Wandering Off

A New Home For Wandering Off

2010-09-27T16:08:00.001-05:00

I'm in the process of converting this blog to wordpress. I hope you'll follow us over to our new address: http://wanderingoff.wordpress.com

If you do come along for the ride, remember to subscribe to the new blog.

Thank you for visiting Wandering Off!

My Changing Thoughts on Travel

2010-09-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

The "me" of today is different in many ways from the "me" that lived in Dayton, Ohio with an infant. Thinking back to the three years that our family lived in Dayton, I remember feeling stuck.

I wanted to travel so badly. Yet, my husband's work schedule, and most of all, my fear of venturing into the unfamiliar with my baby girl, made me stay close to home. I hadn't yet discovered the joys of local-ish travel. I didn't realize that adventures awaited us just a few hours from home. At that point in my life, the word "travel" had a much different meaning.

My daughter hasn't celebrated a birthday recently, yet I've found myself thinking lately about how much she--and I--have changed during her three and a half years of life.

I used to sit around and analyze everything that could possibly go wrong. The car could break down...in the middle of nowhere. I could get lost. E. could start crying uncontrollably in public and strangers might stare at me. It seems laughable now to think that these were some of my worries when it came to day trips from Dayton.

And then one day, when E. was about 18 months old, the power went out. For NINE DAYS. Yes, you read that correctly. There were so many power outages that the power company just couldn't keep up, and ours was one of the last homes to receive electricity again. I couldn't handle sitting in a dark house, so I decided E. and I would venture a couple hundred miles to my hometown in Missouri.

I drove--alone--with E. for about 7 hours. Nothing catastrophic happened. That was when my thinking about travelling with a kid began to change. These days, I confidently set out on adventures with my daughter. Sure, it helps that she's older now, but it also had a lot to do with a change in my own thinking. I began to remember the pre-mommyhood days when Nick and I ventured to Tokyo without knowing what to expect.

I'm sure there are moms reading this who have no idea what I'm talking about. They've always been self-assured and known how to handle unusual situations with grace. However, things can be difficult for us worriers. Nothing is simple.

P.S. I get extra points for posting a picture in which I'm not wearing any make-up, right?

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Growth

2010-09-21T22:49:00.000-05:00

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." --John F. Kennedy

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Playhouses and Forts at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

2010-09-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

If you haven't done so already, you have until October 24, 2010 to check out the Playhouses and Forts exhibit at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The purpose of these forts is to provide children a place to explore and imagine. The botanical garden is already a great place to accomplish this, but the playhouses add even more opportunity for creative fun.

Eight forts are scattered through out the garden and each is vastly different from the others. From the Water Wheel fort, which emphasizes water play and plant-life, to the Forté playhouse, which focuses on music and sound, each space is unique.

Picasso quote from the En Plein Air fort

Playing the Xylophone at the Forté playhouse

The Inside/Out Fort, which consists of items twice their normal size

We had a wonderful time exploring the garden. Now that the temperature has cooled off (at least a little) this is a great time to visit, especially since the playhouses will be departing soon.

Photo Essay: Historic Fredericksburg

2010-09-16T23:18:00.001-05:00

Vereins Kirche. Fredericksburg, Texas.

The former White Elephant Saloon, built in 1888. Downtown Frederickburg.

White Oak School, circa 1920. On the grounds of the Pioneer Museum.

White Oak Sign. (A modern addition)

Chalkboard with German phrase. Something about work...

Wagons at the Pioneer Museum.

For more information on the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, and the White Oak School, visit the Pioneer Museum website.

Lunch (and Coffee) at Austin Java

2010-09-14T22:54:00.000-05:00

As we drove through downtown Austin, we didn't have a specific lunch destination in mind. I saw the Austin Java sign and was surprised to see that they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to coffee.

Pasta Primavera

I liked that their kids menu went beyond the "basics" like chicken nuggets and hamburgers. E. enjoyed her generous serving of penne in alfredo sauce, while I was slightly disappointed with my pasta primavera, which contained lots of yummy veggies but was a little bland for my taste. Nick ordered a veggie sandwich and a bowl of Spicy African Peanut soup. I tried some of the soup, and it was wonderful! Next time, I'll order that instead.

Austin Java cupcakes: vanilla with chocolate icing and banana/peanut butter

After our meal, E. and I ordered two cupcakes, which were delicious. Even though it was ridiculously hot and we were eating outside, you just can't enjoy dessert without a cup of coffee.

For more food-themed adventures, stop by WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

Austin Vacations

An Afternoon in Austin: Surprising Behavior at the Capitol

2010-09-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

When we arrived in Austin, and the dome of the State Capitol Building came into view, I felt a sense of relief. I hadn't brought our camera, and I was glad to see that I wasn't missing a perfect photo-op. Scaffolding covered the dome. However, a wonderful surprise waited for us inside.

We went through security and then into the building's rotunda. E. was very proud that she had received a "junior trooper" sticker on her way into the building. What happened next was pretty amazing...

E. had an AWESOME time exploring the capitol building.

She marched happily up the steps and looked down into the rotunda. She looked up into the interior of the dome. She marveled at the senate chamber and wondered if all of the wooden desks were for kids to use for drawing, and she begged me to please get her a brown desk instead of the white one she already has at home. E. checked out the courtrooms and raced down the building's long corridors. When it was time to leave, she didn't want to go.

Who would have thought a three year old would fall in love with a state capitol building?

Photo Friday: You Are Here

2010-09-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

When you're in Texas, it's impossible to forget where you are for even a moment. This is one of the things I find fascinating about this place: it insists that you are here and not there. You can see it for yourself in the state flags, the cowboy boots, the pick-up trucks. But of course this place is much more than that. Texas also means beautiful architecture, wildflower-lined highways, and hat stores that have been visited by everyone from the Pope to Johnny Cash. It's a strange place, but I love it nonetheless.

For more Photo Friday fun, check out the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Texas Photo: Brackenridge Park Bridge

2010-09-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

The sign at the top of the bridge states that it was built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 1890. For more information, click here.

Have a Texas-themed photo you'd like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section. Happy Tuesday!

I've Got Trips Planned in My Mind: Houston

2010-09-05T23:17:00.002-05:00

Today, I'm thinking about a place I've never been: Houston. While living in Texas, we've driven up to Arlington to watch baseball, and we've driven south to Corpus Christi. We've explored a dozen different Hill Country towns, and flown off to Maui, Boston, Chicago, and Napa Valley. But we have yet to visit our neighbor to the east, a city that seems to have a lot to offer and is located only 3 hours from San Antonio.

Why haven't we made this trip? It's partly due to our travel style. We seem to travel based on the circumstances, if that makes sense. We went to Boston because Nick attended a conference there, and E. and I decided to tag along. We went to Washington, DC in order to participate in a family reunion. It seems like the destination usually picks us, rather than the other way around. I guess Houston just hasn't "chosen us" yet.

So why am I writing about a place I haven't visited? Because I pretty much have a Houston weekend all planned out in my mind. I'm dying to visit the Byzantine Fresco Chapel that is part of the Menil Collection. I'd like to see the Rothko Chapel as well.

I think E. would enjoy the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Space Center, although she might be a little too young to fully appreciate them. I'm sure E. would have a great time running through the Mercer Botanical Garden.

I'm determined to find time for Houston. In the meantime, I'll keep planning. What do you like about Houston? What fabulous sightseeing opportunties have I failed to mention?

For more Monday Dreaming, stop by The Mother of All Trips.

Three Desserts in San Antonio and the Hill Country

2010-08-31T23:56:00.002-05:00

I've enjoyed three yummy desserts lately that I just had to share. (Can you tell that I don't count calories?!) Live vicariously through this post or check out these three Texas restaurants for yourself.

Dough Pizzeria: Tiramisu: Although we enjoyed pretty much everything about our meal at Dough Pizzeria, it was the dessert that I'll remember for a long time! There's just nothing better than good tiramisu. I love that it's sweet, but not too sweet.

Shaved Ice: I wouldn't have found this place without my friend's recommendation. Hidden behind a grocery store in Wimberley, Texas, this little spot serves shaved ice that is very finely shaved. No big ice chunks here! They also offer a selection of all-natural flavors. We got the natural raspberry and the not-so-natural pineapple. Both were good, but I'd opt for the natural flavors next time.

Kate's Frosting: Cupcakes: I'd been hearing about this place for months and was so excited to finally try it. The chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing was very rich...but very good! Watch for dollar days and consider a box of these treats as a cute housewarming gift for the new neighbors. (Please forgive the fact that this cupcake looks a little smooshed in the picture...and that I've already started unwrapping it. I couldn't restrain myself!)

You can read more delicious posts at WanderFood Wednesday. Happy trails!

Update: I received an email from someone claiming to represent the snow cone place in Wimberley. They've asked me to remove the name of their business from this blog, which I'm more than happy to do. The name of this establishment will be changing in 2011, according to the email. Just be aware of this if you visit and plan to write about it later.

Outings With Your Future Architect: Beautiful Buildings in San Antonio

2010-08-30T15:04:00.004-05:00

Most kids go through a building/constructing phase...maybe they love building castles with legos or just stacking baby blocks. Feed their architectural instincts with these outings to beautiful buildings in San Antonio.

--San Antonio Missions: Teach your kids some basic architectural terms like "arch" and "dome." Talk about the materials used to make the buildings (stone) and marvel at the sculptures that decorate the facade of Mission San José. In addition to the Alamo, San Antonio is home to four mission churches: San José, Concepción, San Juan, and Espada.

--Bexar County Courthouse: Talk about the difference in the appearance of the stone used to create this building compared to the white stone used to construct the missions. Take a look at the courthouse's distinctive dome and talk about the terms "asymmetrical" and "symmetrical." Point out the building's cornerstone and look for others as you walk around downtown.

--San Fernando Catholic Church: Walk across the street from the courthouse to the plaza in front of the church. Is this building symmetrical or asymmetrical? How is it different from the courthouse? What are the similarities between the two?

--Tower Life Building: The most fascinating aspect of this neo-gothic skyscraper? Its gargoyles! Talk about skyscrapers and ask your child why he or she thinks the architects chose to build the tower so high.

Obviously, you'll need to adjust these exercises to suit your child's age and personality. The main objective is to encourage your kids to look at the buildings closely and notice the similarities and differences between them. The most important thing to remember as you head out the door? Have fun!

San Antonio Vacations

Wordless Monday: Exactly Where We Were

2010-08-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Monday, click here.

For more information on O.P. Schnabel Park, click here.

Happy Birthday, Blog!

2010-08-26T20:52:00.000-05:00

As with most birthdays, I'm a little late with my birthday greetings. However, I'm pleased to say that Wandering Off is one year old! (You can read my first, rather unexciting post by clicking here.)

I'm going to be honest. I didn't have a plan when I started this blog, and I wasn't sure anyone would read it. I'm so proud to say that I now have 50 subscribers in Google Reader and 1,300 followers on Twitter. I know that to some people these sound like very humble numbers, but I'm thrilled!

Although I didn't know this blog's purpose at the beginning, I'm sure about it now. I try to encourage parents to get out of the house with their kids. Whether you travel down the road or across the country, I hope my readers will go exploring and help their children to see as much of the world as possible.

Thank you so much for reading Wandering Off!

Five Places for Outdoor Fun in San Antonio

2010-08-25T08:55:00.000-05:00

Today, you can head over to Go Explore Nature and check out my guest post Favorite Places to Explore Nature in San Antonio. Writing this post made me wish it would cool off so that we can visit some of those fun spots without melting!

For those of you who are visiting Wandering Off for the first time, welcome! I write about family travel, Texas, and history, and I often share travel photos that I've taken along the way. Click here to read a sampling of Wandering Off posts.

Five San Antonio Day Trips

2010-08-24T09:33:00.001-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I have two guest posts coming up this week at other blogs. Stop by Trekaroo today to read about Five Fantastic San Antonio Area Day Trips. Stay tuned for another guest post this week, and of course I'll be writing more here at Wandering Off!

For those stopping by for the first time, thank you! I hope you'll find this blog helpful as you plan your next trip. You might want to check out these posts about Texas, travel tips, and photography.

The Witte Museum's HEB Science Treehouse

2010-08-23T16:02:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, we took our daughter to the Witte Museum for the first time. In the past, our concern had been that she might be too young to appreciate many of the museum's exhibits, but we're glad we gave it a try. Although she was scared of the animatronic dinosaurs (two of which can be seen on the main level in the room directly behind the ticket desk), she loved the museum's HEB Science Treehouse, located behind the main building.

The first thing that caught E.'s attention was the Move It! interactive floor. Although the actual games were a little difficult for E. to understand, she loved dancing on the glowing floor...in her socks, of course!

