::6 Things we do to have BIG Epic Family Vacations:: Part Uno.

(This is a two-part series, with fun things to do while on vacation with kids.) 

In years before we have done fun vacation in Texas but in 2016 we ventured really far away from home. And, it was amazing. 

So, last summer our family took our first BIG Epic family vacation! And, that it was. Since the kids have been born we haven't done big vacations and we have only flown with the 3 of them (one of them being my nephew, which him and his mom travel with us, my only Sister) once for an emergency trip to Detroit to see my Aunt. 

But, ever since we figured out that our Dos (2) could last a couple of hours on the road, we started doing small Texas road trips, gradually building them up to last year's 12-hour road trip to Destin, Florida! Where we rented an apartment for a week and had SO much fun! Here is a list of our TOP 6 things we do to have GREAT family vacations! 

Our vacation consisted of my parents, my sister, my nephew, my brother, my sister in law, my sister's friend, and us four! 

1) We stop at the rest stops and make it a fun learning experience and picture opportunity: 

From Texas to Florida we stopped at every state line and not only took it as a potty-kid break we also learned about the new state and took pictures, Santiago was learning about the state capitals last year so we had to stop and reiterate what each state capital was! (Texas -Austin, Louisiana-Ba-ton Rou-ge, Mississippi- Jackson, Alabama- Montgomery and finally Florida-Tallahassee) 

2) We have become major beach bums, my kids LOVE the sun, sand, and ocean: 

This past year the boys (my son and my nephew) were big enough to learn to body surf on their boogie boards. They loved it, Cam learned too! Everyone laid out on the beach before and after the crazy rain storms, haha.  You would seriously think my kids were born on the beach, there is just something about it that gives them so much life. So we tried to live on the beach as much as we could. 

3) We enjoyed the pool just as much as the beach: 

Once it got too hot on the beach we would cool off in the pool or if it was too dark and we would get kicked off the beach. The kids loved the pool and the hot tub in our condo complex. My Cam was a little fish in water. We had fun and the kids practiced their swimming skills and learned to play pool games!

4) We looked into kid friendly site seeing and went out to eat and found fun places for the kids to explore! 

This is usually my Husbands favorite part, our major resource is Yelp and Google, both are highly accurate at locating kid-friendly restaurants and other local kid-friendly resources. As the kids have grown we have learned to find age-appropriate sites and activities.  We found the Harbor Walk Village with tons to do in Fort Walton beach. 

5) We ride along with Pirates on big ships in an open sea!!! 

One of our favorite parts of a past beach trip to South Padre Island here in Texas was finding a Pirate Ship with a fun adventure for kids and families. So, when we visited Destin, Florida we discovered they had one as well! Only this time we shared the experience with our whole family and it was so much fun! The kids get to become honorary pirates and dance and do a treasure hunt. It's probably one of the more expensive parts of our trip but worth it. 

6) We enjoy every minute no matter how chaotic! 

When you get 8 adults and 3 kids on a 12-hour trip and then try to coordinate activities and food times and likes, it can be crazy. But, no matter how crazy times get we make the most of it and enjoy every moment we get together. More than anything we make sure the kids have fun! And, that's all that matters t us all... 

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the BIG things!"-Anonymous 

::HELLO:: #Adele

[ Hello from the other side

I must've called a thousand times 

To tell you I'm sorry, for 

everything that I've done

But when I call you never

seem to be home]

Funny story, I love break-up songs. Not because I have been involved in a ton of horrible break-ups. I have been with my Husband for over 15 years, never once have we split up. Good? Bad? I don't know.

But, there is one person I have issues with. I split up with that person and reconcile; and then split up again and start all over. That person is, me. No, not crazy, just bare with me. You see when I hear songs like Hello, I think about myself. The lyrics above speak to me, Hello Connie from the other side! In a good way. 

Still not crazy, wait for it. 

Every experience in my life, has been a moment to reflect, a good moment to reinvent myself, learn, grow and start over. With myself. Learning in my 20's who I really was. How strong I could really be. Here I am 7 months from 35.

Hello Connie, from the other side. Wiser, braver and far more knowledgeable of my capabilities. Scared, sure. Who isn't? But, not paralyzed by my fears like I was 5 years ago when I was a new Momma with 2 babies. 

