Friday Daydreamin': SPLASH

Happy Friday and welcome to Friday Daydreamin'!  It's my favorite day of the week, asI can sit back in the comfort of my own home and daydream about all these wonderful locations y'all take us to. So please link up today!

What does your summer have in store for you?  Road Trips? Theme Parks? Historical Sites?  Beach???

That is where we are going in 4 short weeks!! Woo-Hoo!! We had such a relaxing time in Santa Rosa Beach last summer, that we all wanted to go back again.

Link up a picture of your favorite summer travels!

A BIG THANK YOU for all the amazing link ups we get each week!  I love visiting all of your blogs, please continue to do so all summer long.  Additionally, I am looking for guest posts to feature all sorts of fun places to visit across the US - please send me a quick email if you are interested! 

Hungry for more travel photo adventures? Please visit Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby's Photo Friday.

Cake-A-Doodle ~ Austin, TX

 I had a ton of questions regarding this adorable cake we had made for my youngest son's birthday party, so I thought I'd do what I do best...blog about it!!   After all, I love sharing a great find with all my friends!!  Cake-A-Doodle is an awesome find!!

I wanted something different for my sweet boy's 3rd birthday - not a typical store-bought cake (not that there is anything wrong with a store-bought cake, but sometimes you just want to do something creative!).  I did a little research online and came across Cake-A-Doodle's fun website.

Cake-A-Doodle had some amazing cakes - especially a fun swimming pool cake - and I knew they could make me something FUN!  I'm not too picky but I also don't give a lot of detail about what I want, so that can either be a blessing for the cake artist....or not.  Luckily, all I had to do was say "Very Hungry Caterpillar" and I had five pictures emailed to me the very next day.

Jhoana, our amazing cake artist, was so easy to work with and came up with an absolutely precious design:

 The details are what amazed me - from the holes in the fruits to the caterpillar's body, you can tell that a great deal of time was spent on making it a perfect cake.  Everyone oohed & ahhhed over it.

So then the real question is "how did it taste?"  Ah-mazing!  Since it was a toddler party, we asked for a white cake with a white-buttercream frosting.  There was a hint of citrus flavoring that made it unique and delicious.  Fresh as can be.

I can't recommend an easier cake artist to work with, who does amazing designs.  Please check her out. I just love supporting a momma's dream, especially one they are so good at! Thanks Jhoana & Cake-A-Doodle!

Cake-A-Doodle

http://www.thecakeadoodle.com

(512) 516-5247

info@thecakeadoodle.com

https://www.facebook.com/cakeadoodleaustin

Cake-A-Doodle graciously supplied the gorgeous cake, however all opinions are definitely my own.

Austin Moonwalks ~ Austin, TX

Nothing says "PARTY!!" like a good, old-fashioned bounce house!!  My kids love a fun bounce house so we always rent one for our parties.

What we have found here in Austin, is that there are many companies to choose when renting a bounce house.  Personally, we have rented from quite a few places and have had mixed experiences, from over-pricing to late drop-offs.  Honestly, who wants to be stressed about where the bounce house is 20 minutes before the party starts?

My past experience, with Austin Moonwalks, was top notch and I wanted to tell y'all about it....cause ya know you want a bounce house for your next par-tay!!!

First off, Austin Moonwalks has a top-knotch website with excellent descriptions and pictures.  Secondly, there is a great variety to choose from.  For our last party, my 3-year old's birthday, we wanted something that had activities that were geared toward the younger set.  My guy has been intimidated by the BIG bounce houses, so the one we picked for his party was perfect - open top with a slide!! He LOVED it!!

There are tons of big moonwalks, slides, and interactive houses as well - bungee runs, velcro walls, and pedestal jousting - so fun!!!  Additionally, you can rent dunk tanks, popcorn machines, or a cotton candy machine.  We grabbed a cotton candy machine for a fun addition and it was the hit of the party.  We had a blast laughing over how to make the perfect stick of cotton candy.  I'm sure all the parents loved me after I gave their kiddos a stick (or two...) of pure delicious spun sugar.