On the main level of the treehouse, you'll also find a small playroom for younger kids. E. put on an impromtu puppet show and played with some legos before moving on to another exhibit.

Bernoulli's Bench was another hit with E. Here, kids can perform different science experiments. E. enjoyed making a beach ball float above a stream of air and could have sat at Bernoulli's Bench for hours if we hadn't eventually encouraged her to move on.

Another cool thing about the science treehouse is that it sits right next to the San Antonio River. On our way out, we stopped outside to look at the river and some of the displays about the kinds of fish that live in this habitat.

Although we had fun at the Witte Museum's science treehouse, I definitely think this is an activity best-suited for older, school-age kids. It would be particularly useful as a field trip destination to supplement science instruction or an outing for children who are homeschooled.

We paid our own admission to the museum. All opinions are my own.

La Gloria: Heavenly Indeed

2010-08-17T22:51:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, we ate lunch at La Gloria for the first time. Located right next to the historic Pearl Brewery and overlooking the San Antonio River, La Gloria serves some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten.

I had the deshebrada tostada, which consisted of some very flavorful shredded beef. I'm not the best at describing food, but I can tell you that it was absolutely delicious and I ate every bit of it.

In addition to the great food, the ambiance is indeed heavenly. ("La Gloria" means "heavenly.") We sat outside and it was very pleasant despite the heat and bright sunlight. Many of the tables are in the shade and fans blow a fine mist that really does keep guests cool. The outdoor seating area is sprinkled with interesting metal sculptures and even the order-number markers that you take to your table are beautiful in their own way.

I would absolutely recommend La Gloria. I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite restaurant in San Antonio.

For more WanderFood Wednesday fun, stop by Wanderlust and Lipstick.

La Gloria is located at 100 East Grayson in San Antonio.

Catch a Silver Stars Game Before the Season Ends

2010-08-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

On Friday night, we went to our first WNBA game. San Antonio's Silver Stars play at the AT&T Center, and tickets start at just $10. This game really reminded me of the Missions game we went to earlier this summer: sports-related family fun that isn't too expensive.

I was particularly excited to take E. to the game because she has been saying for months that she wants to be a basketball player when she grows up. She has said this despite the fact that every sporting event we'd taken her to so far had revolved around male athletes. I was thrilled to show her that YES, girls can play sports too!

You can still catch a Silver Stars game this season, although you only have three chances left: Tues August 17, Fri August 20, and Sun August 22. For a complete schedule and other information, stop by the Silver Stars website.

Photo Friday: Tall Trees at Burke Lake Park

2010-08-12T23:31:00.001-05:00

Our recent trip to northern Virginia revolved around a family reunion. We spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station where we ate a picnic lunch, rode a carousel, and took a short hike on a wooded trail to the lake.

I was amazed to see the trees. It's hard to explain, but you just don't see tall trees like this in southern Texas.

Of course, I would never suggest that it's a good idea to carve into a tree. However, it's hard to deny that there's something fascinating about these names, initials, and hearts etched into the bark.

For more Photo Friday fun, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Wordless Wednesday: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

2010-08-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

E. and her cousin at Arlington National Cemetery

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, click here.

Family Reunion in Washington, DC

2010-08-09T10:42:00.002-05:00

We've spent the last few days hanging out with family, wandering through museums, and taking pictures of monuments in Washington, DC and northern Virginia. It was defintely a whirlwind trip--we were only there for three nights, yet we visited two museums (Natural History and Air & Space), the National Archives, Arlington Cemetery, and more memorials and monuments than I can count. We also hung out at a really cute park in Fairfax, Virginia where we had a picnic lunch, played frisbee, and rode a carosel. Add to that a crazy night at an Irish pub in Alexandria, Virginia and an afternoon in Baltimore before we flew out of town, and you've got one busy vacation!

As you can imagine, I'm still sifting through photos and trying to decide which activities were my favorite. E. says she liked the Natural History Museum the best, mostly due to the fact that there's a large elephant (her favorite animal) in the museum's rotunda.

I found Arlington Cemetery really fascinating, especially the older sections. I could have spent an entire day there, but there just wasn't time on this trip.

And of course, since this was a family reunion, E. got to see her beloved cousins, grandparents, and aunt and uncle. Plus, she was able to make a few new friends along the way.

In the coming days, I'll be writing more about our trip. But I want to hear from you...what are your favorite things to do in Washington, DC?

A Visit to the Frontier Times Museum

2010-08-03T09:29:00.001-05:00

Parenthood is full of surprises. Sometimes they're of the unpleasant variety: you plan a fun day, but things don't work out liked you'd hoped. Other times, it's the exact opposite. You're not entirely sure where you're going or what you'll do when you get there, but everyone has a blast anyway!

Our day at the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera was a pleasant surprise. To be honest, I thought E. would be bored. However, she loved it.

The Frontier Times Museum may appear small, but it contains 40,000 artifacts from the old west. As you can imagine, there isn't a lot of room to run around in the museum, so watch those little ones closely!

You'll find everything from old pianos and typewriters to elaborately-decorated saddles. One of my favorite items was an old dentist's chair and equipment from the 1800's.

E. particularly enjoyed looking at some seashells which were brought back to Texas from the Phillipines during the 19th century. We had fun looking at the old household items and comparing them to the kinds of things we use today. I was truly surprised that E. found the museum so fascinating, since she's only 3 years old. Just goes to show you: it doesn't hurt to try something new once in awhile.

The museum is located in the small town of Bandera, which is a very easy drive from San Antonio. Once you get into town, you'll see signs for the Frontier Times Museum. If you lose your way, just look for the county courthouse; the museum is located a block behind it. Admission is reasonable: $5 for adults and free for children under 6. Kids over 6 pay $2, Seniors $3.

E. really wanted to play the piano, but of course I didn't let her.

Dental equipment from the old days...Yikes!

15 Travel Blogs You Haven't Read Yet

2010-08-02T09:29:00.001-05:00

These blogs are awesome, but have flown under the radar. Enjoy!

1. Ali's Adventures: Travel to all seven continents!

2. Anna Julia Photography: Travel photography.

3. Caroline in the City: Travel stories and a life list.

4. Explorer Dad: Adventure travel and sports.

5. Hit the Highway Smiling: Canadian travel.

6. Go Big or Go Home: Small town family visits the world's largest stuff.

7. Inspiring Travellers: Stories from world travellers.

8. Kumuka Blog: International travel and beautiful photos.

9. LandLopers: Travel News, Tips, and Reviews (Ok, Ok. So you've probably heard of this one. But Matt responded to my call for "undiscovered" travel blogs on Twitter. What a humble guy! Fabulous blog!)

10. Music Road: The intersection between travel and music.

11. That's G: Travel, food, and fun.

12. The Travel Connoisseurs: Food, drinks, and accomodations while you travel.

13. Travel Yourself: Host of the currently in-production show "Travel Yourself" writes about solo travel.

14. TripStyler: Trip-planning and advice.

15. Wander and Explore: North American travel.

And don't forget to follow these travellers on Twitter so that you'll be the first to know about their soon-to-launch blogs:

Giulia: "Traveling is my oxygen." Follow her: @giuliaccia

Spencer Spellman: "World traveler, freelance travel writer and contributor to Uptake and Nile Guide." Follow him: @spencerspellman.

And of course, I have to take a moment to thank you for reading a little ol' blog called Wandering Off! Hope you'll stop by again soon.

Your Someday Might Be Today

2010-07-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

I'm sick and tired of it. Really. I can't take another person saying that they've never visited the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park even though they live here. I'm tired of the "must be nice" comments everytime we go out of town. And I certainly can't handle hearing one more person say that "someday" they'd like to do this-or-that. Guess what, people. Your someday might be today. This might be it. What the heck are you waiting for?

Of course, there are some situations where health problems or financial troubles could prevent you from travelling. However, most people are perfectly capable of doing some exploring. Remember that for me, "travelling" can mean driving an hour to Fredericksburg. We aren't necessarily talking about extended stays at Italian villas.

Don't you think there are people who'd give anything to be healthy? To have a car? To be able to spend time out-and-about with their kids?

What downright offends me is that people assume they'll be around later...when they retire, when things at work calm down, when the kids are older, when they have more money in savings. None of these things are guaranteed. My mom thought she'd live to be 90 since everyone else on her side of the family did. She died at age 61.

Please don't assume that "someday" is a guarantee, that the planets will align and a perfect opportunity will present itself. That's not how it works. Go do it now. Whatever it is you really want...no, WISH...you could do. Get out of the house. Use that car you've got parked in the driveway and visit a town near yours that you haven't seen before. Maybe this is your best chance. Your "someday" might be today!

Meeting Other Bloggers: Guess What? We Actually Had Stuff to Talk About!

2010-07-28T23:04:00.001-05:00

Prior to this summer, I'd never met any of my blogging friends. The authors of all of those great posts and hilarious tweets seemed a little unreal to me. There are real people behind those words, right? I'm pleased to say that the answer is yes! And they're just as nice in-person as they are online.

First, I met Jen from Two Kids and a Map. She and her family were visiting San Antonio, so we decided to hang out at the Guenther House. We talked about blogs, kids, and travel. I had a great time chatting with her and hope to see her again soon!

Then I met a flurry of Texas bloggers at SeaWorld's #wildside event. Not only was this a wonderful way for me to meet other bloggers, E. got to do some pretty cool stuff too. She saw the dolphins up-close and had the opportunity to pet a wallaby. She even danced in a conga line with two of SeaWorld's mascots, Pete and Penny.

For me, the best part about #wildside was meeting a few of my favorite San Antonio bloggers, Stacy of Kids Stuff World, Colleen of Baby Potential, and Debi from San Antonio Busy Kids. They are so nice. Seriously. And smart. Now, hurry up and visit their blogs!

There are so many bloggers out there who I'd love to meet. You know who you are. If you're ever in San Antonio, let me know!

Evie meets a wallaby at SeaWorld San Antonio

Disclaimer: SeaWorld invited me to the #wildside event, and I received free admission to SeaWorld and some free food. All opinions are my own, and I wasn't asked to write anything specific by SeaWorld or anyone else.

Advice: Napa Without A Car

2010-07-27T21:17:00.000-05:00

So, you've got your Napa Valley trip all planned. Your flight is booked, your hotel room is reserved, and your wine tour is paid-in-full. But what about the rental car? Yes? No? Well, that depends. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to rent a car in Napa.

--Transportation to Napa Valley from area airports is available via shuttle service. Expect to pay about $45 dollars one-way if you want to be dropped off at your hotel. You can call your hotel and ask for recommendations. Be sure to plan ahead, since it might be necessary to book your spot on the shuttle in advance.

--Of course, you can always use cabs to get around once you're in Napa Valley. However, be aware that at certain times of year there are more people needing rides than there are available cabs. On Friday and Saturday nights, you might be waiting 60-90 minutes after you've called the cab company.

--Wine tours aren't only fun and educational, they're also a great way to see Napa Valley if you haven't rented a car. We loved the Platypus Wine Tour, which took us to four local vineyards.

--Ask if your hotel offers a shuttle or courtesy car. This can be a great way to get around town and is often less expensive than a cab (although you should always tip the driver, of course).

--Try renting wheels of a different kind: a bike!

--Be sure to check out Napa Valley Car-Free, which has contact information for cab companies, shuttle services, limosine companies, and other forms of transportation.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you research your options carefully. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is worry about the logistics of getting from one place to another.

Napa Valley Marriott Hotel: Friendly Service and Quiet Rooms? Yes, Please!

2010-07-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

I'll admit that I'm a little crazy when it comes to customer service. I try my best to be nice to others, especially those who work with the general public since I know it isn't easy. I expect the same politeness in return. I'm pleased to say that the Napa Valley Marriott went above and beyond in terms of making us feel welcome and helping us when we had questions.

Even though our stay was fairly short (2 nights), I could give a dozen examples of their hospitality: the friendly smiles at the registration desk, the quick service of the hotel's courtesy shuttle, the helpful late-night Twitter message from the hotel when my friend and I were stuck without a cab in downtown Napa. (Speaking of cabs, just know that if you call for a cab or a Friday or Saturday night, you'll be waiting 60-90 minutes. We had no clue!)

So, how was the hotel itself? The location was convenient--not far from downtown Napa and an easy drive north to St. Helena. This isn't the place to stay if you're envisioning your Napa trip filled with scenic vistas right outside your window. But it is located near restaurants and shops, and allows easy access to Highway 29.

The room reminded me of other Marriott rooms: two comfortable beds, refrigerator, clean bathroom, flatscreen TV.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this hotel was that it was absolutely silent at night. I didn't hear so much as a door slam or voices in the hallway during either night of our 2-night stay. My friend and I are both moms, so part of the purpose of our trip was to relax and get some sleep without midnight requests for another glass of water or a special stuffed animal! Mission accomplished in our quiet hotel room!

