I got to kick off this year’s traveling early and in a very special way. My best friend was getting married at an all inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! It was determined early on that my husband would stay home with our two boys. While I was originally bummed out about going solo, I eventually decided to turn the trip into the ultimate “momcation.” They say dining or going to the movies alone is good for your psyche, and I know all moms love getting to go to the grocery store alone, so I figured the chance to travel and sit by the pool all weekend in silence would be ultra relaxing!

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Perhaps one of the best investments for my family has been the Texas State Parks pass. For $70/year we get admission waived anytime we want to visit a park for the day and discounted camping rates. As part of our family resolution to retreat more  – I booked us at Mustang Island in November, Garner in February, and most recently Big Bend Ranch in March.

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For my husband’s birthday this year, I was determined to plan the perfect date night. At first, this task seemed easier said than done. You see, it was his birthday so our regular dinner and a movie wouldn’t do. We have a great local music scene but my husband is deaf in one ear so, any concert or loud venue is typically not enjoyable for him. Also, my husband is the type who does not like to spend money, least of all on himself. So what’s a wife to do?

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In my last post I shared about the two family reunions and vintage camper find that led up to our big Summer road trip.  My husband and two boys drove round trip from New Braunfels, TX to the following cities:

• Greensburg, Kansas
• Rawlins, Wyoming
• Garden Valley, Idaho
• Bloomfield, New Mexico

Our stops in Kansas and Idaho were for the two family reunions. Our stops in Wyoming and New Mexico were adventures all our own! When we were planning our stops I expressed interest in staying at a KOA since I had never been. My husband was quick to say “what’s wrong with a good old state park?” From there our challenge to stay at and compare one of each was born.

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My husband and I often fondly compare our extended paternal families. Specifically, they both have awesome reunions every few years that come complete with themed t-shirts and even a talent show. Yes, we’re that kind of family – twice. Sometimes I can’t even believe how incredibly lucky we are to belong to both clans. Needless to say, our time spent with each side is cherished. With one family in Kansas and the other clear up in Idaho, imagine our panic when we found out that both family reunions would be this July – one weekend right after the other. I remember saying, “how on earth are we going to physically and financially make it to both family reunions?” and dreading the thought of having to choose one or the other.

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A few weeks ago the family and I loaded up to go camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. This park is known for having fossilized dinosaur tracks on the river banks. Boy had we been looking forward to this trip! My 8 year old is a dinosaur connoisseur of sorts and has been dying to go ever since he heard about it last year. I learned when we went to make our reservations that folks come from all over to stay at this park and book months in advance. We were lucky to get two nights in a row this Summer. So, call ahead and be flexible with dates.

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