, offered to take the fallen trees, then had them milled, beginning the process of transforming the pines from scorched wood to the most dramatic feature throughout the Schlitterbahn Beach Resort at South Padre. 

Check out my post for more pictures-Travel Tuesday-Schlitterbahn South Padre Island

When you head to Schlitterbahn South Padre Island you can go to the beach, sit back and enjoy your tube ride while you tan.

Head on over to Schlitterbahn.com to plan your next visit and make sure to follow online and enter any of the contests on Schlitterbahn Waterparks, Schlitterbahn South Padre Island, Schlitterbahn Galveston, or Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Facebook pages.  Your next visit could be FREE.

Travel Tuesday-Del Coronado

I told you last week the hubs and I were traveling to San Diego, California.  This was my first time visiting but my husband actually did Marine boot camp here.  But he did not get to see the city.  He also, got to visit back when his sister graduated on Coronado and again did not get to tour.  He remembered how beautiful Coronado Island was.  I had never even heard of Coronado until I started telling my friends this is where we were going. 

When I looked up online where we were going, this place looked like paradise.  I love the beach and this blue watered beach resort was calling my name.  This is Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.  

You did not have to go anywhere but walk right out of your room to be on the beach.  This hotel caters to all.  I was so impressed how family friendly it actually was.  We did not have our kids but I kept telling my husband, the kids would love this.  But this was our get-away.  Our room had a king size bed.  My favorite spot was sitting in the comfy couch wrapped up in the cozy, warm blanket.

 We both agreed that we loved having double sinks in the bathroom.  Plenty of counter space for both of us to share and have our own space as well.

Check out their garden that is right on the property.  Fresh for the kitchen and daily menus.

This place is full of history, part of movies, celebrities and movie stars visited - and now so have we.

Planning a get-a-way, this place is perfect.  The weather, the beach, and the awesome hotel!

Travel Tuesday-Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Beach Resort

Disclosure-Thanks to Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Beach Resort for hosting my family and other bloggers for 2 nites/2 meals.  All opinions expressed are based on my personal experience and as always are my honest opinions. 

My family and I had a wonderful experience this past weekend.  We have visited Schlitterbahn parks before and have always had a wonderful experience but this resort takes the cake.  We actually felt like we had left Texas.  I know South Padre is an Island but in Texas.  We felt like we were in Cozumel or somewhere tropical.  The weather was wonderful, remember we are in May.  The weather has been crazy - one day cold and one day hot, or even both on the same day.  But you don't have to worry about that when you go to Schlitterbahn as they are an indoor waterpark. 

The part I really enjoyed was learning the history behind this new beach resort and waterpark.  Do you remember the Bastrop fires that burned for days on end?  I do.  We pray hard, and pray hard, and pray hard until finally the fires were controlled. 

In 2011 over 32,000 acres were destroyed in the Bastrop fire. The resort was been built using logs from the fire - logs saved from the chipper and instead turned into everything from sculpture to tables, from outside walls to night stands and cabinets.

In August of 2012 the park did a soft opening of the brand new 221 room resort on the beach. The resort is combined with an indoor waterpark featuring 9 different rides/attractions including a wave river, two five story tall water slides and a pirate themed kids area.

 It's an amazing example of sustainable building practices. Frankly the entire resort is a testament to Texas style recycling - over 3 miles of 3 inch mooring ropes of dozens of ships are painstakingly wrapped around giant concrete structural poles on the new upstairs 10,000 square foot patio, for example. The retractable greenhouse roof that covers the indoor waterpark is from an old Schultz nursery. Even the check in counter is from salvaged walnut trees pulled from a road project in Kansas. But it's the Loblolly pines that have the most dramatic effect, especially to those who know the story of the fire.
  Everywhere you look, you will see items that have been repurposed around the park.  The wood, the craftmanship, and the design are so beautiful to the naked eye.  If you DIY, you will love all the cool wood pieces all over the resort.    Reasons why you should visit:   1)  You can bring your own food, and water.  You can even bbq.  They have bbq pits and cabanas.

 2)  You need to experience the BoogieBahn Surf Ride at least once.  (young and young at heart)

3)  Water, water, and more water...fun in the sun

4)  Beach.  Room with a view. 

