Sick yet Sensational in San Antonio

...so, coughing all the way to the airport, we made it! Found the new Indy Terminal and after some computer confusion found our tickets and our gate. Hurry, hurry, just to wait... wait... A maintenance issue: a lamp was broken. Conclusion: take it off, not needed during daylight, and patch it all up with "speed tape." Interesting.

With all the delays, our hour layover turned into 5 minutes in Dallas. Five minutes to run up the hall take a four story escalator to a tram to the next terminal. As we approached the next gate (which was desolate), the lone person there asked, "Kring?" She told us to walk in and put on our belts as the plane was about to take off. Whew! I knew that if we weren't able to make that flight, we may not make it to San Antonio. I had tried to move my flight to watch Thomas longer, but was told every flight Thursday through Saturday was COMPLETELY booked - not one seat available. Again, whew.

We checked in to the hotel on the Riverwalk - beautiful room with a balcony (that was too cold to use! 80 degrees just a few days before - now in the 40s!). We looked lost on the corner as we tried to figure out where to find some food and a nice gentleman helped us by pointing us to Shiloh's, a German deli. After Reubens, homemade root beer, and apple strudel, we found our way to an urgent care center. They pulled us back to the same room and we were examined by a very friendly PA who had served as a PA in the military. He had also treated Shaquille O'Neal as a child.

He asked about the flight. I explained that my ears don't normally bother me, but did on this flight. AND, I actually felt the G-forces - another first. He decided we BOTH needed our ears cleaned out, prescribed us antibiotics, Tylenol #3, and gave us steroid shots. Doped up, we found our way back to the hotel to fix Judson's tux problems and have a late dinner - but delicious dinner!

We'd read the itinerary wrong for Friday and were the first to arrive at the bridal luncheon at the Hotel Contessa. Thus, we were able to sneak in a quick call to the kids who didn't have much to say to us - the were having too much fun. (Made me feel a lot better about leaving them. If they hadn't been sick, I may be put out by being ignored!)

The second couple to arrive was Doug & Robin Larson. We'd met them briefly the evening prior. Robin had taught Nora in middle school and had been a major player in her life ever since. (Kind of my Mrs. Penn!) We had a great time getting to know the Larsons. The brunch was sensational and quite sentimental. Everyone had an opportunity to get up and say something about the couple. I felt like I got to know Nora better, and it was a great way to get to know the people with whom we'd be spending the weekend.

After the marathon luncheon, we met Brad, Madeline, and Julia for a trip to the Alamo. It was in walking distance from the hotel, so we got to see a little of the beautiful city as well.

We went to the Chapel of the Incarnate Word for the rehearsal. It was a beautiful chapel on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word. When we returned to the hotel I was exhausted, as was Judson, but we both needed to eat. Judson headed to dinner with the guys while Gayla and I walked the Riverwalk to eat at Acenar - a fabulous Mexican restaurant. Some tourists spoke to Gayla like she was a local - I believed it!

Saturday, of course, was just as full, but just as fun! The wedding was gorgeous!! There were so many traditions I had never seen - and they were all full of so much meaning. Coin exchange: prosperity, Bible dedication, and the Lasso: a rosary encircling them both symbolizing unity.

Finally, off to the air force base for the reception! We were seated with the lovely Larsons, wonderful Wilsons, and our new friends - the cantor and her family. A great table all-in-all, with the benefits of being central to all the activities!

The mariachi band was incredible! Jason surprised us all and even played with them! There was lots of dancing and laughing. Toward the end of the evening, Jason even soloed a few songs with his guitar, serenading his bride.

We were exhausted the whole way home. Happy to have gone, but more happy to be heading back to our babies. We beat them home. Judson insisted at one point that he had seen the car in the driveway. I even went outside but didn't see it. When the car arrived, however, Grandma informed us that Thomas woke up as she pulled in the drive (and hadn't noticed we were home) and said, "I don't want to go here. I'm hungry!" So, they went out for a bite to eat. Upon their second arrival, Veronica was all hugs and kisses. Thomas, on the other hand, did not want to go home - he wanted to go to a park! We could tell he still didn't feel well and knew there would be some transition. So... we headed for the park. Both moods were quite happy there and we got to play and laugh and hug some more - all the way to the end of the day.

Back in Daddy's arms.

Enjoying a bedtime story.