Although we didn't go swimming, the hotel does have a nice pool with lots of comfy-looking lounge chairs.

I would absolutely recommend the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel to any traveler who is looking for convenience and good customer service. (And you should follow them on Twitter, too.)

Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate from the hotel. I also follow the hotel on Twitter and have communicated with them in the past. However, all opinions expressed here are my own, and I was not asked to provide a positive review.

Platypus Wine Tours: The Perfect Day in Napa?

2010-07-21T22:57:00.000-05:00

What could be better? Driving through beautiful Napa Valley without having to worry about directions (or your sobriety), led by a knowledgable guide who takes you to vineyards where you learn all about the wines of the region. After a delicious lunch, it's off to more wineries until the shuttle delivers you back to your hotel.

Sounds pretty good, right? This is exactly what it was like to join one of the Platypus Wine Tours.

We visited four wineries: Biale, Tudal, Arger-Martucci, and Robinson Family, all of which are smaller than the "big name" places and have reasonable tasting fees. Since Napa Valley is known or its reds, we tried several syrahs and pinot noirs, with a few whites along the way. In terms of the wine, I really liked Arger-Martucci. As for the beauty of the surroundings, Robinson Family Vineyards was absolutely stunning.

I'm certainly no wine expert. However, I had a wonerful time on the tour and enjoyed meeting our tour guide, Shawnda, who was truly a breath of fresh air! Knowledgable, yet down-to-earth, she made this wine-newbie feel right at home.

Poolside wine-tasting at Arger-Martucci

A beautiful view at Robert Biale Vineyards

Where it all begins

For more information on Platypus Wine Tours, visit their website.

All opinions are my own. I paid for my wine tour and tasting fees at each winery.

Ubuntu: Vegetarian Deliciousness in Napa

2010-07-20T23:00:00.001-05:00

Our first night in Napa, my friend J. and I had one of the most unusual meals either of us had ever encountered. We'd both eaten at vegetarian restaurants before, but Ubuntu was truly unique! Just take a look at this:

I wish I could tell you exactly what this dish is called, but it isn't on the restaurant's website and I don't remember. I want to say, "Joe's Buns" or something equally giggle-worthy. Anyway, the important thing to know is that it involved bread and cheese and greens, and it tasted amazing! Definitely not like anything else I've eaten before.

Our next course was a flatbread covered in greens, flowers, and a delicious dressing.

Last, we enjoyed a flourless chocolate cake with ice cream and smoked cherries.

This meal was definitely an adventure. My only complaint was that the menu was pretty intimidating. I'm willing to admit that I'd never seen most of these words before and had no clue what I was ordering. I mean, "a warm gremolatta crusted zeppola stuffed with cool burrata." I recognize "warm," "crusted," "stuffed," and "cool." That's it. Luckily, everything we ordered was wonderful!

For more yummy food-related posts, check out WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

Home From Napa Valley

2010-07-18T23:14:00.000-05:00

I just arrived home today after a wine-filled weekend in Napa Valley. Not only did I enjoy spending time with one of my good friends, I also learned a lot about wine, enjoyed beautiful views like the one pictured above, and visited California for the first time!

Stay tuned...I'll be posting about our dinner at Ubuntu restaurant in downtown Napa, the Platypus wine tour, and our stay at the Napa Valley Marriott Resort and Spa. I'll also share some tips on exploring Napa Valley without renting a car.

For now, I better go. Real life, with all of its responsibilities, is waiting!

Morphing the Alamo: Fun with Picnik Editing

2010-07-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

I edited one of my photos of the Alamo using Picnik photo editing.

The Alamo, 1960's Effect

The Alamo, Neon Effect

The Alamo, Circle Splash (an effect by Jerry Lin)

The Alamo, Posterize Effect

The Alamo, the original photo before editing

You can check out my Flickr account by clicking here.

A Dessert Mirage or the Real Thing?

2010-07-14T08:27:00.000-05:00

After dinner at a Thai restaurant, the three of us were walking through Boston's Back Bay on a drizzly weekday evening. It was past E.'s bedtime, but she was content in her stroller and Nick and I wanted to keep walking. We were pretty happy but decided we wanted two things: coffee and something sweet. Just as we were lamenting the fact that we might have trouble finding a place open at this time on a weekday night, we rounded a corner and saw it...

A glowing sign that said, "Finale." That has to be a dessert place, right?

Right.

We sat up at the empty bar rather than in the dining room near other guests. The waitresses were so nice--they smiled and listened to E. as she showed them her newest stuffed animal.

Of course, the desserts were delicious. I had the chocolate mousse with a plate of warm cookies and a cup of coffee.

We had a great time in Boston, but this is one of my favorite memories: the unexpected evening at Finale.

For more delcious posts, check out WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

Texas Photo: La Villita

2010-07-12T23:09:00.001-05:00

La Villita is located in the heart of San Antonio: steps away from the riverwalk and a short distance from major landmarks like the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral. San Antonio's first neighborhood (rebuilt in 1819 after a flood), La Villita is now home to shops and art galleries.

Check out La Villita's website for a great walking tour of the area.

Have your own Texas photo that you'd like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section.

Eamus Catuli in Chicago

2010-07-09T00:31:00.001-05:00

What can I say? Another summer, another lackluster performance from our beloved Chicago Cubs.

Last August, Nick and I enjoyed a weekend getaway to Chicago where we ate lots of great food, drank a few beers, and watched a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Two signs are located on a building across the street from Wrigley Field. Eamus Catuli is Latin for "Let's go Cubs." The numbers on the other sign represent the number of years since the Cubs won the division title (00), the National League Championship (63), and the World Series title. (Yep, it's been over 100 years since the Cubs won it all.) "AC" stands for "after championship."

Unfortunately, those numbers have all increased by one since last season. And I have a feeling that they'll go up again at the end of the summer. But I know someday the sign will look like this: AC000000

For more Photo Friday fun, head over to the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Unique in the World: The First Dance Class

2010-07-07T13:45:00.001-05:00

Today, E. attended her first of four summer dance classes. I had forgotten that they started today, so last night I had to make a very late run to Walmart (the only place still open) to purchase a leotard, tights, and soft-soled dance shoes. I got E. dressed in her gear this morning and told her how pretty she looked. We took pictures, of course, and then it was off to dance class.

I arrived to see a rather horrifying sight. Three-year-olds in make-up. Expensive dance skirts and tap shoes. Critical glances at E. instead of warm smiles.

I reminded E. that she looked very pretty and that her tights had hearts on them and were extra-special, and then I escorted her back to the studio. She loved the class. I watched through a window as the tapped and twirled her way through the hour-long session. I also listened as another mom murmured, "Well, it's hard to tap when you don't have tap shoes," as E. paraded across the floor.

My daughter is three. She is beautiful, smart, observant, creative, and happy. She doesn't need make-up or bows in her hair. I know all of this, and yet I worry that she might look at her classmates and doubt herself. I'll continue to take her to dance class, but I'll also continue to remind her that she is a wonderful kid. Unique. And of course, an excellent dancer.

In Case You Missed It: 15 (Summer) Activities in San Antonio

2010-07-05T23:19:00.000-05:00

This past January, I wrote a post called 15 Kid-Friendly Activities in San Antonio. Now that summer is here and many parents are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained, I thought I'd remind everyone of some of the family-friendly sights around town. You can take a look at the original post here.

In addition to these 15 activities, I'd like to add a few that we've discovered since January.

--Meet friends for a playdate at Heritage Park and Duck Pond, located at 900 Ellison Dr. South.

--If you're looking for a cool treat, try Orange Cup frozen yogurt at La Cantera. While you're there, throw a coin into one of La Cantera's many fountains.

--Water parks can be found at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, and Schlitterbahn.

--Take a hike at Government Canyon State Natural Area and bring a picnic lunch.

--Attend storytime at The Twig Book Shop or one of the branches of the San Antonio Public Library.

Have a wonderful summer, and thank you for reading Wandering Off!

10 Signs You're Obsessed with Travel

2010-07-02T08:36:00.001-05:00

1. You often stare at maps and plan imaginary road trips.

2. When your friend posts vacation picutures on Facebook, you're really happy for her. And a little jealous. But mostly really happy!

3. Instead of playing pirates or superheroes, your kid pretends to be a flight attendant.

4. You've seen every episode of Samantha Brown's show on the Travel Channel. Twice. (OK, three times. Don't judge me.)

5. You think of Anthony Bourdain as a traveller first, chef second.

6. You know what #TNI means.

7. Your friends text you updates when they're on vacation because they know you want to hear every detail.

8. You don't think in terms of dollars or euros. "That shirt costs $75?! That could pay for a night in a hotel!"

9. At some point, an aquaintance has said to you, "Why are you going there?"

10. The list of places you want to go is longer than the list of places you've already visited.

There they are: ten signs you're obsessed with travel. Have more to add to the list? Leave a comment!

A Mother/Daughter Stay at the Horseshoe Bay Resort

2010-06-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

Marriott's Horseshoe Bay Resort is located along Lake LBJ in the Texas Hill Country. E. and I enjoyed a two-night stay at the resort hotel in late June.

An easy drive from San Antonio (and I would imagine, Austin), the resort is located just minutes from US 281 and the small Hill Country town of Marble Falls.

The grounds at the resort reminded me a little bit of Scottsdale, Arizona--lots of palm trees, ferns, and carefully manicured landscapes. Also, the resort features the Japanese-inspired Palm Trail, a walking path that runs past lily ponds, fountains, and sculptures.

Our standard room reminded me of those found at other Marriott hotels and featured two comfortable queen-size beds and a nice bathroom. I've always had good experiences at Marriott hotels in terms of cleanliness and peace-and-quiet, and this was my experience again at the Horseshoe Bay Resort. One particularly nice feature in our room was the empty (in other words, non-mini-bar) refrigerator. This is especially helpful for those travelling with babies and young children.

Our room overlooked the main pool and a zero-entry (beach-entry) kids' pool. E. loved the kids' pool's fountains and the waterfall-like feature in the main pool.

Speaking of water, we also enjoyed the resort's beach along Lake LBJ. The resort provided beach toys to guests, and E. had a great time wading in the shallow water and playing in the sand. Snacks and drinks were available for purchase nearby, and there is yet another pool and hot tub overlooking the beach.

Overall, we had a great time at the resort, and I definitely consider it to be family-friendly.

Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate at this hotel and I follow the resort on Twitter and have therefore communicated with them prior to my visit. However, the resort did not ask me to provide any links or specific information in this review. All opinions are my own.

Four Reasons I Love the Blue Bonnet Cafe

2010-06-29T23:39:00.001-05:00

Recently, E. and I went on a two-day trip to Horseshoe Bay and Marble Falls. One highlight of the trip was our breakfast at Blue Bonnet Cafe located along US 281. Here are four reasons why we loved it:

1. They're old school: The Blue Bonnet Cafe has been pleasing customers since 1929. I love places with that kind of track record. Part of the fun is wondering how many other people have enjoyed breakfast there.

2. They serve breakfast all day: And what a breakfast it is! I ordered a scrambled egg (which was cooked perfectly), bacon, hashbrowns, and biscuits. It was all wonderful. I have a feeling I'll be daydreaming about this breakfast for awhile.

3. Friendly folks: The service is fast and friendly. And it's clear from looking around that this is a place enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

4. The customers are gorgeous: Well, maybe I'm a little biased. But this gal was awfully cute. I happen to know that she's a big fan of pancakes and bacon.

For more food-related posts, check out WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

Stay tuned! Later this week I'll be writing about our stay at the lovely Horseshoe Bay Resort.

A Very Intimidating Mouse

2010-06-29T12:59:00.004-05:00

If you've visited the About page of this blog, you've seen this picture of a perfect-moment-gone-wrong at Disney World.

Luckily, our visit to Disney World corresponded with E.'s second birthday last year. We watched as her face lit up on her first Disney ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. We giggled at E. and her cousin B. who wore matching Disney Princess shirts, and we took an almarming number of pictures. However, this was one of the most highly-anticipated events of the trip: meeting Mickey Mouse.

As you can see, E. wasn't particularly thrilled to pose with Mickey for a picture. She whined, squirmed, and tried to walk away. She finally calmed down enough that we were able to take a photo, but a major meltdown followed. Take a look at this:

E. was so beyond the point of logic and reason that we decided to just let her get it out of her system. Nick stood watch as E. screamed and cried, red-faced, on the floor.

So, there it is. Photographic proof that travelling with children isn't always perfect. Yet, we have lots of good memories from the trip to Orlando, and we can laugh at the not-so-good times. Isn't that what parenthood is all about?

