Be it ever so humble There's no place like home

Well if there is anything I learned from our trip to San Antonio last summer, it's that you shouldn't take little ones on vacation for days at a time because they just don't like being away from home that long (especially in a hotel).

So mom and I and the two kids loaded up the mini van Friday for a mini vacation in East Texas. The day started at the Discovery Science Place in Tyler. Although Madelynn is only two she had a blast and could have stayed there all day. I knew better though and instisted that nap time was more important. We headed to Luby's for some good food and veggies (too much fast food gets old for everyone).

Then we were off to the children's park (mostly for a few pictures) the water falls are beautiful and so are the statues. If you are ever in Tyler Texas it is a don't miss for sure. By 1:30 we were settled into our room at the Wingate and ready for some serious napping. Of course Zach had slept in the van so he was wide awake while Madelynn slept which meant no rest for Mommy (such is life).

When Madelynn woke up we took the kids swimming in the indoor pool and it was Zach's first time. He loved the water and in fact he almost fell asleep just floating on the water. I always loved the water too and I think he will be like me.

After all the swimming it was Chuck E Cheese time. I'm am glad that Madelynn had a good time on all the rides, but I must say they sure didn't get famous on their award winning pizza. Those people are making a fortune. Nasty pizza, cheap games, cheap prizes that take at least 1000 tickets to purchase and you win like an average of 2 tickets a game. Oh well I guess the kids liked it so who cares.

That night my brother came to visit and Zach really liked that. He definitely was fascinated with him. He pretty much takes to anybody willing to talk to him and make funny faces.

The next morning we checked out and headed for Jacksonville to go to a drive thru Safari called Cherokee Trace. Madelynn loved seeing the animals but wasn't too hip on the idea of feeding them when they got too close to the car. Zach liked the kangaroos the best and everytime they hopped he did too! His Maw-Maw will probably have the bruises on her legs to prove it.

The funny thing about our whole adventure is that I think I broke my little toe that Friday morning while I was packing. I basically hobbled from one activity to another with a throbbing purple toe as my side kick.

Well I was exhausted by the time we made it home and I could tell the kids were too since they both crashed earlier than usual. It was fun while it lasted but I have to admit there is no greater feeling then crawling into your own bed when you are tired and you've been away from home. And judging from the way my kids slept, I think they feel the same way. Like the saying goes "BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"