River City

Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? Good, we did too. We went over to my brother's house and had a nice, simple meal, wore pajamas, and played games. And took zero pictures to prove it. It happens.

But we did take pictures this last weekend. Of San Antonio! We decided to take advantage of my day off and follow my doctors orders to go on vacation before these babies live outside of my tummy. It's awfully nice to have several cities within only a few hours drive. Utah felt kind of isolated in that aspect.

Our first stop: The Riverwalk.

The coolest thing about San Antonio is it's big looping river nestled between all sorts of restaurants and shops. Had it been a less crowded day, it'd be so peaceful just to walk along and see what the city has to offer.

The day we went, however, was ultra packed. Besides the fact that everyone and their dog had the day off, there was a river parade and holiday lighting that night. So everyone came out to enjoy. It was still fun though, we had a little Saltgrass lunch and strolled along, feeling fine. Oh, and there's usually not a railing, like in this picture, so there's a little thrill in walking along the edge of the water. Don't worry, I was careful. I wonder how often people fall in.

See- there were places where no one was around and we could just relax. Sean looks relaxed, doesn't he?

Incidently, we didn't end up going to the parade and lighting. We needed tickets to be down by the water, which we didn't realize until too late. But I don't think we missed much, from the tiny glimpses I saw through the crowds on the bridges. The trees just had some strands of lights hanging from them (nothing like the cool wrapped trees in SLC) and the parade moved rather slow. So found some little artisan shops instead. Much more fun.

Next stop: The Alamo

Does hearing anything about the Alamo make you think of PeeWee Herman? It does for me. I think that's what made me excited to visit.

It was a lot smaller than I expected and there wasn't a whole lot to see inside, but it was still cool to see the history. Did you know that Mexican troops killed all but two Texans defending the Alamo? I learned that on this trip. Actually, I didn't know much at all about why the Alamo was famous, so I learned quite a lot.

Sean took this picture. I love it. The Alamo has cool windows.

Look how much I love the Alamo!

I wear these big sweaters all the time, now. Ostensibly, to keep me warm from the chill that's crept into the air, but really, it hides the belly that looks more like chub than a baby bump right now. Shh, don't tell my secret.

Sean loves the alamo too.

He wears his jacket for warmth, not to hide anything. Though, it does bring out his eyes, so that's a plus.

Shoot, I just remembered we have this funny picture of Sean thinking really hard, signifying how he remembers the Alamo. Too bad, we'll look at it ourselves for our own kicks and giggles.

One more shot, at night. It's a pretty neat structure, isn't it? Good for a church, not so good as a fortress.

We never did see the basement of the alamo. I bet there's a bicycle down there.

Next comes: Mission San Juan Capistrano

I'd never been to a mission before. Well, I guess I had been to the Alamo the day before, so I technically had, but it's not quite the same. It was neat to see how it was all laid out and how it functioned. This here is the chapel, the main focus of the the whole plot of land. Religious services are still held here. Pretty cool.

Wuh oh, I see a tummy pooch! I'm wearing a loose shirt, too! Should have put on that sweater...

I loved all the arches and architectural elements. Fun to photograph.

All the doors had these funny pegs in them. I'm not sure if they're hinges or if they act as nails, or what, but I think it's neat.

The mission was pretty much a big rectagle of land encompassed by large walls of homes and the chapel at one end. With things like a granary and armory scattered here and there betwixt the houses. They weren't very large homes and apparently, in order to live there, the native americans had to do a whole lot of intensive labor. But I guess the protection the mission offered was worth it.

But at least, at the end of a hard day, they could come home to a nice cold Coke. Not so bad.

Stay tuned: Katie and Sean frolic with wild animals at the San Antonio Zoo!