P.S. Letting your child "cry it out" is always a judgement call. We took her to the opposite side of the building, away from Mickey and the line of children waiting to see him, so that she would be less of a distraction. After a few minutes, she stood up, dusted herself off, and went about the business of having fun.

Photo Friday: Flowers in Little Rock

2010-06-25T08:36:00.001-05:00

It was about a year ago that we drove from Ohio to Texas, stopping along the way in Little Rock, Arkansas. In all likelihood, we'll be moving again a year from now. I wonder what we'll discover on our next moving-day(s) road trip?

For more travel photos, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby and check out Photo Friday.

Three Words: Pan-Seared Gnocchi

2010-06-23T00:10:00.002-05:00

Nick's parents came into town over the weekend, which meant Nick and I got to go to dinner on Saturday night all by ourselves. Those of you who are parents understand the significance of dinner at a grown-up restaurant!

We tried a restaurant we'd never been to before, Tre Trattoria in Alamo Heights. The food is straightforward, yet delicious. Refined, yet approachable. To summarize: we loved it.

I thought the Italian Mojito was refreshing, and the salad was simple yet tasty. However, the highlight of the evening for me was the pan-seared gnocchi with gorganzola cream sauce. Heaven!

So, the picture isn't the greatest because I took it with my iPhone in the dimly-lit restaurant. But I imagine that you get the idea. Yummy! We'll definitely be back for more.

Hungry? For more food-related blog posts, check out WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.

And the Tales2Go Winner Is...

2010-06-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

...lucky #6, Linda! Congrats, Linda! You win a one year subscription to Tales2Go, a smartphone app that allows you to stream kids' audio books to your phone.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Tales2Go giveaway. I had a great time reading your responses to the question: what was your favorite book/story as a child? I saw many of my own favorities among the entries.

Thanks for reading Wandering Off!

Note: I used random.org to select a winner for this giveaway.

Picking Fruit at Marburger Orchard

2010-06-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

I knew my daughter would enjoy picking fruit at Marburger Orchard in Fredericksburg, but what I didn't expect was the beauty of the orchard and the surrounding countryside.

The view from the orchard

Wildflowers at Marburger Orchard

We picked Sentinel peaches, but the orchard has several varieties that come into season throughout the summer.

Blackberries! Just watch out for the thorns.

For more information on Marburger Orchard, visit their website for location, hours, and in-season fruits and vegetables.

To read about other bloggers' fruit-picking adventures, check out Blueberry Time! at Two Kids and a Map and Picking Berries at Kid Stuff World.

Tacos, Flautas, and Margaritas in San Antonio

2010-06-16T08:38:00.004-05:00

San Antonio is known for its Mexican cuisine. As a result, I've become pretty picky when it comes to tacos, flautas, and other Mexican dishes because I've had so many wonderful meals during the 12 months we've lived in Texas.

A few months ago, I realized that I had never had a good, handmade, fresh tortilla prior to moving to Texas! (Good tortillas should smell a little pancakes and should be thicker than the ones you find at most chain restaurants.) My favorite tortillas can be found at Alamo Cafe, where you can watch them being made.

Speaking of Alamo Cafe, you really haven't lived until you've had an order of their puffy tacos. I tried some at other restaurants and didn't understand why people rave about them. Then I tried the Alamo Cafe version...yum! Although I'm not sure that everyone would agree with me on this, I feel like it's essential that you pick them up and eat them with your hands, even though it's messy. No knife and fork allowed!

Another favorite dish is flautas. Once again, Alamo Cafe has great flautas, as does Paloma Blanca in Alamo Heights. Take a look at the Paloma Blanca chicken flautas:

I love the crunchy ends of the flautas...definitely the best part.

And of course, you can't eat Mexican food like this without a margarita. My favorite spot to sip a margarita in San Antonio is on the patio at Paloma Blanca. My daughter E. loves the fountains, flowers, and palm trees that make the patio so pleasant, especially in spring.

Make sure to stop by WanderFood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick for more delicious blog posts.

Honorary Texan

2010-06-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

As I was pushing my shopping cart to the car, I looked down and realized something. After living in Texas for one year, I'm starting to become...well...Texan. Take a look:

In case you're unfamiliar with their origins, both Big Red and Shiner are made in Texas.

Happy trails!

Giveaway! One Year Subscription to Tales2Go

2010-06-13T21:54:00.001-05:00

Looking for the perfect way to keep your child happy in the car this summer? Try Tales2Go, an app that allows you to stream kids' audio stories to your smartphone.

Thousands of kids' stories are available, including best sellers like How to Train Your Dragon and Junie B. Jones. You'll also find classic children's tales like Alice in Wonderland and Make Way for Ducklings. Just have a look at the list here.

Want to try it out? Sign up for a 30 day free trial. Or...

WIN a one year subscription to Tales2Go (a $24.99 value)!

How can you win this great prize? It's simple!

1. Leave a comment below telling me about your favorite childhood book/story.

2. Earn an additional entry by tweeting the following phrase: "I just stopped by @wandering_off and entered to win a one year subscription to @tales2go! http://bit.ly/91yjIz"

Make sure you stop by again and leave another comment noting your additional entry. Just tell me that you tweeted the giveaway and leave your Twitter username in your comment.

I'll randomly select one entry and the winner will be announced here on Wandering Off on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.

Just a few rules:

--The winner is responsible for emailing me at wandering_off@yahoo.com after I have announced the contest results. The winner has three days to email me. If they fail to do so, they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be selected.

--No spam! I have the right to delete any spam comments from the blog, and comments that are removed will not be considered eligible entries.

--No more than two entries per contestant.

--Entries must be submitted and appear on this page by June 21, 2010.

Disclosure: The prize for this giveaway is provided by Tales2Go. I was not asked to include any specific information or links as part of this giveaway.

Photo Friday: Another Reason Why We Travel

2010-06-10T23:17:00.001-05:00

Last week, I wrote a guest post as part of the "Why We Travel" series at The World is my Jungle Gym. I talked about travel as a way to introduce my daughter to people and places that are different from what she sees in our own neighborhood. However, there's another reason why travel is important to us. It allows us to see family members who don't live nearby and helps E. form solid relationships with her cousins even though she doesn't see them on a weekly--or even monthly--basis.

We've been able to go on a few trips with extended family, which includes seven adults and three kids...a total of four generations! E. adores her two cousins, and I hope they'll remain close. I think travelling is an important part of forming lasting memories that the three kids will remember when they're older.

E. gets a big hug from her cousin B. at Disney World.

For more Photo Friday fun, check out the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

A Glass-Bottom Boat and Abandoned Cable Cars in San Marcos

2010-06-07T07:37:00.001-05:00

Remember my Monday Dreaming post from last week? I wrote about how our Memorial Day weekend plans were disrupted when E. (and eventually all three of us) got sick. I had envisioned doing several fun things including riding the glass-bottom boats in San Marcos, but it just didn't work out.

Well, we finally got our glass-bottom boats! Even though it was super hot, we headed north to the Aquarena Center, which is run by Texas State University. The water is pretty clear because the lake is spring-fed. We saw fish, turtles, plants, and the bubbling spring through a glass window that ran down the center of the boat. There was also plenty to see above water as well.

The tour lasted 30 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time for kids to stay focused. Near the dock, you'll find a small aquarium where you can get a preview of the kinds of wildlife you'll see on the tour.

One highlight of the trip didn't have anything to do with boats or wildlife though. We saw an abandoned gondola lift, which operated from 1963 to 1994. I loved the juxtaposition of the rusted metal and the lush plants growing around it. Beautiful!

So, the moral of this story? Sometimes Monday Dreams do come true! Check out other Monday Dreams at the Mother of All Trips.

10 Texas Photos

2010-06-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

Colorful flower at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio

The remains of the general store in Comfort, Texas

The Landmark Inn, Castroville

A sign at Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville

Sculpture of Saint Anthony as seen from river cruise, San Antonio

Faded paint in Dallas, Texas

Neatly-arranged jars in downtown Fredericksburg

Beautiful Mission San José in San Antonio

Corpus Christi as seen from the USS Lexington

Water tower in the town of Gruene

All photos were taken by Sarah V. Thanks for reading Wandering Off!

How We Overcame Illness-Induced Cabin Fever

2010-05-30T22:04:00.001-05:00

I had a few ideas when it came time to think about Memorial Day weekend. Maybe we would drive up to Austin for lunch and then check out the State Capitol. Or perhaps we could go to San Marcos and ride on a glass-bottom boat. Or maybe we could try to find one of the ghost towns I've been reading about lately. I was looking forward to three days of fun and relaxation with Nick and E.

However, things don't always go as planned.

On Friday afternoon, E. suddenly developed a fever and sore throat. A trip to urgent care revealed that this was probably a virus. In other words, there wasn't much we could do except rest, wait, and make sure E. remained well-hydrated.

By Saturday evening, Nick, E., and I were all getting cabin fever. I checked Facebook and saw my friends' updates about lakes, BBQs, and children's museums. We had to get out of the house! So, we headed to a place where I knew we wouldn't run into too many people: the riverwalk.

No, not that portion of the riverwalk. This one, known as the Museum Reach:

As you can see, we didn't have to worry about E. passing on her illness to strangers. We weren't able to walk far since E. felt under the weather, but it was nice to get outside. E. particularly liked this ledge, which served as a perfect stage for an impromptu dance performance.

I'm happy to report that E. is starting to feel better. But I'm disappointed that E.'s weekend had to be filled with thermometers and Tylenol instead of glass-bottom boats, playgrounds, and friends. Today, I'm dreaming of the three-day weekend I had envisioned. Maybe next time.

For more Monday Dreams, check out the family travel blog The Mother of All Trips.

I'm Calling It: The Coolest Texas Historical Marker Ever

2010-05-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

This marker is located in Alamo Plaza near the Alamo Cenotaph. It says:

Adina de Zavala

[...]

Her firm belief, later verified, was that remnants of Mission San Antonio de Valero, known in 1836 as the Alamo's long barracks, lay underneath the wooden exterior of buildings adjacent to the Alamo church. By 1893, as President of the De Zavala Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Miss Adina had secured the adjacent property owner's commitment to give the chapter first purchase option. In 1908, upon hearing that the 2-story long barracks were about to be razed, Miss Adina barricaded herself inside the building for three days and nights in an effort that ultimately prevented their destruction.

Yes, that's right. Barricaded herself inside the building for three days!

Adina de Zavala's impact can be seen throughout San Antonio. She was responsible for identifying historical sights, encouraged the state-wide celebration of Texas Independence Day each year, and formed organizations that would help protect historic landmarks.

An Award, Shout-Outs, and 7 Things You Might Not Know About Me

2010-05-27T09:04:00.001-05:00

So. You may not have heard by now, but I've got big news. In Sock Monkey Slippers has awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award. It's pretty much like the Academy Award of blogs. OK, not exactly. But I'm still appreciative that Meredith at In Sock Monkey Slippers thought of me! She writes a fantastic blog by the way, so you should check it out.

In order to accept this award, there are a few things I must do:

--Thank the person who gave me the award.
--Share seven things about myself with my readers.
--Pass this award on to a few other bloggers that I think are great.

So, let's move on to the second requirement. Here they are...seven things about me:

1. One of my travel goals is to visit all 50 states. The current count? 25 down, 25 to go! Even though she's only three years old, E. has an impressive 13 states under her belt.

2. Although I live in Texas and write about it frequently, I'm not a Texan. I was born and raised in the suburbs outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Even though I've seen the Arch more times than I can count, it still amazes me.

3. Back in my younger--and leaner--days I was a figure skater. I remember going on road trips with my parents to various places in the Midwest so that I could skate in competitions. I loved those trips. I loved sitting there listening to my walkman and gazing out the window.

4. I'm a total tomboy. I would much rather wear a t-shirt than a dress, and I really don't care about purses or expensive shoes. I love sports and beer. Most romantic comedies make me nauseated. You get the picture.

5. I have a Master's degree in Art History, which doesn't come in handy too often now that I'm a stay-at-home mom. I did get some use out of it when I taught at a community college for a few years.

6. My favorite book is The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates.

7. In June, Nick and I will celebrate our sixth anniversary. For our honeymoon, we went to Aruba where I had a panic attack while attempting to scuba dive. Actually, we weren't even really scuba diving yet. We were still in the pool taking a lesson!

I'd like to mention five bloggers who I think are deserving of the Versatile Blogger Award.

f lutie mcd
Go Explore Nature
The Flying Pinto
Screwed Up Texan
The Texas Bucket List

Thanks for reading!

And the Winner of a Cafe Press T-Shirt Is...

2010-05-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

...lucky number 11, Stacey. She chose a Twitter-themed t-shirt, which you can see here.

Stacey, please contact me within the next three days at wandering_off@yahoo.com for details.

Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you to Cafe Press for sponsoring this giveaway.

