Spring Break - Wimberly, TX

Day 1
We managed to pack up the truck and fit everything in the bed with the bikes on the back. Phew! All 3 kids can fit in the back with Mikayla's car seat in the middle. They help to entertain her and she also helps keep them from fighting since she's in between them. We traveled about 3 1/2 hours for a four night stay to Wimberley, TX, in the heart of beautiful Texas hill country, with our friends the Bonniwells.

We rented a log cabin, with a good sized creek running right behind it, which was perfect for the kids to play in and around, occupying many hours. Collecting Roly Polys and lounging in the hammock were also favorite past times. There was also a hot tub which was a good way to end the day after playing in the cold creek. (Though, admittedly, it was a bit too nasty for Denise and I to think of enjoying it too much.)

Day 2
Unfortunately, Lauren was sick that day, but the rest of us headed out on bikes to explore some local trails. Mikayla loves to ride on the bike. She used to complain about her helmet, but now doesn't seem to mind at all. We were also able take a little hike that started in town, right by the riverside. Huge beautiful Cypress trees canopied the trail. At the end, to every one's surprise, there was a pretty cool zip line, which we ended up visiting several more times during our stay.

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Day 3
We started the day off with a hike (more like a 7 minute climb up some stairs) to the top of Mt. Baldy, and the view of hill country was great! Then, we headed up north to the infamous Salt Lick restaurant, which is basically a huge BBQ place out in the middle of "no where" (but closest to Austin) and people just come from all over to experience the real Texas BBQ.

Afterwards, we headed to Perdenales State Park for a bit of hiking and swimming. Some babies clearly do not like sand; however, Mikayla (despite no nap) loved the sand and the cool water. (She also loved to eat the sand, seemingly.) She never complained once and seem to love every minute. The boys enjoyed swimming in the creek until Luka had to cozy up with Chilli to get warm.

Day 4
The next day, unfortunately, Denise didn't feel well, so the rest of us headed in to town. Mikayla and I went shopping, and she seemed to love it. I would take her stroller into these little eclectic shops, and the storekeepers would start talking to her, so I'd park her right by the cash register while they entertained her and I would keep on shopping! The rest of the gang headed to the zip line again, and then to the the Blue Hole, one of the famous natural swimming holes in Texas. While the water was a bit cool, the big guys seemed to enjoy it. Unfortunately, that evening, Mikayla started throwing up as well, so I started preparing for my night. Turned out to be a pretty brutal night, with her throwing up about 4 times, and me throwing up as well. Not too much sleep that night!

Day 5
Mostly packing and traveling, which was pretty brutal considering my night before. Mikayla managed to throw up in the car, and all around she is generally not a fun traveler. She likes to scream and seems to get real bored, and nothing can hold her attention. Plus, she rarely naps, and when she does, it is for about 30 minutes. Let me note that otherwise, at the cabin, she was an awesome sleeper. Thirteen hours a night, and then at least a two hour nap, but was totally fine without a nap if we didn't give her one. Her flexibility with sleep is so fantastic and makes it easier to maintain the boys' schedules as we need to. I digress.

While there is a bit of a bittersweet memory with us becoming ill, we are fortunate to have good friends with whom we can travel and relax, and this trip was no exception. Overall, a good respite for us all!