[Hello, it's me, I was wondering

If after all these years you'd like to meet to go

over everything

They say that time's supposed to heal, yeah

But I ain't done much healing]

I must've called a thousand times, to tell you I 'm sorry for everything I have done.  As a Wife, a Momma, an Employee, a Daughter, a Sister, a Friend. I have failed. I tell myself over and over that I am sorry for all that I have disrespected my true self, hated my body, felt sad and unworthy, felt like a failure. But, I forgive myself. I am allowed to fail and fall short. To disappoint and be firm in my beliefs and thoughts. I am sorry Connie, for all that I have done. To self-manipulate my confidence and strength. For thinking I was incapable or unworthy.

I have been broken in so many areas of my life. The healing has been hard. Judged and hurt. Like so many others. 

[There's such a difference between us

And a million miles]

Hello. I am on the other side. I stand strong. Now braver, more empowered and far more confident of my capabilities and worth! A song about self-love and how much stronger I have come out of every single ordeal I have been faced with.

A million miles from where I once have stood, from where I was and have fallen, many times. 

Maybe it's not the break-up songs I am attracted to but the female empowerment songs that really call out to me. It's about healing your soul and moving forward. It's about loving who you have become and continuing to grow. 

[Hello from the outside

At least I can say that I've tried 

To tell you I'm sorry, for breaking your

heart

But it don't matter, it clearly

doesn't tear you apart

anymore]

And, I am at peace with it all. Myself , who I am and who I am not. I have learned to love me, and get back up after being knocked down. Hello, again, from the other side.

Where I am strong, empowered and above all...loved.

::Friday Letters::

Dear Life, things are well. Thank you. Even when they weren't going so well, I am happy with how far I have come. My children are strong and healthy. My Hubby and I are getting ready to celebrate 9 years of marriage.Trust me, no matter how much I complain.... You have been awesome to me. 

Dear Self, Keep going. You can do this. Trust that this is what you are made for. I know you are tired and some days you REALLY need to push yourself. Think of those who can't push any longer, who don't have everything you have and for them; do more, be more and rise above. You have made it through worse and now at your best, you should be able to breeze your way through.  

Dear Texas, Yo'its HOT for real THO! No really. It's hot. Not complaining. Just sayin'. It's a little HOT. 

Dear Houston, In case you didn't get the memo, ESTA CALIENTE. For real tho. I think Texas hates us. It's only cause we are awesome. Haters gon'hate.  

Dear YouTube, I will conquer you. I will. In the mean time, watch me be a total dork and share as much as I can. Practice makes perfect. 

Dear Amiga's, You know who you are. Thank you for all of your constant love and support. For always listening to me when I need to vent, for always being there with words of encouragement and true friendship. For being the type of Women that inspire and uplift. Who are genuinely and sincerely happy for me when good things happen. Who know that being this way is far better than those who are always trying to bring each other down. Thank you for being happy for me and my successes. PLEASE know that I am here to cheer you on and bring you up as well. 

Dear Hubby & Kids, I love you. You know that, no words can describe how I feel, no matter how loud I yell them. Maybe sometimes you can listen to me the first time, just sayin'. Thanks. 

Dear New Job, be kind to me. I have so much depending on this and I really want to LOVE you. I really do. I am old. My career needs to be now. I like you so far. It's only been a week. Be gentle. 

Dear Sun, back up off me dude! For real tho. 

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::Top 3 Mistakes we made while Traveling with Toddlers::

We have not been traveling with toddler too long. Last year was actually our first year of full on travel adventures with Dos toddlers in tote. We are still learning. This year though we feel we have learned the best lessons and years to come our travel with children will only get better. 

Today I will share 3 mistakes that we feel we made when we traveled to the valley this year:

1. We did not create a good Budget- We knew we were going to spend money. And, we did. We didn't figure out how much spending money we actually needed, we just spent. We purchased small things that in the long run added up. Items like, a new booster/car seat for Camila and a small cooler for drinks and perishable items. 

I also ended up spending money on laundry; detergent and washing/drying-explaining- our hotel at South Padre { The Inn at South Padre} had great amenities, and I found it easy and convenient to start doing laundry while on our trip.  

Our next trip needs the following- a well planned budget, a budget for kids to spend on souvenirs, and no need to spend on extras. 

2. Better Meal Planning- We started off well and brought picnic snacks and drinks, for one of our rest stops. We do usually stop at Buc-ee's { Oh, you have never been to one? You should!} it's a must in Texas. But, the rest of the trip is a blur. Next time we want to create an actual meal plan, as if at home. Eating out a couple of times during the trip of course but we could have also brought dishes and groceries since the hotels had half kitchens available.