One other update: I wanted to thank Jen at Two Kids and a Map for including me in her Travel Bloggers Spotlight post. I hope my readers will head over to Two Kids and a Map and read her hilarious post Traveling with Kids: Mishaps and Disasters. (Well, it's hilarious if it isn't happening to you, I guess!)

Thanks for reading Wandering Off!

San Antonio to Arlington: A Texas Road Trip

2010-05-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

It was a perfect storm...in a good way. Nick noticed that the Cubs would be playing the Texas Rangers in Arlington, and my friend Andrea sent me an article from the New York Times about sights along U.S. 281. We put the two ideas together and *poof* a Texas road trip was born.

We left Saturday morning, not quite as early as we'd hoped. As soon as we got out of the suburbs, I could tell we'd chosen wisely when we decided to take 281 instead of I-35, the busy interstate that runs north and south through the center of the state. U.S. 281 is definitely the scenic, rural route. We saw lots of old abandoned gas stations, fields filled with wildflowers, and small Hill Country towns.

Our first stop: the Hill Country town of Burnet. We stopped for lunch at Storm's, a burger joint that I had read about in the New York Times article. The portions were generous, the prices were reasonable, and the food was average. However, it was certainly better than stopping for lunch at some chain restaurant. We got to enjoy our lunch outside on a wooden deck, in the shade of a few large trees. Definitely not the kind of scene you'd find along an exit ramp off the interstate.

We got back in the car and continued north on U.S. 281 until we decided it was time for some caffeine. Luckily, we spotted Kool Beans, a small coffee shop located in Hamilton, Texas. Nick and I enjoyed some coffee--the house blend for Nick and the special vanilla bean coffee for me--while E. had a lemonade. The woman working at the cafe that afternoon was so friendly. We had a nice conversation before it was time to get back on the road.

We reached Arlington just in time to check into our hotel before taking the trolley to Rangers Ballpark. The trolley, which takes fans to and from area hotels to the stadium, was certainly a convenient way to go. However, taking the trolley back after the game is extremely inconvenient, but I'll get to that later.

The baseball game was great! As I've mentioned before, we're Cubs fans, so Chicago's 10th-inning win was a thrill to see in-person. E. hung in there for all ten innings, and we were thrilled that she seemed to enjoy the game.

Afterwards, we walked out of the stadium to catch the trolley and noticed that there were no trolleys waiting to transport fans...but plenty of fans waiting for the trolley. After waiting and watching two trolleys come by, barely making a dent in the number of people waiting to return to their hotels, we decided it was time for plan B. We spotted a cab and hopped in. About ten minutes and $12 later, we were back at the hotel.

Sunday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel and hit the road, this time taking I-35 back to San Antonio. We definitely missed the scenery we had enjoyed the day before. However, there were a few advantages to taking I-35. For one thing, it cut about 90 minutes off of the driving time. Also, it allowed us to stop in Waco for lunch. Thanks to Twitter, we were directed to Ninfa's where we chowed down on some Tex-Mex.

We had a wonderful time, and I'm so glad we were able to explore some new places in addition to seeing the Cubs play. Country roads, good coffee, baseball...what could be better?

Sun, Sand, and a Pedicure

2010-05-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

Here are three things I wouldn't mind enjoying right now: sun, sand, and a pedicure.

What are three things you need to make your day better?

For more travel photos, check out Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

P.S. I got the sandals at Target for about $8.

Maverick: The Origins of a Word in San Antonio

2010-05-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

Remember when you couldn't turn on the TV without hearing the word "maverick"? (This was around the same time we were talking about pigs in lipstick and hockey moms and other ridiculously off-topic matters.) What does the word really mean? Where did the word originate? A word like "maverick" had to have been born in Texas, right? Of course.

As we were walking through downtown San Antonio on Saturday, I came across a Texas Historical Commission marker near Alamo Plaza. It stated the following:

Site of Home (1850 to 1870) of Samual Augustus Maverick

A native of South Carolina, came to San Antonio in 1835, was guide for Ben Milam and other leaders in first attack on San Antonio by Texas Army, Dec. 1835. As Bexar delegate, Maverick signed Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos, 1836.

[...]

His famous practice of letting his cattle run about unbranded gave English language the word "maverick," meaning an independent person, as well as unbranded animal. Texas' Maverick county and town were named in his honor. (see complete historical marker text below.)

It's unclear why Maverick didn't brand his cattle. Was he lazy? Or was he more concerned with the land he owned than with his cattle? Maybe he didn't want to be cruel to the animals? (This seems unlikely since Maverick was a slave owner and had no problem mistreating people. Someone who would treat his fellow humans in such a way doesn't seem like the type to be concerned about the comfort of his cattle.) It has also been suggested that he wanted to be able to claim any unbranded cattle that he came across.

Or maybe he went a little nuts. After all, this heat could drive anybody bonkers.

Review / Giveaway: Cafe Press T-Shirt

2010-05-18T23:07:00.002-05:00

Update: This contest is now closed. I will announce the winner on May 26, 2010. Thanks for visiting Wandering Off.

You know that feeling. The doorbell rings and you open the door to see...no one. Just a package on the doorstep and the sound of the delivery truck as it drives away. What is in that package?

I knew what was in the package I received from Cafe Press, and I couldn't wait to see it: a fun social media t-shirt. Yes, I'm addicted to Twitter, so when Cafe Press approached me about selecting a t-shirt to review, it didn't take me long to narrow my search.

I opened the envelope to find this neatly-wrapped bundle:

And I unfolded it to find a t-shirt that says, "I think someone is following me."

The shirt is adorable, and I can't wait to wear it even though my non-Twittering, non-blogging husband might not know what to think of it.

Cafe Press is the place to go for an endless variety of t-shirts and personalized gifts. I particularly liked the social media t-shirts and got a chuckle out of several of them.

I was glad I checked the size guide before ordering my shirt. It advised that you should consider ordering one size larger than normal because their items run small, and I'm glad I took this advice. I usually wear a medium, but I ordered a large, which fits perfectly.

Want to WIN a Cafe Press t-shirt? Well, that's where the "giveaway" part of this post's title comes in...

Enter to win the Cafe Press t-shirt of your choice by leaving a comment on this blog post. In it, tell me which Cafe Press t-shirt you like best. Simple as that! I'll randomly select one entry, and I'll announce the winner here on Wandering Off on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

Just a few rules:

--This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only.

--The winner is responsible for emailing me at wandering_off@yahoo.com after I have announced the contest results. The winner has three days to email me. If they fail to do so, they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be selected.

--No spam! I have the right to delete any spam comments from the blog, and comments that are removed will not be considered eligible entries.

--One entry per contestant.

--Entries must be submitted and appear on this page by May 24, 2010.

By the way, you can follow me on Twitter: @wandering_off.

Disclosure: Cafe Press sent me a t-shirt at no charge and is providing the prize for this giveaway. They asked that I provide a link to their website and mention that Cafe Press offers personalized gifts and other items.

Military Life as a Form of Extended Travel

2010-05-16T21:16:00.001-05:00

As you can imagine, I read a lot of travel blogs. And of course, I've read the posts about how you too can save your money, quit your job, and travel the world. I have to admit that I read these posts with a little bit of envy because, for us, it actually isn't an option. For military families--who have made the commitment to move when and where they are told and who are unable to travel at the last minute or take open-ended vacations--this form of location-independent living just isn't possible.

Or is it?

It occurred to me that I might be looking at this the wrong way. Perhaps it is possible. Perhaps I'm in the midst of doing it right now!

If it wasn't for the military, would we have moved to San Antonio? Would we have visited San Antonio? I'm not sure. I do know that living here has opened my eyes to so many new experiences and sights. And I know for a fact that we never would have lived in our prior home of Dayton. In fact, I'm pretty sure we would have never set foot there if it hadn't been for the military. Think of all of those friends we met, parks we walked through, and Ohio day-trips we planned that never would have happened if it weren't for the military.

Who knows where we'll end up next. That's part of the adventure! Kind of like those round-the-worlders who don't know what tomorrow will bring. We may not be backpacking through Europe or couchsurfing in South America, but we're on an adventure nonetheless.

So, today I'm dreaming of that next place, the next adventure for our family. Check out other traveller's dreams at the Mother of All Trips and be sure to enter to win a trip to San Antonio!

Nick and E. at a rest stop somewhere in Arkansas on our way to Texas...a trip we might never have taken were it not for the military.

Sometimes the Best Adventures are Unexpected: Floore's Country Store

2010-05-13T23:58:00.001-05:00

I didn't expect to fall in love with Floore's Country Store when we drove over to Old Town Helotes today. I expected that E. and I would walk around, take a few pictures, and get back in the car. But sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don't expect.

As someone who is fascinated by Texas, particularly the small towns of the Hill Country, I knew I had to walk into Floore's Country Store the minute I saw its large, over-the-top signs.

According to the Texas historical marker, Floore's has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams. A passerby told us that he remembers sitting on the steps with his kids years ago and waiting to get a glimpse of Johnny Cash. This place sure has a history!

E. and I went inside and got drinks (a milk for E. and a Big Red for me), and took our drinks outside and sat on those same steps.

The lesson I learned today? You never know when you'll stumble onto a place you love. Your next adventure could be right around the corner!

For more travel photos, be sure to stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby for Photo Friday.

Stuff I've Learned While Living in Texas

2010-05-12T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here's what I've learned after living among Texans for 11 months:

--It is SO HOT here. And apparently Texans are used to it. Either that or they don't sweat. It always seems like I'm the only one who's flushed and sweating despite wearing a tank top and shorts. Meanwhile, my fellow Texas residents are walking around in jeans and don't look the least bit uncomfortable.

--Texans really do wear cowboy hats, and not in an ironic look-at-my-fashion-statement kind of way. Now, this might not seem like big news to my Texas readers, but this Midwesterner still isn't used to it.

--Texans are really nice, unless they're driving. I'm used to Missouri drivers. They signal before changing lanes (generally) and drive the speed limit or a little above. They let you in if you make it obvious that you're trying to merge. This is very different from what I've found here in Texas where trucks are flying by my little car and it's every woman for herself! And watch out for those yield signs...they may or may not be just a suggestion.

--Texans love their Dr. Pepper. My love for Dr. Pepper started well before we moved to Texas. However, I had never really given much thought to where the drink originated. Well, now that I'm in Texas, I know that Dr. Pepper was invented here. If you're a really dedicated lover of the soda, you can visit the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco.

--Texans love kids. E. has been welcomed with a smile almost everywhere we've gone, even places that aren't considered particularly toddler-friendly, like the art museum. People stop to chat with her just like they would with an adult, and this is something I really appreciate. She may be small, but she's a person and likes to say hi just like anyone else!

As an outsider here in Texas, this is what I've observed. What do you think? Am I right about any of this or way off? What about us Midwesterners...any quirks you've noticed about us? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A Guest Post and Other Updates

2010-05-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

First of all, welcome new readers! Thanks for clicking over to Wandering Off from my guest post San Antonio with Kids at The Q Family Adventures. (And of course, welcome to my regular readers as well. I hope you'll hop over to The Q Family Adventures, a fun and informative travel blog based in Atlanta.)

One reminder: please don't forget to follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Wandering Off on Facebook. I love hearing from other travellers, whether it's through blog comments, tweets, or Facebook messages!

Next up on Wandering Off: I'll be talking about the stuff I've learned since moving to Texas and how military life can be viewed as a form of extended travel. I hope you'll stay tuned! Thanks for reading Wandering Off.

Shy

2010-05-09T20:57:00.001-05:00

Personally, I thought the music was beautiful. And really, I think E. did too. She was just feeling a little shy today.

We really enjoyed the Mother's Day brunch at Las Canarias. I told myself I was going to take lots of pictures of the food, but by the time I had collected it on my plate, I was so anxious to eat that I practically ran back to the table.

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day!

In Memory of the World's Greatest Mom

2010-05-07T21:24:00.001-05:00

I'll never forget how she looked that morning when she walked into my room. She stood there smiling, a wool cap covering her bald head, mittens, a scarf.

"I'm going out. I'll be back soon."

I nodded. I was a college kid, home for the weekend and sleeping in on a Saturday morning. I remember thinking that she looked so cute, like a happy elf in her winter gear. Of course, I recognized the irony--a sick woman looking like a cheerful, benevolent personification of winter.

For awhile she had worn a wig, but it was hot and itchy. She finally just figured to heck with it and started wearing comfortable knit caps. I remember her telling me that there was a kid who worked at the grocery store who also wore a hat, but his covered dreadlocks. My mom thought they had an unspoken bond, the two of them in their hats standing on opposite sides of the register.