I loved how easy it was to reserve our bounce house with their online reservations - received a quick confirmation and a follow-up email with several reminders & set-up instructions.  I also received a call before they delivered it to my home.  It was reassuring to know all those details were handled - one less thing I had to worry about.

Our delivery & pick-up was great - perfectly on time and set up in no time.  The toddler bounce house was in perfect condition and everyone was on it the majority of the party - including my son!

Austin Moonwalks is known for their quality service and is a leader in safety for inflatable rentals - which is important when you have a bunch of kiddos under your supervision for a party.

Personally, it could not have been a better experience.  As a momma, I wanted a great product, good prices, and awesome customer service - I got all three and it allowed me to focus on the most important aspect of the party - the food.....kidding.......

The best part was definitely seeing this birthday boy enjoy his party!!

Austin Moonwalks provided our family with a toddler bounce house and cotton candy machine for the duration of the party.  All opinions are definitely my own.

Walburg Restaurant & Biergarten ~ Walburg, TX

I know what your thinking - what is she doing posting about a BIERGARTEN on a Family Blog???

Hold your horses friends - this ain't no smoky joint!!  We discovered a unique little gem a few weekends ago that several of my friends told me NOT to tell y'all about......

It's that AWESOME of a place to take your family no one wants the "word" to get out......

A few miles up I-35 (north of Georgetown) sits the sleepy little town of Walburg.  It doesn't sleep all the time,mind you.  It comes to life every Friday & Saturday night at this joint -> The Walburg Restaurant & Biergarten.

The restaurant is nestled in the Walburg Mercantile building built in 1882.  The Walburg Restaurant is the place to go for a true German meal.  You can enjoy a wonderful buffet filled with German delicacies or order front he menu.  Although it can seat up to 250 people, they do recommend reservations, especially on weekends.

Back behind the restaurant, in the shady grove of oak trees lies the very family-friendly Biergarten.  Lay claim on one of many picnic tables out under the trees or under the tent and plan on making it a night.

A full kitchen is available for you to order from featuring both German & American food.  We enjoyed  yummy bratwurst plates while the kids were able to have cheese pizza! Perfect!

The Biergarten also features that...good, cold beer, both domestic and imported varieties are available.

Some one very brilliant put an arcade in for the kiddos - my kids were int there most of the night.  And if there weren't in there, they were exploring in a field where they found a teeny, tiny frog...they were in heaven!!

As it starts to get a little darker  and the crowd gets a little bigger, the bands start to play under the tent.  Bands?? Yep- two of them!

The evening we were there, the Brushy Creek Brass Band started with some fun Swing songs. They were fantastic.

Once they had completed their set, The Walburg Boys began on the other side of the tent - they played everything form some fun German songs to the infamous Chicken Dance to a few waltzes.  The hubby & I got up and danced a bit, embarrassing the fool out of our kiddos.

But I will say, we were not nearly as good of dancers (or as adorable) as this fun couple!

The Walburg Biergarten was like stepping into a big fun party!  The shaded grove made a nice, cool environment for everyone.  It was one of the best nights we have had in a long time. Maybe that's why all my friends wanted to keep it a secret...so it stays that way!

Texas Travel Facts for Walburg Restaurant & Biergarten:

Location: 3777 FM 972 Walburg, Texas (Great directions here)

Hours: Restaurant has varying hours (click here)

            Biergarten open Friday & Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Admission: free

Recommended Time: all night! :)

Good to know: Parking to the left of the restaurant or in the back of the biergarten; Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays; no pets; reservations for the restaurant are recommended; credit cards accepted; check their website for special events

Website:http://www.walburgrestaurant.com/

Friday Daydreamin: School's Out!!!

