The Lee Family: Spring Break 2017, Day 2: The Alamo and the Riverwalk

We woke up on Monday morning and it was cool and misty outside. We didn't really have a set plan but we wanted to go to Sea World one day and visit the Alamo and the River Walk the next and we assumed Monday would be our day for Sea World. However, it wasn't really a day that we wanted to spend walking around outside, so at breakfast we told the girls that we could come down to San Antonio anytime we wanted and could plan a fun weekend when we expect good weather and plan a trip to Sea World then. They were both fine with the change of plans. We ate breakfast downstairs where they had a good buffet. After eating we headed into downtown San Antonio and found a parking spot near the Alamo. Actually, once we were inside the Alamo, we realized that most of the fighting actually happened roughly where our car was parked.

We walked to the main entrance of the Alamo and there was a very long line, so CK offered to stand in line while the girls and I took a carriage ride around the downtown area of San Antonio. The girls and I got into the carriage with Jessie, the driver, and his horse, Mary Lou. The girls were super excited and we set off. As we went through downtown, Jessie told us about the history of various buildings we passed and talked about San Antonio in general. Many of the buildings around the Alamo were build in the 1920s as hotels and salons and have probably changed their purpose many times since that time. The most interesting detail he shared was that one of the hotels planned to be a certain hight but had to change their plans by several stories because the original plan would have cast a shadow on the Alamo, which is considered disrespectful. No buildings within San Antonio cast a shadow on the Alamo.

Our carriage ride lasted about 45 minutes and we returned to the Alamo and met CK who had made considerable progress in line. We made our way inside and it was surprising how much smaller the Alamo is on the outside and inside than expected. It is a place where many Texas patriots died, so they ask that no pictures be taken inside the building and that the entire area is treated with respect. We headed outside and explored the area and came across a doctor who was from the time of the Alamo. He explained different ailments and treatments of the time, many of them still treatments today. On the grounds, I took a picture of the girls next to a cannon as our replica of the "Come and Take It" motto from the Battle of Gonzales, the first battle of the Texas Revolution, in 1831. That motto remains a proud Texas slogan of independence and pride. We finished in the gift shop where there was a diorama of the Battle of the Alamo, which was really interesting to see and have a better understanding of the large amount of Mexicans who were there to fight the Texans.

After our visit to the Alamo we decided to get a snack and coffee and decided on the Menger Hotel which is right next to the Alamo and one of the oldest hotel in town. According to Jessie, several of the guests have complained of seeing ghosts and hearing strange noises at night. Because of this, Olivia was really hesitant to go inside and was pretty scared once we were inside. We decided to split their quesadillas while both girls orders peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and devoured them. I had coffee with the quesadilla and it was one of the best cups I've had ever! So delicious!! The quesadilla was so good too! After our snack, CK had a work call and needed an hour or so to himself so we decided to split up so the girls and I could explore. We decided to walk along the River Walk and figure out how to get river boat tours. It had turned into such a beautiful day and it was perfect for walking along the River Walk, along with half of Texas. It was pretty busy but I think the weather helped everyone be in a good mood. It took us forever to figure out how and where to buy river boat tickets and how to board the boat. We finally figured it out and CK met up with us. We stood in line for maybe 20-30 minutes before we were on our own river boat! We picked our seats and Olivia, who was really tired, immediately cuddled up with CK. Sofia and I sat together along ties edge of the boat and had a great view as we went along the river. The trip along the river was really very nice and a lot of fun. Olivia never fell asleep, which is surprising since she looked very cozy. Sofia pointed out a group of baby ducks and their momma off our side of the boat - they were adorable!

Our boat trip lasted maybe 45 minutes before we ended back at the same location, where we got off and walked back to our car. The girls were in good spirits and we'd all had a fun day. Once back at our hotel, the girls decided to swim and it was great that the hotel pool is heated. CK and I sat pool-side and watched as the girls pretended to be dragons and sea creatures. They played together as well as with some of the other kids at the pool. They had a ball! Finally we convinced them to get out of the pool and got them into the shower before we headed downstairs for dinner. We talked about ordering room service but figured it would be just as fast eating down in the restaurant. The hotel and restaurant are really very comfortable, and we were all very hungry and looking forward to eating in their restaurant. Unfortunately, our order took forever but our food finally arrived and it was delicious!

Before the girls went upstairs after the pool, we learned that the hotel had fire pits in the on the patio and they sold s'more packs and wood sticks. We bought a packet for each of the girls and they were excited to use them after we ate dinner. Once we headed out to the patio, we realized that the movie "Frozen" was playing against the far wall. So we found seats and watched the movie while the girls made their s'mores. It was really a lot of fun and a great way to end an interesting day exploring San Antonio. We agreed that when we planned our trip to Sea World we would stay at the same hotel since it's so cool! After Frozen ended, we headed upstairs for bed.

Girls excited for a carriage ride through downtown San Antonio