It's just better with Dos very active and sometimes fussy children to stay-in even while on vacation. One night we bought burgers and came back and ate in our hotel room and the second night we bought chicken. The days had been long and busy so staying in at the hotel after our trips to the beach was a nice way to rest.  

3. Better itinerary - While we were able to do a lot and explore many places during our trip. We feel that we could have planned our days better and known ahead of time what we were going to do. We tend to be kind of "spur of the moment" people but with children a plan is always better. Last year when we visited San Antonio we went to all the obvious places- the River Walk & Wildlife Ranch. This year in the Valley we visited several museums and places we never thought the kids would like, and they loved them! 

Obviously the lesson here is that in order to better explore, we will definitely do better research about the surrounding activities and local fun! We will also not be afraid to go somewhere new since we now know what our kids like. And, if we visit a place like San Antonio we will try to visit new places. 

We have lived and learned...

Below is a checklist of things I would have done different and will do different next time! 

::A letter to my Graduate:: Pre-K that is...

My son is 5. He isn't graduating from High School or better yet this isn't his Ph.D from Harvard...yet. 

But, the moment was so great I had to share. 

My son, my little man graduated Pre-K. The little boy that took me 10 years to have, the boy who stole my heart in September 2009. He is graduating from Pre-K! All I can think is, he amazes me. He is a Blessing. 

He is a 5 year old none-the-less. My patience is tested everyday and he loves getting dirty and making messes. It's who he is. Who is becoming and how he is evolving that leaves me breathless all the time. 

To him I write the following:

::Dear Santiago:: 

I didn't understand Pre-K or Kindergarten graduations either. But, now that I have you and Camila I see purpose and meaning. Your purpose is to be uplifted and encouraged. Motivated to always do your best. To know that while you have reached these smaller goals and achievements in your life there are so many other much bigger and better goals that await you. More graduations that can be had. 

Your purpose is to enter a new chapter of your forming life. The next chapter will be formative into your young adulthood. I want so many things for you. I want you to grow into not only a self-control, respectful young man. But, also be intelligent and make good, smart decision. There is a difference. You can be both. You can do both. 

What does this all mean and why does it even matter? It's like so many other small things that should be celebrated in life. It's another milestone that you have been blessed to reach. You will be entering Kindergarten this fall with it will come another level of education and growth.

I don't ever want you to feel limited and I want you to always reach for the highest possible goals and levels in every action you take. Because you will soon find out an education is not something every child has the privilege of having. You should take advantage of the roads opened by myself and your Dad. We both worked hard as first generation Mexican-Americans to graduate college and provide for you and Camila what most parents cannot for their children.

An education as cliche as this may sound, is the key to many open doors. It will not seem that way for years to come, but one day when you sit in a high ranking position you will look back and think...I am glad my parents made me do this. Because of your current education that we are able to provide, you are a confident, smart young man. Learning right from wrong and powerful bible verses that will one day get you through those difficult moments in life.

Though you are only 5, know that you can do anything you want and become whomever you wish but it will not happen successfully without hard work and dedication.

We love you so much. Your day was filled with so much love and support. Some tantrums and time-outs but we made it through the awesome milestone.

Love you always,

Your Momma

We plan to do as your daycare Director stated... "Mold, guide and encourage you..." always.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

::Life Lately:: Silence is Golden...

It's been quiet here lately. I have lots going on. Very little down time. New projects on the brain. My focus is to unfocus and some how it's brought me 360. My blog is very important to me.

But, sometimes.

Life takes over.

Life becomes difficult.

Some days I have to dig deep. Be reminded that love, support and blessings come from those nearest to my heart. My family. They are everything. They love us. They support us. They know how to be blessings.

I am human. I do allow life to overwhelm me. To take over me. To get me down. Then I seek. Deep in my heart, somewhere out in my soul and high towards the sky.

Suddenly. Love. Life. Smiles. Family. They overcome. They overwhelm my heart with goodness and I am once more reminded. I have nothing to fear. I should be inspired and motivated. I should rise above and DO everything I feel that I can do. Because it's possible. It's doable.

I am blessed.

Let me count the ways. 

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::Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinners:: #thankfulthursday

This time next week our little family will be eating a semi-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My parents are truly Mexican. Not just throwing that out there but it is a fact.  They want salsa and tortillas with their Turkey every year, no matter how non-traditional that may be. Growing up I never had a problem with it, I was used to it. It was later in my years of life that I felt like my parents were just being difficult.  Then I had children. Seems your perspective is clouded before you have kids.