Happy Friday and welcome to Friday Daydreamin'!  We love to take a "trip around the world" from the comfort of our own home each Friday by visiting all those amazing blogs out there that link up travel & vacation photos!  We LOVE seeing the far ends of the east AND places in your neck of the woods! So please link up today!

Today is a very special day in our house.......the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!  Summer is here and we couldn't be more excited - we have over 100 things on our Summer Bucket List already!!

So, not a travel picture, but a fun picture I took last summer as the kids got of the bus on the last day of school.  I think this afternoon, they may all get pelted with a water balloon fight!!  Nothing like welcoming the summer in style!!

A BIG THANK YOU for all the amazing link ups we get each week!  I love visiting all of your blogs, please continue to do so all summer long.  Additionally, I am looking for guest posts to feature all sorts of fun places to visit across the US - please send me a quick email if you are interested! 

Hungry for more travel photo adventures? Please visit Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby's Photo Friday.

Fun Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend in Austin!

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and though it is getting HOT here in the Austin area, it is not nearly as hot as it's gonna get......  So, what are some fun things we can do this Memorial Day to get outdoors and enjoy it BEFORE it becomes miserable?

Get outdoors with a nice hike to the top of Mt. Bonnell - take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the view. Or take advantage of so many things to do down at Zilker Park - Dig in the Dino Pit, Ride the Zilker Zephyr, paddle the lake, or take a dip in Barton Springs.

Take in some typical Austin culture with a visit to the Cathedral of Junk.  Find that famed Greetings from Austin mural and have lunch at one of the many trailer yards on South 1st Street.  Might as well stop in the extraordinary Big Top Candy Shop - a modern day Wonka Store!

And if the heat is starting to get to be too much for you, go deep underground with a Caverns tour.  There are 3 incredible ones all in the Austin area -  Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfles, Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, and Longhorn Caverns out in Burnet.  All vastly different and incredibly breathtaking!

Spend a day out in the Texas Hill Country - stop by the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredricksburg. It is an incredibly modern museum that takes you aboard a submarine at Pearl Harbor and offers Pacific War Combat Zone Re-Enactments on Saturday and Sunday. Or take a tour of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Park & the Texas White House.  While you are there, make sure to see the Sauer-Bachman Living History Farm.

Alrighty friends - lots of great ideas to get a head start on you bucket list for the summer!  Enjoy!

Dino Pit (Austin Nature & Science Center) ~ Austin, Texas

Deep in the heart of Zilker Park lies a fun little area where your kiddos can be paleontologists for the day.  And you can sit back and get the accolades for taking them to such a cool place.....what? Your kids don't thank you for finding these cool spots either???

Regardless of the "thanking", you must take your kids to the Dino Pit at the Austin Nature & Science Center.

Texas fossils are buried deep within the pit, just waiting to be unearthed.

You may bring some "official" tools, or just use the various plastic shovels, rakes, and brushes to discover the fun hidden under the sand.

It is a bit sunny, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water to fortify your hard-working paleontologists.

Your kids are going to have a blast - jump in there with them or sit back  on the sidelines and take a breather - you deserve it!

We visited over Spring Break where a few day camps were visiting, but I image if you come right in the morning, while it is cooler, you may not see much of a crowd.

The Dino Pit, as well as the rest of the Austin Nature & Science Center, is completely free and a great place to combine with a picnic at the Zilker Park and a dip in the Barton Springs Pool.  Click here to read our review of the Austin Nature & Science Center.

Other Fun Things to Do in Austin:

Austin Bats 

Austin Children's Museum

Austin Mural Scavenger Hunt

Austin Nature & Science Center

Austin's Park

Austin Zoo

Big Top Candy Shop

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Cathedral of Junk

Cedar Rock Railroad

The Dinosaur Park

iFly

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Mt. Bonnell

Pioneer Farms

Texas Military Forces Museum

Texas State Capitol

Waterloo Ice House

Texas Travel Facts for Dino Pit at the Austin Nature & Science Center:

Location: 301 Nature Center Drive Austin, Texas

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm  Sunday:12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Admission: free

Recommended Time: 30 mins - 1 hour (Dino Pit only)

Good to know: Bring a picnic lunch to lunch under a big oak tree; bring flip flops or crocs to walk in the water and play in the dino pit; sunscreen for the dino pit, there is no shade; bring lots of water

Website:http://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-science-center

Austin Nature & Science Center ~ Austin, Texas

One of the coolest places at Zilker Park is tucked away in the westernmost corner ~ The Austin Nature & Science Center.  Completely free to the public, we were amazed at how much there was to do at this place!

