Girls Trip!

Aubrey and I decided to go on a girls trip to San Antonio.  We hit SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the mall.  It was fun to just hang out together.  

San Antonio is about 5 hours from Odessa.  Aubrey was mostly stretched out in the back seat watching Shark Tank episodes she had downloaded.  I listened to a mystery off of Audible.  It's been years since I've listened to a mystery, and it was fun to find a good author and enjoy the twists and turns.

Aubrey has had her drivers permit for about six months but has never driven on the highway.  She did great!  She was a little stressed out and her hands were sweating like crazy, but she did it.  She learned to merge with traffic and how to be resigned when she was stuck for miles behind a slower 18 wheeler on a two lane road.  She drove over an hour both ways.

We left Tuesday morning and drove straight to SeaWorld.  We got there about 3 pm.  Our original plan was to go to Aquatica, Sea World's water park, the first day but there were gusting winds up to 24 mph.   We went to Sea World instead.  It was SO HOT, and sadly most of the roller coasters were shut down due to the wind.  We went to part of two shows (Sea Otters and Shamu) and did a few rides.  We stood in line forever for Rio Loco, the river rafting ride.  The wait took almost two hours and we were beat from the heat and the car ride. 

A great part was it was just the two of us.  We could stay or leave if and when we wanted to, and it was so uncomplicated. We decided we were ready to head to the hotel, and we both loved just relaxing in our room.  We ended up in a suite and just spread out in our own space.  After we were showered and caught up on rest, we headed to Papasito's for dinner.  Delish!

We had to flex on Grandpa and send him these pictures.  He loves Papasito's and always sends pictures to the Vore family group text when he eats there.  (He has also treated everyone to Papasito's on many occasions as well.)  

Aub and I split a plate and had so much food.  I am really glad we didn't order two meals.

Aub was definitely looking forward to the frozen lemonades.  She sent this picture to our family group text to tease Tanner just a bit.  He has fond memories of these as well.

The next morning instead of going straight to Aquatica, we decided to hit SeaWorld first and try to ride the roller coasters we missed the day before.  Best decision ever!  There were no lines and we just kept riding as much as we wanted.  

Last year when we went to Universal Studios, I didn't ride one roller coaster and was very pleased with my choice.  My neck hurts at times, and I get sick riding an airplane these days.  I honestly thought my roller coaster riding days were over for life. 

However, I knew since it was just Aub and I, I needed to step up my game.  I took motion sickness pills and Ibuprofen to start both days.  I also braced my neck with my hand on the rides.  I was fine!  We had so much fun laughing and screaming and being daring together.  She isn't a huge fan of scary things, and she was a beast! 

This is the river rafting ride line that we had waited in for 1-2 hours the day before.  It was totally clear on Wednesday morning.  We got soaked.

After riding all of the roller coasters we wanted, we headed next door to Aquatica.  It was super packed, but we gave it a go.  We waited in some very long lines and did a few big rides.  We also did the lazy river some and petted stingrays.  Our plan was to leave and eat at this McDonald's close by when we were hungry and then head back.  We decided we were both ready to call it a day.  (I think we were at both SeaWorld and Aquatica for four hours total on each day.)  Once again, because it was just the two of us instead of the whole family, we were able to make that choice without anyone being mad.  So nice!

Let me just say, McDonalds never tasted so good.  We were hot, tired, and hungry, and we both LOVED it.  We were surprised.  We haven’t eaten there in years because we aren’t big fans.  We ordered shakes and fries and at the last minute threw in two McChicken sandwiches.  It hit the spot!  Then we headed back to the hotel to shower and nap to gear up for our evening shopping trip.  

See Aub in her bed?  We kept this door open between our rooms.  And she actually slept with me at night because her foldout bed was uncomfortable.  But it was nice to have plenty of space for our own junk and afternoon naps.

We found a mall close by that had H&M.  We usually give the kids some money to spend on summer clothes but hadn't yet done that this year.  Aubrey was ready to shop!  Aubrey stayed there the whole time and found several shirts and shorts she bought.  While she was trying on, I got a 15 minute massage and an ice cream at Coldstone.  (Hope she doesn't read this because I never told her about the ice cream!  I think I am safe.)  

I then talked her into trying threading to remove unwanted eyebrow/upper lip hair.  I got a massage, and she got torture.  It does sting, but overall I think she was pleased with the outcome.

Here is Aubrey stocking up on carbs before the drive home.  She was a little overexcited about the muffins and after tasting one, the others ended up in the trash.  

I'm so glad Aubrey and I had some time to hang out together.  I love this cute 15 year old girl of mine.