Now that I live in Georgia, going home to San Antonio is as exciting to me as Bradford's exotic travels must be to him. Thought some sort of explanation was necessary for my mundane travel post to follow Bradford's! That being said...

I love being home! It was a quick trip compared to my month long vacation last summer. I was there just a week but spent lots of quality time with my precious nephew, Ben, and the rest of the family. I ate wonderful meals at Piatti's, Los Barrios, Bistro Bakery, La Fonda on Main, Il Sogno, The Palm, Central Market, Jim's, Thai House, The Monterrey, Neiman Marcus, and Claire's and Mom's house.

Before Chris arrived, I stayed with my friend and running buddy, Carol, in the house I used to rent from her where she now lives. Started each day with a run in Alamo Heights or on the Riverwalk. Went for a Mission Trail bike ride with friends and Jim and Ben Judson one sunny morning. The weather was spectacular all week long and we took advantage.

Since the reason for the trip was Chris's Air Force One conference, we spent lots of time on the Riverwalk with the other advance agents, talking and drinking--A LOT. That's me with Colonel Turner, the President's pilot...a celebrity in that crowd.

The highlight of the trip, however, was bonding with Baby Ben. A 3 year old now, much different than the 2 1/2 year old I left last August. He's a talker, a music maker, a joke teller, a playground runner, an animal lover, a sweet singer and 100% boy. I miss him terribly and every minute with him is priceless. If other family members want to chime in on their positive experiences with nieces/nephews traveling across the country or ocean to visit aunts/uncles, please feel free.

We all gathered at Sara and Justin's one night for a casual family gathering. Such fun to be together and share big things happening in our lives. Conrad has the lead in his school's production of Aladdin in March. Lauren is taking the SAT. Justin was recently in D.C. on the same stage as Michelle Obama, both presenting to a national audience. Many of us have new jobs and projects we're excited about.

So thank you San Antonio and my wonderful family for all the good times. I can't wait to be with you again!