Around since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided countless nature programs and educational resources for children and families in the Austin area.  Both of my children had visited on a school field trip, but this momma still wanted to check it out.

As you enter, don't walk too fast!  The path that leads you in "tells" you to experience the differing trees & plants.

It was cool to touch the smooth bark of one tree and compare it to the rough one of another.

As you enter the center, various animals and "skeletons" greet you.

But one of our favorite parts of the center had to have been the Discovery Labs - here you can see fossils, bones, and animals up close.

Filled with various objects from the wild, you can see anything from a set of antlers, to the tiny skeleton of a bat.  My kids kept find more & more "cool" things to show me.....a comparison of Texas bugs?  A full snakeskin? um, no thanks but I'm sure glad you like it!

Another area of the center had things tailored more to the younger set - with different animal fur to touch, Hill Country "caves" to crawl through, and a fun reading area.

The Austin Nature & Science Center is also home to many birds, fish, and animals that have been orphaned or can not survive out in the wild. Here they are cared for and everyone can learn all about these animals.....some that you may find out in your own neighborhood!

It's a short walk from the Wildlife Center to one of the spots that the Austin Nature & Science Center is known for - the Dino Pit.  Click here to read about all the fun that can be had there!

The Austin Nature & Science Center also has an amazing list of Summer Camps for kids aged 3-16 - details here - signup began in March, but there may be some availability.  There are also fun programs for the entire family to attend together and a wonderful Preschool program.  What an incredible resource!

It is a great place that is worth a visit every season.  Partner it with a picnic at Zilker Park and a ride on the Zilker Zephyr and you have a full day!

Other Fun Things to Do in Austin:

Austin Bats 

Austin Children's Museum

Austin Mural Scavenger Hunt

Austin's Park

Austin Zoo

Big Top Candy Shop

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Cathedral of Junk

Cedar Rock Railroad

The Dinosaur Park

Dino Pit

iFly

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Mt. Bonnell

Pioneer Farms

Texas Military Forces Museum

Texas State Capitol

Waterloo Ice House

Texas Travel Facts for Austin Nature & Science Center:

Location: 301 Nature Center Drive Austin, Texas

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm  Sunday:12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Admission: free

Recommended Time: 2-3 hours

Good to know: Bring a picnic lunch to lunch under a big oak tree; bring flip flops or crocs to walk in the water and play in the dino pit; sunscreen for the dino pit, there is no shade; bring lots of water

Website:http://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-science-center

Friday Daydreamin': Theme Parks

Happy Friday!!!  Who's ready for summer fun???  This family had ONE week of school left and then we are out for the summer!!

We are definitely spending some time down at SeaWorld San Antonio this summer - have you read my posts this week all about the Animals, the Entertainment, the Fun for Small Ones, and the Insider Tips??

Since we spent a week talking about a theme park, it is only fitting to finish it up with a fun picture from a theme park on Friday Daydreamin'!!  This one comes from SeaWorld San Antonio (of course...) and it's me, riding the Great White - I LOVE a good thrill ride!!!

What about you?  Have a great picture from a theme park you'd like to share today on Friday Daydreamin'?  Or any vacation pictures to share? Link up with us!!  And spend some time visiting others that have linked up as well!

Hungry for more travel photo adventures? Please visit Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby's Photo Friday.

SeaWorld San Antonio: Know Before You Go!