5)  Baby, toddler, and kid friendly.  (indoor waterpark that stays at 80ish degrees, heated pool that stay 80ish, and plenty of kid friendly areas)

There is so much to do, and I can go on, and on.  Right when you walk in with the Sea Trek tank full of fishes that caught my daughter's attention to all their safety features all over the park and resort.  The experience was great.  The staff was wonderful.  The shuttle driver didn't know who I was and started telling us about all the park and resort's history.  We were able to leave our stuff in one place and not have to worry about it.  Our room had a kitchen and we cooked our breakfast.  We also were able to keep milk and drinks for the kids in the refrigerator.  The room also had a washer and a dryer which was awesome.  We dried all our wet clothes after being in the waterpark all day. We had plenty of living space and everyone had a bed.  The twin bunk bed knook with a fan and a tv was my son's favorite part of the room.   So if you are looking for a place to visit this is the place to do it all.  For more information, visit http://www.schlitterbahn.com/spi/

Aren't You Suppose to be on Vacation?

So, yesterday my boss walks in and says, "Aren't you suppose to be on vacation?"  See I had a trip that was tentatively planned from May 1-3 that I had put in vacation time for but it got postponed until further notice.  While I was bummed about that, I wasn't going to be able to take my family with me.  I feel so selfish taking trips without them. 

Then a couple of days ago, I was invited to a blogger retreat that I could take my family on.  And right about now, I could really use a vacation-a real one.  My job is very stressful, especially around the end of the month/beginning of the month.  There is so much to do, and take care.  But now I get to pack up my family, forget about work/schedules/etc, and go relax for a weekend getaway.  Guess where we are going?

We are headed to South Padre Island on a weekend getaway sponsored by Schlitterbahn Beach Resort.  Our weekend getaway includes a 2 night stay and 2 provided meals.  I visited Schlitterbahn New Braunfels for a Senior Day trip many years ago and my family has visited Schlitterbahn Galveston several times.  This weekend we get to learn about Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Beach Resort.  So I know, you are asking yourself isn't too cold to visit a waterpark?  Well lucky for us, Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark.

So I am packing our swimsuits and trunks and we are headed to South Padre Island.  I along with other Texas bloggers will be sharing our experience.  If you would like to follow along on twitter, follow #bloggerretreat.

***Disclosure-As stated above, we will be guests of the resort for 2 nights and 2 meals will be provided complimentary to our family.  All opinions expressed by myself or my family will be based on my personal experience and as always will be our HONEST opinions.  If you would like more information on Schlitterbahn and their parks, please visit http://www.schlitterbahn.com/.  All pictures were provided for us by Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resorts.

@SAVEinSA~The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort

Have you ever been to a place and wanted to live there?  Not a location an actual place you are staying at like a hotel.  Check the picture below.  This is where we stayed at on our mini-vacation to San Antonio.  As you are driving up this is what you see...

Welcome to The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort.  It is an amazing place that is right next to Six Flags Over Texas and like I say, down the street, around the corner from SeaWorld.

I was in awe of this place. When we arrived to check in, there was someone playing music in the lobby. While we waited to check in, there was another person doing magic tricks. We felt so welcomed.  Check out our room...

Our room was great and had a wonderful view.  I believe any room you stay at in this resort, you will have a great view.  This is Lil Bit and I on our balcony.

I really like that there were so many activities for us to do.  We received a schedule.  There was stuff for the kids, adults, and families do all day long.  If you wanted to relax, then head to the spa.  If you wanted to take in the view, and enjoy the hill country, then head to the 1 mile nature trail.  If you got hungry, there are plenty of resturants to choose from indoors and outdoors. 

My favorite spot was El Fortin.  (great wedding spot for anyone looking)



El Fortin was set up at night for movie nite on the lawn.  There was pocorn too.  Every night was a different kids movie.  In the morning, El Fortin was set up for exercise where instructors came in and taught class in the open morning air.

Another favorite memory is The Looney Tunes Breakfast where Lil Bit met and took pictures with the characters.  All the kids really enjoyed the characters coming around and spending time with each of them.  They colored with them.  They even got their autographs.  And yes, check out the view in this place.

From the pools to the petting zoo, yes you heard right, a petting zoo.  There was so much to do.  We did not want to leave this place.  But goodbye and see yah soon we must say.

My husband would like everyone to know this resort has a golf course.  And it is a PGA tour stop. 

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Thank you to @SAVEinSA and The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort for our complimentary stay.  These are our honest opinions.