Another story I like to remember is this: one day, she was sitting in the exam room waiting for the doctor to come in. She was looking at her feet, admiring her new shoes. She said she thought to herself, "I wonder if the doctor will notice my shoes." Just then the doctor walked in and said, "Hey, I like your shoes! Are they new?" I love that my mom was so fascinated by this incident.

I'm not sure what it means that most of my memories of my mom are when she was sick, but still fighting. I've chosen to forget the times when defeat seemed inevitable. And unfortunately it's getting harder to recall the times when she was healthy. Hard to believe those days were over 12 years ago now.

Sharon will always be missed. Happy Mother's Day to my mom.

Four Reasons You Should Go to a Minor League Game

2010-05-04T17:17:00.001-05:00

Our family loves the Chicago Cubs. And by "loves," I mean that I cry while watching We Believe and E. knows all of the words to Eddie Vedder's song "All the Way." Wrigley Field is one of our favorite places to visit, and we try to head north at least once a year to watch a game.

However, we recently went to a San Antonio Missions minor league baseball game and were a little shocked. It was so...convenient! And cheap! We will definitely be going back to another game this summer. Here are four reasons why minor league games are more convenient, and therefore more child-friendly, than major league baseball games.

1. Better mascots: I suppose Fredbird, the mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals, is o.k. But what could possibly be better than the San Antonio Missions' mascot, Ballapeño, and his sidekick Henry the Puffy Taco? Here they are in action:

2. Cheap tickets: Tickets to a minor league game are pretty affordable. For the Missions games, tickets start at just $7 and even the best seats can be yours for only $10 per ticket.

3. Cheap and convenient parking: Many minor league venues are located either in smaller cities or outside of town. Therefore, parking is not only less expensive but also less of a hassle. For the Missions game, we parked in the lot right outside the stadium for $5. No driving around a busy downtown area looking for a spot!

4. Smaller venue: Why is this important? Well, for one thing, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You don't have to worry about sitting in the nose-bleed section because there isn't one! Plus, leaving at the end of the game is a much shorter process than it is at a large major league stadium.

Want more minor league fun? Check out this post at Midwest Guest: Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Travel Photos: Boston's Trinity Church

2010-05-02T10:11:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. I said I was finished talking about Boston. But I just can't resist sharing these photos of Boston's beautiful, historically significant Trinity Church.

Designed by architect H. H. Richardson, this builidng is considered an excellent example of the Romanesque revival style, meaning it was influenced by the architecture of 10-12th century Europe. When the church was opened in 1877, its design was unique compared to many American churches--instead of creating a long central aisle (nave), the architect used a Greek cross plan, meaning that the central aisle and transepts are of equal length. In other words, the church is focused around a central core rather than featuring a long aisle that leads to the front of the church.

When we stayed in Boston, our hotel was located near Copley Square, and we walked by Trinity Church almost everyday. It is definitely worth a visit. Guided and self-guided tours are offered for $6 for adults, and children 16 and under are free.

Books, A Brewery, and the Riverwalk Extension

2010-04-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

We usually go to storytime at the local library. It's relatively quiet. The librarian who leads it is calm and polite. E. loves her. But today, I thought it would be fun to try something different, so we headed over to the Twig bookstore.

Storytime at Twig is the complete opposite of your local library. It's crowded and loud and goofy. If this storytime was a T.V. show (weird analogy, I know) it would be SpongeBob SquarePants. Miss Anastasia makes sure it lives up to its name: Miss Anastasia's Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend TWIGLET Storytime! You can take part in the fun on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Twig is located in the Full Goods building at the former Pearl Brewery. Since its brewing days, the complex has been converted into a series of shops and offices. Its location near the San Antonio River, once a necessity when the water was needed for brewing, now provides visitors easy access to the Museum Reach portion of the riverwalk. Completed in 2009, this portion of the riverwalk has a much different feel than the original riverwalk that winds through downtown near landmarks such as the Alamo and the Casino Club Building. While the original riverwalk is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, the Museum Reach portion is quieter and brings joggers and dog-walkers.

For a complete list of events at Pearl, check out their event calendar. And if you decide to visit Twig for storytime, be ready to bring your silly side.

Adorable Cupcakes in Boerne, Texas

2010-04-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

I honestly didn't have a plan when we left the house yesterday afternoon. Would E. and I drive to Kerrville and seek out a park? Would we stop in Boerne and return to the Cibolo Nature Center, a place we've enjoyed in the past? I couldn't decide. But the weather was beautiful, and I certainly wasn't going to spend the day sitting around the house.

Finally, I decided we would stop in Boerne. I parked in the historic downtown area and consulted the GPS. That's how I discovered the Bear Moon Bakery and Cafe.

Although the bakery serves breakfast and lunch, E. and I stopped in for treats on this occasion. E. was thrilled by the selection of adorable cupcakes and finally decided on a yellow cupcake with colorful sprinkles and a big pink heart. I chose a triple chocolate chip cookie, although the Curious George cupcakes looked pretty good too.

E. and I sat outside and enjoyed our treats. E. was thrilled to find out that the heart on her cupcake was actually a plastic ring. She wore it the rest of the day.

After our stop at the Bear Moon Bakery, we walked down the street to the Read All About It Bookstore, where E. enjoyed looking at their selection of puppets! We bought a book and headed back to the car.

Sometimes the best plans aren't plans at all!

Boston Round-up and Other Updates

2010-04-26T17:59:00.003-05:00

Above is a picture I took from the Charles River in Boston when we took a Duck Tour. For those of you who don't know, the Duck Tour takes you through the city by land and by water.

I wanted to gather all of my Boston posts in one spot, so here they are:

Off the Beaten Path in Boston (Guest post by Sara Keagle)

Back from Boston

Old South Church in Boston's Back Bay

Take a Walk with Us Through the Public Garden

When in Boston, Add the Library to Your List

First Subway Ride

The Small Stuff: Five Things to Do in Boston

And now, on to the updates:

Wandering Off is now on Facebook! Please stop by and become a fan. If you write a blog and are on Facebook, let me know so I can look you up.

And of course, you can always follow me on Twitter (@wandering_off) or email me at wandering_off@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading my blog! Please consider sharing the link with your friends. Also, comments on my blog make me smile!

The Small Stuff: Five Things To Do In Boston

2010-04-25T22:19:00.003-05:00

This isn't a list of the big tourist attractions in Boston. This is a list of the small things, the seemingly minor details that end up being the most memorable moments of your trip.

1. Finagle a good view: It isn't the most glamorous breakfast spot in town, but the Finagle a Bagel location near Copley Square is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Why? Because the seating area on the second floor overlooks Copley Square and Trinity Church.

2. Ride on a hare: While you're in the Back Bay, stop by Copley Square and take a few pictures with the tortoise and the hare sculptures outside Trinity Church. E. loved this!

3. Visit a cemetery: Boston is filled with history and some of America's most notable people are buried in the cemeteries along the Freedom Trail. Stop by the Central Burying Ground to see the grave site of American painter Gilbert Stuart. Not far away, you'll find the Granary Burial Ground, final resting place of Samual Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere.

4. Golden dome: No trip to Boston is complete without a stop by the State Capitol building. You'll recognize it immediately; it's the one with the distinctive gold dome. (And yes, that's really gold leaf. It was added in 1874.)

5. Pasta and pastries up north: Head to a part of town known as the North End for great Italian food. You'll be overwhelmed by the number of restaurant options in this neighborhood--this is the place to go for pasta, pastries, and espresso. I really enjoyed my tiramisu at Cafe Dello Sport, but the options are endless.

All of these activities are "small" in the sense that they don't require lots of time or money. In fact, three of them are free! Boston has so much to offer...do the big stuff, but make sure you soak in the details too. It's the details that I'm dreaming of today. For more Monday Dreams, check out the family travel blog Mother of All Trips.

First Subway Ride

2010-04-23T00:14:00.000-05:00

This picture might be blurry, but it documents E.'s first subway ride:

When we were in Boston, we did a lot of walking, and we took a cab roundtrip when we went to the New England Aquarium. However, our brief ride on the subway was one of the highlights of the trip for E.

Be sure to check out the photo of E.'s first cab ride, which took place in Chicago.

For more travel photos, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby. Happy Photo Friday!

When in Boston, Add the Library to Your List

2010-04-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

When you plan your travel itinerary, a trip to the public library probably isn't at the top of your list of things to do. However, visitors to Boston should consider a stop at the main branch of the Boston Public Library.

A great resource when visiting the library is this online guide to the McKim Building, which sits across the street from Copley Square and Trinity Church in Boston's Back Bay. Architecture enthusaists will be interested to learn that the building, which opened in 1895, was designed by the well-known New York firm of McKim, Meade, and White.

E. enjoyed climbing the library's grand staircase, which is flanked by lion sculptures. She also enjoyed exploring the central courtyard, which was practically empty on the morning we visited.

When you're in the courtyard, be sure to check out this lovely fountain by American sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies:

Of course, admission to the library is free, so you can make a quick stop on your way to Old South Church or the Prudential Center if you're short on time.

Stay tuned for more on Boston! Coming up: the famous duck tour, a trip to the Aquarium, and E.'s first subway ride.

The Newest Member of Our Family!

2010-04-19T10:10:00.000-05:00

This post doesn't have anything to do with the two major themes of this blog: travel and Texas. But how could I not write about the newest member of our family, especially when he's this sweet:

This is Rooney, a corgi mix that we adopted over the weekend from the Helotes Humane Society. We've been thinking about getting a dog for about a year, and seriously thinking about it for a few months. He is a sweetie, although I do have my concerns. Training a dog is a big responsibility. I hope he and E. will get along and become good friends.

If you have any puppy advice, please feel free to comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on raising a child and a puppy!

Take a Walk with Us Through The Public Garden

2010-04-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

Boston's famous Public Garden is a great place to visit for people of all ages. Since our hotel was within easy walking distance and we had beautiful weather for most of our trip, we visited the Public Garden more than once while we were in town. So, come along! Take a walk with E. and me!

There are plenty of winding pathways to explore, including this one that leads to an equestrian statue of George Washington.

If you continue past Washington, you'll find a bridge that goes over a large pond. In the summer, the pond is inhabited by swan boats, but not in April. Still, E. enjoyed walking over the bridge and checking out the view.

On the side of the Public Garden that faces Boston Commons, you'll find the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculpture by Nancy Shon. Based on the book by Robert McCloskey, this series of statues definitely encourages audience participation.

The garden is filled with statues, fountains, memorial scultpures, flowers, and benches in the shade. There's so much to look at, if you take the time.

The Public Garden is definitely worth a visit...maybe even two, or three...

Old South Church in Boston's Back Bay

2010-04-14T14:17:00.001-05:00

As a fan of architecture, particularly Renaissance and Renaissance-inspired styles, I found plenty of beautiful buildings to explore in Boston. One of my favorites is the Old South Church, which can be found in the Back Bay neighborhood near Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.

Inspired by the architecture of medieval Venice, architect Charles Amos Cummings began designing the church in 1872. You'll find many Gothic design elements like round stained glass windows, pointed arches, and multi-colored stonework.

In addition to being a significant building architecturally, Old South Church also has a rich history. This particular building was completed in 1875, but the congregation itself was formed in 1669. Famous members of the church included Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, William Dawes, and Phillis Wheatley.

Like many historic buildings in Boston, Old South Church does not charge an admission fee. I felt very welcomed as I stepped inside the church and was even encouraged by the woman working at the information desk to take as many pictures as I wanted. This is a lovely, quiet place to visit with or without children.

Back from Boston

2010-04-14T00:55:00.000-05:00

We're back now after spending a week in Boston. I'm tired and a little bewildered to be back to real life, so this will be a very short post.

This trip was different for us since Nick's primary goal in Boston was to attend a work-related conference. Therefore, E. and I spent most of the days on our own exploring the city. It was quite an adventure exploring an unfamiliar city with a three year old and without another adult.

This week (and possibly next), I'll be writing all about our adventures in New England. Some of the highlights included a Duck Tour, a visit to Old South Church, and more than one stroll through the Public Garden. Hope you'll join us.

(By the way, I took this photo from the steps of the Boston Public Library looking towards Trinity Church.)

Photo Friday: San Antonio River Cruise

2010-04-09T07:39:00.000-05:00

Taking a stroll, stopping for a bite to eat or a drink...these are great ways to experience the riverwalk. However, my favorite way to see San Antonio's famous riverwalk is to take a river cruise. My daughter loves riding in a boat, and I love all of the architecture talk.

Here are some photos I took on a recent Sunday afternoon river cruise:

For more information on river cruises: Rio San Antonio Cruises

For photos from other travellers, check out Delicious Baby, an excellent family travel blog.