SeaWorld San Antonio unveils an new and spectacular water park this weekend, Aquatica!! Inspired by the islands of the South Seas, Aquatica offers animal encounters combined with water-rides - the kind of water park only SeaWorld could make - We can't wait to go!

In honor of the grand opening on Friday, May 19, our posts this week will be all about the fun that you & your family can have at SeaWorld San Antonio!

Before heading down to San Antonio for a big day at SeaWorld, we wanted to share a few tips that we have picked up:

1. Buy your tickets online - saves time waiting when you first arrive at the park! You can also purchase your parking online too! If you will go more than once in a full year, you should really consider a Fun Card or an Annual Pass - sometimes it is just as much as a single day ticket!

2. Plan your day in advance by checking out the show schedule (remember to give yourself 45-30 minutes before the show starts to get good seats).  Also, there is a great iPhone app to the parks that will put the schedule, map, and wait times on all the rides right in the palm of your hand!

3. Food - You are welcome to bring in a small (6 pack size) soft sided cooler with individual waters or juice boxes and a reasonable amount of individual snacks.  Try to time your meals with the shows or at abnormal times, otherwise you will be waiting in line for a long time for food.  Additionally, the new All-Day Dining Meal makes sense if you plan on being there all day.

4. Bring your own stroller or rent one - nothing worse than dragging a tired little one (or carrying) around all day.  

5. This is Texas - plan for it to be hot!  Wear lots of sunscreen and hats, find places to cool off, and have lots of patience.  While it may seem crowded and the lines seem long, everyone is there to have a good time!

A few friends from FaceBook offer this advice:

Fredderica: Go to the Sesame Street breakfast. Good food, full tummies and you get to take pictures with all the characters. They will be dancing around the eating area and saying hi to all the kids.

Allison: Check ticket prices before you go. When we went to SeaWorld in San Diego three years ago, we bought tickets online and got season passes for less than a regular day pass. Also, look for discounts in unexpected places. My insurance company (Farm Bureau) has SeaWorld discounts for its customers.

Dolly: Feed the dolphins early. My kids love this and the earlier you go the less crowded it is. Buy lots of fish as they sell out.

Ange: Be sure to purchase your season pass online before your trip so that you benefit from the free parking on your first trip.

A few of my Travel Friends (and Experts) offer this advice: 

Linda with Travels with Children offers this regarding the "Splash Zone": If you sit in the splash zone at the Shamu show, the signs warn that you MIGHT get wet. People need to know that if you sit in those rows, you WILL become completely soaked, and your very surprised three-year-old will forever hate Shamu for splashing her on purpose.

Julie from Roadtrips For Families has an excellent post on SeaWorld San Antonio tips.  I loved this one: Break up your day (and beat the heat) with visits to the indoor exhibits. Sharks and The Coral Reef was one of our favorite spots. Air conditioned and without a line or wait time, check the back of the park map for feeding times. Other indoor spots are Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, and Nautilus Theater.

Windwalker Duo of 1Dad1Kid mentioned this regarding all SeaWorld Parks: Not everyone realizes there is a water park there, so I would advise people to bring swimwear and a change of clothes since many of the show activities will result in you getting wet enough that you may not want to wait until you dry off.

I can't help but feel giddy knowing the opening of Aquatica is less than one day away!! It is going to be an amazing water park!

Lastly, here are some great posts regarding SeaWorld that you might find helpful as well:

Mom's Guide to Travel's post on theme parks tips of traveling with Special Needs

The Vacation Gal's trip to SeaWorld San Diego

Wandering Off's Stingray Up Close Tour

Suitcases & Sippycups's Preview of Aquatica

SeaWorld San Antonio is a treasure to have so close by.  Make sure to take advance of it begin so close to us!!

This week, I also discussed the amazing animals to be seen at SeaWorld San Antonio,  all the other entertainment SeaWorld provides, and gave you a good idea of all the fun SeaWorld offers for small kiddos. 

