Livingston Vacation 2015, Part One

We knew we wanted to take a vacation this year around the time of our One Year Anniversary, but it took us forever to decide where we wanted to go. We knew another all-inclusive resort was not in the budget this year, so then we thought about a cruise, but then got scared of capsizing and/or catching the bubonic plague, so we ultimately decided to rent a condo in South Padre Island for a week. Jacob thought it would be fun to roadtrip it down there (roughly 12 hours from us), so that's what we did!

On our trip down, we drove through Texas Hill Country (which is so beautiful, but I was unable to get any good photos of that) and a lot of cute little towns. When we drove through Mineral Wells, Texas, we were immediately stunned to see a massive building standing high above everything else. Since it was so out of the ordinary, I googled it and found out it was The Baker Hotel. This hotel has such a rich history and they are actually in the process of reviving it! If and when they get this hotel restored, I definitely want to go back for a visit!

We finally made it to San Antonio (our stopping point for the day) and got to explore the River Walk on our Anniversary. We toured the Alamo; got our mandatory mashed pennies and shot glasses (which never ever get used); took a boat ride; and ate Mexican food at the oldest restaurant on the River Walk. Despite our rude waiter, it was an absolute blast and we would have loved to spend more time there.

In retrospect, that is not the most flattering dress. Darn...

The Alamo, obviously!

On our boat ride

Unfortunately, we missed meeting Morgan, John, and Ted by hours. By the time we realized that we were both in San Antonio, I was already in pajamas and Morgan was living it up on the River Walk (what can I say, I know how to party). I was super bummed that we missed each other...maybe next time.

The next day we drove the remaining 4 hours to South Padre (part of which was through a torrential downpour/monsoon) and immediately went to Sea Turtle, Inc. since we had time to kill before we could check into our condo. If you have never heard of this place, stop what you're doing and go read about them right now (or maybe after you get to the end of this post). Sea Turtle, Inc. rehabilitates injured sea turtles with the goal or returning them to the ocean. They also have a conservation program to relocate, protect, and release hatchlings!

They are also home to Allison (the first sea turtle to use a successful prosthesis)

We even got to feed Gerry (just like Johnny Carson & David Letterman)

Of course, Jacob was the only one tall enough to throw the lettuce over the tank
...I just got to tempt him with it. I felt kind of bad...

We finally got to check into our condo and it was absolutely gorgeous--even better than the photos we saw online! We immediately changed clothes and went out to walk on the beach and play in the water.

View from our balcony 

View from our bedroom

Stay tuned for Part Two of our vacation!