Texas Photo: Little Girl, Big City

2010-04-06T07:43:00.000-05:00

Homesick

2010-04-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Subject: Re: Ciao!
Sent: 7/14/2001

It was good to get a message from you in Florence. How handy is the internet cafe there? How does the hotel compare to the one in Rome? How are the 2 girls you and jen are rooming with? I'm full of questions today. I hope the cold medicine helps. If you can tell me some times daily (on your time there) that you are likely to be in your room, I'll give you a call in a day or two. That way you can save the minutes on your phone card. I will be putting some more money in your account on Monday. I expect your last paycheck will arrive in a day or two. You and I got our new checkcards in the mail today. That's it from me. Love, Mom

Hi Sarah! It could be that they had cats at your last Hotel to control rodents. ??? Or maybe it is a cold. Have you been pinched? Homesick? This isn't any different than being at school for two or three weeks without coming home. You are just in need of a little extra rest. As soon as the trip is nearing an end you will wish that it could last a week or two longer. Remember that most people can only dream of what you are doing. They would give just about anything to be in your place. I would! Keep taking pictures, in Italy for sure. I can't wait to hear about your trip and see your pictures when you get back. Lots of Love and if possible pinch them back. DAD

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedroqtc/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Image Credit: From Pedro_qtc's photostream on Flickr. Creative Commons License

Texas Blogs That Rock

2010-03-31T21:09:00.006-05:00

Recently, I got to thinking and realized that most of the blogs I read aren't based in Texas. Surely, there had to be some (many?) out there. Now that I've started looking, I've found several I'd like to share with you. This is by no means an exhaustive list...I'm sure there are other great blogs out there. If you write a Texas-based blog and would like to be added to the list, please let me know by adding a comment.

One blog I've been reading for several months is Life in South Texas. Wendy takes some amazing photos. If you're interested in nature photography, you should stop by her blog.

Another blog that I started reading not long after we moved here is Flyover America, written by Sophia Dembling and Jenna Schnuer. They write about the part of America that's filled with diners and open highways. (Just for the record, Flyover America is partially based in Dallas, partially in New Jersey.)

A little closer to home, Stacy at Kids Stuff World writes about life with kids and green living.

Another San Antonio blog that parents won't want to miss is SA Busy Kids, a blog focused on San Antonio summer camps. And don't forget to follow @momonmars on Twitter!

Two San Antonio gals, Julie and Tatum, explore the state of Texas and write about their adventures at The Texas Bucketlist.

For "humor, recipes, and reviews," be sure to stop by Screwed Up Texan. I felt an immediate connection to this blog, since the author is as obsessed with Dr. Pepper as I am.

At Free Fun in Austin, you can read about free kid-friendly activities in Austin and other nearby towns.

Based in Round Rock, Texas, Sheila's Guide to the Good Stuff focuses on travel, tourism, and social media.

Hungry? Then check-out the San Antonio-based Oh My Puddin. You might also want to visit the recipe page at Real Texas Blog: Texas Recipes. For homemade baby food and other culinary delights, visit In Sock Monkey Slippers, based in Waco.

Interested in journalism? Write on Time by Donna J. Tuttle is for you. And check out that beautiful header image of the riverwalk...nice!

If you're like me and have an...oh, let's say unusual...sense of humor, then you'll love Not Going Postal . She writes about everything from Facebook to llamas.

For activities, money-saving tips, and local resources, visit Geekette Bits, which is written by a "semi-permanent resident of San Antonio."

Sports-nuts need to stop by Derrich.com, which focuses on sports, gadgets, and movies.

For politics, political history, books, and art, visit the Houston-based blog Texas Liberal.

For organic gardening and cooking in the Texas Hill Country, check out Garden Gate Blog.

Those of you interested in social media should add Social Media Mentoring to your reader. You'll find lots of information on social media events in San Antonio.

Michelle Estrada writes about "life, love, and the world around me" at View from the Bottom.

And last on this list, but certainly not least is The Bloggess. If you don't laugh when you read her summary of the Zombie Apocalypse, there's something wrong with you.

For those of you on Twitter, I highly recommend following these Texans: @colleenpence (SA-based social media) @trailgirl (West Texas) @WildTexas (Texas parks).

I know I've inadvertently left some deserving people off this list. Want to add someone (or yourself)? Feel free to leave a comment!

A Few Thoughts on the Zoo and Its Role in Educating Children

2010-03-29T09:26:00.003-05:00

I have such fond memories of visiting the Saint Louis Zoo with my mom when I was a child. We visited fairly frequently since the zoo admission was (and still is) free. Not only were our trips to the zoo fun, they also taught me important lessons about our role in the world and encouraged me to learn more about our planet and its animals.

When I was about 8 years old, I became fascinated by endangered animals. The idea that an entire species could be wiped from the face of the earth was unbelievable to me. I started reading about how elephants are killed for ivory and gorillas are slaughtered so that their hands can be sold to tourists. I begged my mom to donate money to the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife Fund. I set up a lemonade stand in front of our house to raise money to donate to the zoo. I read about sea otters and oil spills. And each visit to the zoo encouraged me along the way.

We took E. to the San Antonio Zoo over the weekend where we saw an animal called an okapi. These deer/horse/zebra-like animals live in the Ituri Forest of Central Africa and are endangered. According to the sign: "Because of the okapi's secretive and solitary life in the wild, most of man's scientific knowledge of okapi behavior comes from observations in zoos."

I was glad to have the opportunity to see one in-person. E. and I talked about it, observed it, and marvelled at its beauty and unique appearance. All thanks to the zoo.

The recent controversy at Sea World made me think about the differences between most zoos and Sea World. Here's what I came up with and why I'd rather spend my money at the local zoo:

--Most zoos in the U.S. are non-profit organizations, unlike Sea World which is a for-profit business. Some, like the Saint Louis Zoo, don't even charge admission. Their goal is to educate.

--Zoos do not expect their animals to perform. They don't train their animals to behave in a way that will be more entertaining to visitors.

To me, these two differences are significant. I hope that people will continue to visit zoos and encourage their children to take action to protect endangered animals...even if that action is as simple as opening a lemonade stand in the front yard.

These are just my opinions. Before donating money to any charity or organization, you should research the organization first.

Is It Weird That I Took My Daughter to a Cemetery?

2010-03-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

For me, cemeteries aren't particularly sad to walk through, nor are they unsettling in the way they seemed to be when I was a kid. Instead, they are like outdoor art museums. For instance, we found some beautifully carved tombstones in Castroville, where we took a walk through Saint Louis Cemetery.

I know this isn't a typical mother-daughter outing. Sometimes I don't think we give kids enough credit. Just like us adults, they can find beauty in the unusual.

For more photos from other travellers, check out Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Rattlesnake Bites, Gold, and Murder

2010-03-24T20:38:00.001-05:00

This marker can be found in a small park called September Square in Castroville, Texas.

To read more about Castroville, check out our other adventures by clicking here.

E.'s Birthday Weekend and Other Updates

2010-03-22T09:02:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my Photo Friday post, E. turned three years old last week. To celebrate, we planned a big weekend that we hoped E. would enjoy. On Friday night, we went to the San Antonio Spurs game and had a wonderful time (better than I expected, to be honest.) On Saturday, we went to lunch at one of E.'s favorite restaurants, Alamo Cafe.

Sunday held the big finale of E.'s birthday fun--Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate! E. was so excited as soon as Mickey and Minnie skated onto the ice. It was wonderful to see her so excited about the characters. Like most kids her age, she thinks those guys are as real as her mom and dad. Everytime Minnie skated by, she'd started waving and shouting, "Hi Minnie!" I'd definitely recommend Disney on Ice to other parents of young children.

To read another parent's review of the show, check out this post from The Q Family: Experienced Disney on Ice Celebration.

On to the updates!

In case you missed it on Friday, be sure to stop by Travel Mamas to check out my guest post: Five Texas Hill Country Family Activities. Thank you, Colleen, for letting me be a "guest travel mama!"

I'm always flattered to see my posts included in link round-ups. Be sure to check out this post from Travels with Children: Finding More Fun: Family Travel Links, 3/17/10. Thanks, Linda, for including my post on the San Antonio Children's Museum!

Lastly, I just wanted to take a moment to thank my readers. Whether you read everyday or once a month, THANK YOU! I've been writing this blog since August, and it has been so much fun to find other people who are interested in the same odd stuff that I am, like 18th-century churches or weird, tiny Texas snails, or who-knows-what. It's been a fun adventure so far, and I hope you'll keep reading.

Three Sports Nuts Go to Their First NBA Game

2010-03-21T00:56:00.002-05:00

Our family is obsessed with sports. My husband has been obsessed with the Chicago Cubs since he was a kid living in the Windy City. I figure skated competitively for about eleven years and have been a fan of the University of Kansas basketball team since before I can remember. So, it's a little strange that until Friday night, we'd never attended a professional basketball game before.

Walking into San Antonio's AT&T Center to watch the San Antonio Spurs take on the Golden State Warriors, we were a little hesitant. Our daughter, E., is very sensitive when it comes to loud noises, and she's shy around strangers. How would she react to all of the cheering and yelling during the game? How would she feel to have strangers sitting in the seats near ours? Would the game hold her attention or would she grow restless and ask to leave?

The outcome? She loved it! And Nick and I had a pretty good time ourselves.

E. enjoyed the music that plays throughout the game. She danced and clapped to the music. She also enjoyed taking a cue from the other fans and cheering on the Spurs. E. understood enough about basketball to know that getting a basket is good and missing is not good. A few times, she looked at me and said, "Aw. They not get the shot."

A few tips for parents who are planning on taking a young child to a Spurs game:

1. Eat dinner before you arrive. Like you'll find at many sporting events, the food is pretty expensive and not particularly special.

2. As you drive towards the AT&T Center, you'll pass a parking lot that charges $10. Skip it and turn onto the road that goes past the front of the arena. Across the street from the arena, you'll see another lot that also costs $10. Unless you're arriving late, there should be room in this second lot and you won't have as far to walk. (Parking prices could vary. These were the prices we encountered for a Friday night game.)

3. Encourage your child to notice the different participants in the game. Point out the dancers, the mascot, the players, the coach, and anyone else you find interesting. Clap your hands to the music, cheer when a player makes a free throw, and check the scoreboard. There are lots of interesting sights and sounds at big sporting events!

4. Don't feel like you need to get your money's worth and stay for the entire game. We stayed for three quarters and quit while we were ahead. We wanted to leave while everyone was still having fun, instead of leaving carrying a tired, crying child.

Photo Friday: E. is Three

2010-03-18T23:11:00.002-05:00

My daughter celebrated her third birthday this week. I'm so proud of my big girl...and of myself, I have to admit. It has been a crazy, fun, frustrating, wonderful, inspiring three years.

Last year, we celebrated E.'s second birthday in Orlando with family.

This year, we have lots of big plans for the weekend. Check back on Monday to read all about our adventures!

For more travel photos, check out Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

From My Travel Journal: Rome, Italy

2010-03-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

July 11, 2001
Rome, Italy

Hi from Rome! We went to the Piazza Navona today...it has three fountains by Bernini and there is a church there called Santa Angese that I had studied in my classes. It was really beautiful. I think we might go back there tonight to eat dinner at a restaurant nearby.

Today was a busy day. It is 4 now and we have been out since 9 this morning. I am having a wonderful time though! We went to see the Colosseum and I took lots of pictures there. It is much larger than I imagined and for some reason I was surprised that it is located right in the city. We turned a corner and then WOW there it was. I can't really put into words how incredible it was to stand there inside the Colosseum. I don't think I'll ever forget it!

Then we visited the Forum and the Arch of Constantine, both of which were neat to see in-person instead of in a textbook. We had lunch and then went to see the Pantheon. I only took a few pictures there because it is almost impossible to get a decent photo of the interior of the dome due to it's incredible size. After that we had gelato which is SO good...I especially love the raspberry flavor!

A woman from here in Rome, Francesca, was our tour guide. The art history professor knows her somehow. The tour was really interesting...she seems to really know what she is talking about. Our hotel room is small but nice. We have a bathroom connected to the room, so I don't have to worry about parading down the hall to take a shower. I used lots of sunscreen today, so I don't think I got sunburned too badly.

Tomorrow is another big day! Ciao!

Presa Street: A Short History Lesson

2010-03-15T16:28:00.002-05:00

For some reason, I'm fascinated by the street names in downtown San Antonio. Maybe it's because they sound different to my Midwestern ears. Or perhaps it has to do with the rich history of this city and my desire to learn more about it. Either way, I have found the book Place Names of San Antonio by David P. Green to be really helpful as I continue to explore the city.

There are lots of bridges downtown because of the San Antonio river and the river walk. I took a quick picture of this one with my iPhone:

According to Green, the word "presa" is Spanish for dam, and the street got its name because it once ran from one dam to another. One of the dams, the Pajalache, provided water to the irrigation ditches called acequias that led to Mission Concepción. The dam was removed in 1869.