Save money on SeaWorld San Antonio tickets by purchasing online!

Texas Travel Facts for SeaWorld San Antonio:

Location: 10500 SeaWorld Drive

Hours: Vary based on month - click here

Admission: Varies - search for deals or buy your tickets online to save money and time waiting at the park

Recommended Time: All Day

Good to know: Check the website for park hours & show times the day you want to go; can bring your own strollers with few drinks & individually wrapped snacks for little ones; can rent strollers; buy parking pass online to save a few dollars

Website: http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/

My family and I were invited to visit the park and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of SeaWorld San Antonio are strictly my own based on my experience.  

SeaWorld San Antonio ~ For Kids!

SeaWorld San Antonio unveils an new and spectacular water park this weekend, Aquatica!! Inspired by the islands of the South Seas, Aquatica offers animal encounters combined with water-rides - the kind of water park only SeaWorld could make - We can't wait to go!

In honor of the grand opening on Friday, May 19, our posts this week will be all about the fun that you & your family can have at SeaWorld San Antonio!

I put off going to SeaWorld for a long time because of my kids' ages.  I assumed the rides would all be "too big" for them and there would be nothing for my toddler to do.  I could kick myself for that!!  SeaWorld has something for every age.  Over the past 2 days, I have shown you what amazing animals and entertainment SeaWorld SanAntonio has to offer, now let me tell you about all the fun for the kiddos - especially the younger ones.

When we visited in March, we were with two 10-year-olds, two 8-year-olds and one 2-year-old.  I was worried - honestly, I thought it was going to be a nightmare day with my toddler not having anything to ride on or do while the big kids had a blast.  I could not have been more wrong.

Every single show captured his attention - especially the animals leaping out of the water.  I delighted in seeing him ohh & ahh at their display.

The crowds were BIG, so you had to get to the shows pretty early to catch a good seat.  Luckily, there is GREAT pre-show entertainment that kept us laughing! Each show has their own unique way of keeping the audience occupied before the show begins and it is so very helpful with the kiddos!

Many times, we would get to the shows 45-30 mins ahead of time to catch a bench to rest on and one of the adults would take the kids over to the Sesame Street Bay of Play to let them play for a little bit.

The Sesame Street Bay of Play is 3 whole acres of fun for kiddos!  There are nets to climb, bridges & tunnels to cross, a huge water area to cool off at, and a special toddler playground for 3 and under.  You will also find many rides that are thrilling for the younger set -including a roller coaster! Whee!!

This area is pretty big, so be prepared to play along with your kiddos to keep an eye on them.

My guy also enjoyed the many character sightings and shows that were available throughout the day here at the Sesame Street Bay of Play.  Lastly, there is a fun 4-D movie for the kids to enjoy all their favorite characters.

The animals really entranced my 2 year old. He loved the Sharks & Coral Reef as well as the Dolphin Cove - I never thought he would love to watch the animals as much as he did.

And of course, he got his fill of fun treats that day.  Isn't that the way it is supposed to be at a theme park, no matter what the age?

My recommendation?  Any age will enjoy SeaWorld San Antonio - don't wait to find the right age to take your kids - they are at it now!

Join us all this week as I breakdown all the other entertainment SeaWorld provides, give you a good idea of all the fun SeaWorld offers for small kiddos, and a breakdown of some cool things to know before you head to the park this summer.

Save money on SeaWorld San Antonio tickets by purchasing online!

Texas Travel Facts for SeaWorld San Antonio:

Location: 10500 SeaWorld Drive

Hours: Vary based on month - click here

Admission: Varies - search for deals or buy your tickets online to save money and time waiting at the park

Recommended Time: All Day

Good to know: Check the website for park hours & show times the day you want to go; can bring your own strollers with few drinks & individually wrapped snacks for little ones; can rent strollers; buy parking pass online to save a few dollars

Website: http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/

My family and I were invited to visit the park and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of SeaWorld San Antonio are strictly my own based on my experience.