I changed my views, feelings and thoughts on situations like this. I now embrace my parents’ ways. I embrace our roots and accept new traditions. That’s what Thanksgiving was about right? Not just adopting America as our new country but also accepting the coming together of cultures and embracing our life in the American’s and theses differences.

Which is why now, our thanksgiving table is never lacking in tortillas and salsa. Oh yea and our leftovers are always interesting. Either, taquitos dorados or enchiladas, this year I am thinking Turkey Enchilada soup!  I mean come on, is there any other way!?

These days we accept all new foods to our Thanksgiving dinner table, not just because it’s delicious but because I want my children to be open to new ways and foods.  What better time then Thanksgiving to create a melting pot of traditions. I am extremely thankful of my family and our difference, it makes us who we are and stronger as a unit! 

I know we all have very different non-traditional ways of celebrating during the Holiday season and I always love listening and learning from those around me. 

I learned about the awesomeness that happens at my friend Alba’s house of Independent Mami and trust me, I want to be there!!!  She is Salvadorean and her Momma makes an amazing, from what I hear, Pan con Chumpe! She has pictures on her Pinterest board and let me tell you. I almost ate my phone!! Ha.

What are your most favorite non-traditional dishes or family rituals for Thanksgiving? 

:: 5 Lessons I want my kids to learn from Traveling::

::Life is too Short::

Life is too short, we work so hard everyday, it is only fair to as they say....play hard as well! I want my children to enjoy their childhood, so many children don't get to experience this. It's a difficult world and there are some things that I want to make easy for my kids. Having fun and laughing together is so important. There is also the balance of not spoiling them or giving them everything they want. It will be a challenge I am sure. I want them to appreciate us as parents, the world as a whole and the fact that not everything comes easy. 

::Wisdom/Acceptance:: 

Learning cultures, languages and life in other places of the world is something that I am very happy to have learned about growing up. You will be surprised the ignorance in our world and how much people don't know about other cultures, ways of life or parts of the world. I want my children to rise above that and know that the world is filled with differences that should be learned about, acknowledged and at times simply accepted. I don't want my children to be blinded or sheltered from reality. The world is what it is.

::To Explore/Discover::

The best way for my children to gain real life experience and to grow as tiny individuals is by allowing them to explore and discover! What better way then for them to discover, than to travel and introduce them to new places, new life, new culture. Their little brains are developing and taking it all in, such an amazing time to teach and fill not only their minds but hearts, spirits and souls as well.

::Try new things::

My Hubby and I will always willing to try something at least once; new food, new activity, new adventures... we want our children to be the same; adventurous, easy going and to live life to the fullest. For me the only way to do this is to step outside of your comfort zone and do just one thing that you wouldn't do daily. Life becomes so routine it's easy to get stuck in doing the same thing day in and day out, instead I want us to do new things that will bring our family closer and help us learn more about one another and our surroundings. 

::Family Travel {& Time} is Important::

My Husband traveled as a children with his parents, mostly to Mexico but all he knows is it was the best memories he has of his family and his childhood. For me, I like to say that my parents were nomads, we traveled to live in almost every major city in Texas. Dallas, Houston and "the Valley" or South Texas. We also lived in Detroit, Michigan and traveled many years to and from Detroit to Texas. We also visited family in several areas of Mexico. Again, those are some of the best memories I have from my childhood. My parents and siblings together as a unit. And, it's what I want for my children.

What about you, how do you help your children learn more about the world around us?

{Garner State Park} Part Dos ::Wordless Wednesday::

{Garner State Park} ::Weekend Snapshots:: Part 1

This past weekend we had our first family camping trip with the kids! We made the long car trip to Garner State Park. After numerous potty breaks, food stops and of course our must, Bucee's stops we made it to the peaceful park in Concan,Texas.  {More pictures from our road-trip on my Instagram @mommaofdos} 

My Husband and I love camping and traveling but when the kids were younger we  I  always feared that traveling and the outdoors may not be very age appropriate. So, we waited, until now. I am so glad we did. To be able to build the anticipation of a trip like this and be able to hear my children voice their excitement and experiences as well as ask a million and one times, are we there yet?! Was definitely worth the wait! 

We did everything they wanted to do. We set up a tent, we ate s'mores, hiked and swam in the Rio Frio! It was so much fun and family friendly. One of my favorite moments was hiking up the big flat hill which my children claimed was a mountain filled with Dinosaur remains and treasure. Both of which they found.  

It was amazing. The determination was real and my kids loved it. It wasn't easy but we made it to the top and enjoyed our mini-vacation to the max. 

To be continued.....