The other dam near Presa Street is the Espada Dam, part of the oldest continually operating irrigation system in the country. This dam was also created to provide water to a mission--Mission San Francisco de la Espada.

If you're interested in San Antonio history, pick up a copy of Place Names of San Antonio.

Photo Friday: Spring Personified

2010-03-11T21:47:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was an absolutely beautiful day here in San Antonio. After the rain and cold (well, "cold" is relative) of winter, it was so nice to put on a pair of shorts and head out to the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

That day, E. looked like Spring personified. She wore a brand new outfit--a peach-colored shirt with plaid bermuda shorts--and her pink baseball cap. And her attitude that day exuded Spring. She loved our day at the garden and had a smile on her face the entire time.

For more pictures of the Botanical Garden, check out my previous post Flower (and Cactus) Power. And for more travel photos, stop by Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Happy Spring!

San Antonio Children's Museum

2010-03-10T08:52:00.002-06:00

The San Antonio Children's Museum isn't the largest or most elaborate museum of its kind that we've visited, but it is still worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.

Last weekend, we made our second trip to the museum. Interestingly, E. was not at all interested in some of the activities that she had loved the first time, but did find one old favorite that could have kept her entertained for hours.

When we first arrived, E. seemed a little hesitant. She often gets a little shy in these kinds of situations--lots of kids running around, chaos, lots of noise. A good place for kids to start out is the Tots Area, which is designed for children under age 4. It is a little quieter and less overwhelming than other parts of the museum. E. played there for a few minutes, and then we encouraged her to explore the rest of the museum.

Next, we headed upstairs to the airplane and control tower that she had enjoyed on her first visit. But this time, she didn't seem too impressed. Instead, we headed to a small room that contained a replica of a house, complete with kitchen and second-story area that overlooked the rest of the room. E. played here for several minutes, while Nick and I sat on the benches and watched.

E. loves bridges, so she enjoyed the second-floor bridge that overlooks the first floor from the Victorian Parlor. And that's where she saw it--PowerBall Hall, an activity she had really loved on our first trip.

In PowerBall Hall, kids collect colorful balls and use tubes and conveyor belts to get the balls into a large basket. Once the basket is full, it opens up and spills the balls onto the floor. Since we were there near closing time, E. played in the exhibit for a while and than helped a museum worker collect the balls and put them in a large bag. After we left the museum, I asked her what her favorite thing was that we had done that day. She said, "Help pick up the balls." Little kids love to help out!

For another traveller's thoughts on the San Antonio Children's Museum, check out this post from Travels with Children: Notes from the Road: Texas, Day 7.

Take a Walk with Me Through the King William District

2010-03-08T09:30:00.003-06:00

On a recent Saturday afternoon, we explored the King William District of San Antonio. We didn't cover the entire neighborhood (E.'s two-year-old legs can only carry her so far), but we did see some interesting sights along the way.

We started the morning at the historic Guenther House, which overlooks the San Antonio River. As I have mentioned before on this blog, Guenther House is a great place to grab breakfast and has plenty of outdoor space for little ones to run while you wait for a table (which you almost certainly will, if you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday morning).

A short drive took us to the heart of the King William District where we parked and walked a few blocks.

I loved the wrought-iron fence that surrounded this house.

The Sartor House was built in 1881 for Alexander Sartor, jr. by the prominent San Antonio architect Alfred Giles. I love the details of the porch's columns.

As we were walking, I noticed this signiture that someone had etched in wet cement in 1914.

We also noticed steps such as these at the edge of the street. We figured that these might have been used to help people climb into horse-drawn carriages. (Does anyone happen to know this for sure? I'd love to know more; leave a comment if you have anything to add). As you can see, E. enjoyed climbing the steps and pretending that she was on-stage.

It was hard to get a good look at the Norton-Polk-Mathis House since there was a large fence around it. It appears that they are doing renovations. This site was bought in 1869 by Russell C. Norton and construction on the home started in 1876. Although I was disappointed we couldn't get a better view of the house, I'm glad to see that people are working to ensure that it will be around for future generations to enjoy.

This was by far my favorite house on King William Street:

I especially loved the dramatic balcony and the large fountain.

As we were getting in the car, I noticed another small detail: initials carved into a sidewalk stone.

There is more to see in the King William District, so we'll hopefully be making a return visit soon.

Photo Friday: Shave Ice in Hawaii

2010-03-05T00:26:00.000-06:00

What could make a 2-year-old happier than a bowl of rainbow shave ice that's as big as her head?

If you're ever in Lahaina, try Annie's Island Shave Ice.

To see photos from other travellers, check out Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

Tooting My Own Horn

2010-03-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased to announce that Wandering Off has been mentioned on a few travel blogs and sites lately, and I'd like to share the good news.

First, Louise from TravelPod.com and TravelBlogSites.com informed me that my blog received a write-up on Travel Blog Sites (which you can read here.) She also sent me a nifty badge to add to my blog. Heck yeah! I always have fun perusing Travel Blog Sites, and I'm so happy to be included.

Secondly, I was honored to be mentioned on CiaoBambino.com in a post called Family Travel Growth on the Web. Ciao Bambino consists of a team of travel writers who love exploring the world with their children. It's a great, comprehensive resource for parents.

Also, I'd like to say a big "thank you" to Midwest Guest for including me in this post from last week: Midwest Travel Links for February 2010. Dominique at Midwest Guest takes some of the most amazing photographs...you should definitely stop by and check it out.

Texas Photo: Happy Texas Independence Day!

2010-03-02T08:47:00.001-06:00

What better way to celebrate Texas Independence Day than with a photo of the Alamo:

I haven't lived here long enough to pretend to understand the real meaning and traditions of Texas Independence Day, but here are some links that focus on the historical significance of March 2, 1836.

Texas Independence Day links:

Texas Declaration of Independence

Texas Heritage Trails: Texas Independence Trail

Texas Revolution--Wikipedia

Texas Historical Commission

If you have a Texas-themed photo you'd like to share, please leave a link to it in the comments section.

And hey, while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to my blog and follow me on Twitter!

Breckenridge by Night

2010-03-01T20:16:00.002-06:00

Breckenridge, Colorado is such a charming town. Usually I'm slightly annoyed when people leave their Christmas decorations up past New Year's Day, but I didn't mind it when I saw lights and greenery in Breckenridge in February. Something about the snow and the mountains just makes it seem right, no matter the month.

Mission San Juan: Photos and Friendly Advice

2010-02-27T22:47:00.002-06:00

A few tips to keep in mind when you visit Mission San Juan:

--As tempting as it might be, don't allow kids to climb, walk, or sit on the stone walls. Keep in mind that many of these structures date back to the mid-1700s and need to be protected.

--Bring water and sunscreen. There isn't much shade near the church, although you will find some along the trail leading to the San Antonio River.

--Definitely take a walk down the Yanaguana Trail, which can be found behind the church. Informative signs along the way make the walk that much more interesting. For instance, did you know that there used to be alligators living near the river? Yikes!

--Don't forget to visit the other missions that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. My favorite is Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States.

Photo Friday: Wedding Procession at Meiji Shrine

2010-02-26T08:37:00.000-06:00

For more information on Japanese weddings: Japanese Weddings (This explains that the bride usually wears a white kimono during the ceremony and then changes into another kimono before the reception. It appears that the bride is wearing a black kimono in the picture, so I assume this means the ceremony has already taken place. If you know more about these traditions, please leave a comment. I'd love to learn more about it!)

For more information on the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Wikipedia

To see photos from other travellers, check out Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.

No Longer Tourists?

2010-02-25T12:59:00.000-06:00

As readers of this blog know, we often get in the car at the spur of the moment and wander off into the Hill Country. During our first eight months here in Texas, we visited Boerne, Bandera, Medina, Comfort, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Gruene, Castroville, Seguin, and Austin. However, we haven't been doing as many of these mini-road trips lately. The other night I started wondering why.

I realized that things started to change about a month ago. I hosted a playdate at our house. We were invited to a Super Bowl party. I took E. to storytime at the library. I started working-out more often. In other words, we started living here instead of behaving like tourists.

This makes me feel both content and slightly sad. I'm glad that we finally feel like we are residents of San Antonio, have made friends, and have found activities to get involved in. On the other hand, I miss the days when visiting a small town in the Texas countryside seemed like more of an adventure.

But when I really think about it, I have no reason to feel sad. We love where we live, which is something not everyone in the military can say. Unlike many civilian families, we don't get to choose where we end up. The fact that we like it here so much means we're pretty fortunate.

Living the military life also means that we probably won't be here for an extended period of time. Eventually, we'll move on. There will be new places to see, new friends to meet and, once again, we'll feel like tourists on a grand adventure.

Guest Post: Off the Beaten Trail in Boston

2010-02-24T00:07:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased to introduce Wandering Off's very first guest post! Sara Keagle writes an outstanding blog called The Flying Pinto, which focuses on her adventures as a flight attendant. Today, she's sharing her tips on visitng Boston with kids, and she definitely knows her stuff. In fact, she used to serve as a Boston tour guide! Be sure to check out her blog and follow her on Twitter (@theflyingpinto).

When planning a trip to Boston, Massachusetts with kids, there are of course the obvious activities--the Tea Party Ship, the Children's Museum, and Boston's fabulous New England Aquarium--but what I would like to offer are some choices slightly off the beaten trail.

Boston is a great walking city, but, with kids in tow, I recommend jumping on a sightseeing trolley. As a former Tour Guide, I can tell you the trolleys offer an overview of the city, a rich history lesson and the opportunity to jump on and off at all the major attractions. The "T" is a terrific and affordable way to get around for the remainder of your trip. I do not recommend renting a car as the parking is expensive (the hotels do not own any of the parking lots) and Boston is an extremely stressful city to drive around. Here are some hidden treasures off my must-see list:

•Mapparium "This world-famous, three-story, painted glass globe is one of the key attractions at the Library. The Mapparium’s three-dimensional perspective of the world of 1935 is enhanced by A World of Ideas, an original presentation that features a rich orchestration of words, music, and LED lights to illustrate how ideas have traversed time and geography and changed the world," says the Mary Baker Eddy Library website. It is literally a stained glass globe you walk through! Your children will delight in the fact that if you stand on one end of the bridge and your child stands on the other you can whisper and still be heard because the globe is a perfect sphere.

•The Old North Church "The enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution." This quaint church is right in the heart of Boston's North End or "Little Italy." The pews are called "box pews" and are like little rooms, the walls being about chest height. Families used to pay rent on them! Why not snuggle into a pew and read Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem about that famous ride by Paul Revere, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere?" I know experiencing history always made me appreciate and remember it better!

•The U.S.S. Constitution or "Old Iron Sides," is the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy. In order to stay commissioned it must set sail at least once a year and that it does. Every fourth of July it heads out into the Boston Harbor for the celebration, and when it returns they dock it in the opposite way it set sail, allowing the ship to weather evenly. Learn more about this famous ship on board. The tour is fabulous and it is free! You probably already had The Constitution on your itinerary, but the hidden treasure is how to get there--an inexpensive harbor ferry. The MBTA, Boston's subway system, offers a ferry from Boston's Long Wharf (right next to the New England Aquarium) to Charlestown where the ship is docked for only $1.70. What kid doesn't like a boat ride?

•Granary Burial Ground Call me crazy but I love old cemeteries and Boston has some of the greatest. The Old Granary Burial Ground is on The Freedom Trail, so you probably wouldn't miss it and its famous residents, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Peter Faneuil, and more. However, older kids might find it interesting that Mother Goose, whose real name was Elizabeth Vergoose, resides here as well.

•No Name This restaurant without a name was finally given one by the locals--No Name! Located out on Fish Pier, there are no bells and whistles, just extremely fresh seafood. In 1917, the restaurant opened as a diner for local fisherman returning from sea. In my opinion, it is the best quality seafood for the price, and it has a family-friendly atmosphere.

•The Boston Public Garden Of course you probably wouldn't miss this, it's where the famous Swan Boat Rides are located. But, what you might miss is that this park is a beautiful arboretum. There are over 100 types of trees, and they are all labeled. The other hidden treasure in this park is the row of duck statues from the famous children's book, "Make Way for Ducklings." You can find Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack. At EarthCareCanada.com there are some super ideas for incorporating the story into your visit.

•Fenway Park Everyone thinks about going to a game, and it's a real treat inside the "green monster." But, have you ever thought about taking a tour of Fenway Park? The fifty-minute walking tour is offered throughout the year. Check out their web site for more details: Boston Red Socks

Ok, seriously, I could go on! As you can probably tell, Boston is a city I am passionate about. I always recommend learning about your destination beforehand with your kids to get them excited. The ideas are endless with Boston, and your kids may actually...gasp...learn something!