VIVA FIESTA!

Downtown San Antonio.

700,000 People

America’s largest illuminated night parade.

We decided to take our chances and drive downtown for one of the largest festivities for Fiesta.

We arrived about an hour before the parade started and parked about a mile away and walked through the park to downtown. For most activities downtown you have to pay for parking BUT I was able to find a free legit parking spot! We were really happy about that. We spent that money on food! Everyone, well almost everyone, had these Gorditas and I just knew we had to get them. They were delicious (and expensive)
 

We found a nice little spot across the street from the Alamo in a doorway about 6" up so we could see a little better. It was perfect.

VIVA FIESTA!

Vegan Banana Pancakes

I have made these twice now and I don't think I will ever make regular pancakes again! 

These "vegan" pancakes are YUMMY! 

They plump up and are really moist and they have a ton of flavor! 

Kyle even likes these pancakes.

My favorite part, FAST and EASY!

I can't wait to make these for you.

I prefer to cut the recipe in half because I am only cooking for two. It's just the right amount.  I also made a simple strawberry syrup to go with it. Pretty good.

• 1/2 or 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 or 2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries 

In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Gradually add strawberries; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spring is Summer in Schertz

Kyle is official. He has a badge with his picture on it that is attached to his belt everyday so that he can scan it electronically to let him enter the government building and get to work.  He works 8-5 Mon -Fri and get an hour for lunch everyday. It's been an adjustment for him to realize that he doesn't have to hurry and eat since we only live a mile away from work. I keep reminding him that he doesn't get paid more for staying late or going in early and that is hard for him. He really has great work ethic and I know Schertz is glad they brought him on.  I'm proud of him too.

For me life in Schertz has been a constant struggle. I left everything for this cute guy and now I'm trying to reinvent myself. Luckily I have Kyle's love and support to get through this change. I've been researching different opportunities for myself while we are here in Texas for the next few years. So far I've been finding a lot of joy from the summer-like weather! Spring is Summer in Texas. We have been to Houston to visit Brandon and Amy and participated in the Warrior Dash. Muddy water, rope climbing and barbwire fences. We are WARRIORS!


Everyone is outside playing and it's the time for outdoor festivities.

Fiesta is San Antonio's biggest celebration. It is 11 days long and consists of live music, food, parades, activities and much more all over San Antonio and the surrounding cities. We decided to try our hand at the Taste of New Orleans. We had our friends the Rymer's come along and we had a great time. We ate alligator, which really does taste like chicken just a little more tough, and jambalaya. Of course you can imagine, 4 young kids from the west going to a New Orleans festival, we were excited to experience the Taste of New Orleans.

We spent the rest of the weekend playing Hand and Foot. I made these to snack on. I need to practice more to get them just right. Definitely yummy.

Also here is my new favorite treat to make. Raw Almond Joys. They are fast, easy and perfectly delicious. Try them. It's totally worth it. Keep them in the freezer, they taste great really cold.

Our New Life in San Antonio

Welcome to Texas....Schertz, TX!

We arrived to the small city of Schertz on Feb 26 around 3:30 and got ourselves situated into our new home. By the time Thursday came along, all of our boxes were unpacked and shoved into our tiny outdoor balcony closet, which also contains the awesome washer and dryer. (We've had a fair share of not so awesome washer and dryers so we know when we've got good ones) I did all of our laundry, cutesy up the apartment and even made some cookies for our nice neighbors who helped us move in and Kyle's new team members at the City of Schertz!

I have to admit that as we were driving from Utah to Texas, we both were a bit depressed by the scenery. Leaving the Majestic Rocky Mountain Range and heading towards the south, our drive became more and more desolate. But you know we really tried to make the best of it. We jammed out to our music and also, according to Kyle's  view "lets listen to more of Aunt Jemima", The Help.  We took our sweet time traveling and decided to try go see the Carlsbad Caverns but we were too late and they were closed. Oh well though, it was worth it when we had to take the "shortcut" road back to the highway.

Everyone has been so friendly and nice to us...and so has the weather!!! Apparently there was a huge snow storm back in Utah and you want to know something? (well, you'll probably have no sympathy for us) We don't miss the cold at all! Of course it's taken me multiple wardrobe changes to realize that even if it is rainy it is still really warm and you don't need a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt and pants. I decided to turn on the AC even!(I discovered the whole idea of opening up your windows at night to keep the house cool for the day kind of thing doesn't work as well here) That freaked out Kyle at first because "it's just not normal to have the AC on in February!" but he appreciates it now. This climate change is going to take some getting used to but I have a feeling it won't take very long.  It is quiet around here too except when the kids at our apartment complex are out playing after school everyday which is cute, and we have a train that is really close and comes by every 3-4 hours. We are not used to it's annoying horn yet but it sure does make for some funny moments for us. We laugh about how annoying the train is.

Our first weekend here Kyle took me out to a nice dinner on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio! He has been planning this "romantic date", he keeps calling it, since Valentines Day. What a sweetie! The Riverwalk is extraordinary during the night. It's a really life Jungle in the city.  I love it!

The view from our table at the Gristmill Resurant

We also visited the cutest little tourist town called Gruene, pronounced GREEN.  Kyle was excited to visit because it is the closest town that has a fly fishing shop. We walked around the town and then had dinner at the most quaint restaurant that overlooks the river. Our waitress spoiled us and made us feel very welcome.  Gruene reminds us of Park City but it's not as big or as great as Park City. We like to bring people here, so expect to go visit Gruene when you come visit.