Mission County Park - Updated and Renovated

I am a resident of the Southeast side of San Antonio and have been following the revitalization of the San Antonio river and the surrounding areas for the last few years. It has been years coming, but finally the larger part of Mission County Park is updated, renovated and connected to the walkways of the Mission Reach. 

Bexar County is throwing a party to unveil the new pavilions this Saturday, so the kids and I went for a visit after school the other day, to take a look at the progress.

Welcome to Mission County Park, a family friendly river park, with a new entertainment pavilion to add to it's newly renovated pavilions, a new playscape (not pictured), and new picnic and sitting areas, all along side the San Antonio river.

The space is massive and there is so much more to photograph! Improvements to the park also include an added bridge to connect grassy areas (pictured above with these two cheesers), new parking lots, an additional entry to the park and an awesome walking area that shows the history of the near missions.

We had a great time exploring the new area, especially remembering our last visit and comparing the old with the new! I hope you get a chance to attend the Party in the Park this Saturday, May 25 from 9:30 - 3pm and if not, at least you know that this beauty on the Southside will be here for years to come!

You can find more information on this mySA article and the Facebook event page for Party in the Park!

Enjoy!

Our Fav Features at Schlitterbahn SPI Beach Resort

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I think I could talk for days about the Schlitterbahn Beach Resort in South Padre, and I just might have to! We had a great time at the resort, beach and indoor and outdoor water parks. It was a first for our family to travel to South Padre Island, but the 5 hour drive from San Antonio was so worth it! Let me share with you some highlights so you'll know why!

Full disclosure: Thanks to US Family Guide and Schlitterbahn, I was invited to participate in a blogger retreat that included 2 nights and 2 meals and a little swag. However all opinions, pictures and fun had are my own.

Our Fav Features of Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Beach Resort:

1. The easy access to the beach. I've been to the beach before with young children and finding a bathroom in the middle of the beach is not fun. Forget something? And he walk back I your car seems like forever! But at the Schlitterbahn Resort, you are a few minutes away from your room. So pack an ice chest and the beach toys! Also, did I mention that you can order food and drinks, and Piña Coladas at the Seaside grill and take them with you? Convenience and the beach at its finest!

2. The indoor water park and carousel. Included in your hotel stay is access to the indoor water park and carousel. This 1950's carousel was refinished and is a great addition to the resort! Kids and adults ride for free, and it helps keep the kids entertained!

3. Heated pools. The indoor waterpark, and 3 outdoor pools are heated to comfortable and safe temperatures that are enjoyable for the adults and kids. No blue lips and shivering teeth while playing in the water here! Check out this heated pool with a swim up bar. And look closely...that's an upside down tree holding up the canopy.

4. Free parking. At the resort and at the outdoor water park. Every little bit counts!

5. A rooftop restaurant. That also has a small play area for children! Sea4Ever Rooftop Bar & Grill, is on the 5th floor of one of the hotel buildings and serves delicious tapas, drinks and has an amazing view!

6. Free transportation to the outdoor Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Currently a shuttle will take you too and from but opening later this summer will be a pedestrian tunnel that should be opened later this Summer.

7. Bilingual signage! I didn't get any pictures of it, but this is something that my dual language learning children pointed out first! They loved that thy could read and translate words from Spanish to English around the resort!

I hope you enjoyed some insight into the resort! I'd love to hear your feedback if you've been!

Want to see more? Here's some links to the other bloggers who attended the retreat: R We There Yet Mom, San Antonio Mom Blogs, Suitcases and Sippycups, Independent Mami, Maker Mama and Fun Living Frugal.

Lenguaje Dual Domingo: Dual Language Programs in San Antonio

We are finishing our 2nd year of the dual language Spanish immersion program. I say we, because although my kids are the ones in school, it is very much a collective effort from all of us. As your children's education should be, so I know every parent can relate!

As I've mentioned before, we are very happy with the program and have seen some pretty cool results! On the way to school the other morning, we had it tuned to a Spanish channel, and the weather and news were on, and then my son blurts out in English, "What? It's gonna rain today?". We just looked at each other and smiled. :)

I often get asked about the programs and wanted to put together a resource for those searching for Dual Language Programs in San Antonio.

Here is a list of Public School Districts with Dual Language programs in San Antonio with a direct link to their Dual Language/Bilingual programs:

• San Antonio Independent School District

• Northside Independent school District 

• Northeast Independent School District

• East Central Independent School District

• Southside Independent School District

• Harlandale Independent School District

• Alamo Heights Independent School District

• Judson Independent School District

Also listed are some Dual Language Private Schools, Independent Programs, Classes and Camps:

• Vineyard Christian School

• The Bilingual Child Academy

• Crossing Borders

• New World Spanish 

• International Language Center for San Antonio

• San Antonio Area Association for Bilingual Education - SAAABE 

Did I miss any? I hope this has been helpful and would love to answer any questions you may have about the programs.

Have a great Sunday!