In terms of the actual city though - we do absolutely love this place! There are some things I will miss about living here and when I look back on the months we spent here I want to remember them:
Gorgeous hills! Just driving to the store I am blessed with a beautiful view. There have been many times that this has saved my sanity! More than once, Sam and I have just taken a drive. We don't even have to go far - just driving around and taking in the scenery of the horizon has a great calming effect and is a beautiful example of God's handiwork.
Entertainment! We have thoroughly enjoyed much of the entertainment San Antonio has to offer! It is so easy to jump over to the River Walk/downtown/Market Square area and spend a couple of hours just walking around. We have enjoyed the outdoor feel of La Cantera and the indoor shopping of North Star Mall. We loved our visits to the zoo, rides on the train, hikes and picnics in various parks around the city, and the beautiful Christmas lights at the River and the University. The icing on the cake has definitely been our Sea World passes. We went too many times to count over the last year! (Definitely more than 2 dozen trips!) We love the animal shows, the rides, AND the water park. (Look for a post later with insider tips!)
Local Food! We definitely spent way too much money when we first moved here trying out all the wonderful family owned eateries! I now understand my Austin friends' obsessions with avoiding chain restaurants! We have hardly eaten at any large chains since we've been here and I am definitely going to miss that!
Outgoing Strangers! I have to admit...when we first moved here they really creeped me out! Although this is a big city - it really has a small town feel and that took some getting used to. Sam was still very young (about 8 weeks) when we moved and strangers were always smiling at us and telling me "Congratulations!" It took me about 2 weeks of this to even figure out what they were talking about! Sam got used to being the center of attention - even with strangers. He was quite confused on one of our trips to Houston when every stranger in Olive Garden did NOT stop to talk to him! LOL I surprised myself the first few times I randomly said hello to a stranger and well now... I am officially one of "those people"!
Day trips! We are SO close to SO many wonderful places: Fredericksburg, New Braunfels and Austin just to name a few! On my birthday last year we just popped over to Fredericksburg and spent the day shopping :) (Might have to do that one last time this year too!) I loved driving to Austin to host a 31 Party for my cousin Kara, and another day meeting for lunch with a great old friend who I hadn't seen in years! We visited New Braunfels many many times - for day trips of rafting, to meet up with family and have ice cream, and even just for dinner.
I have big plans now for when we move! This experience has inspired me to explore Houston and the surrounding areas more than I did before - and to take full advantage of the hidden treasures within!
Our family has enjoyed living in the city of San Antonio because of all that it has to offer. We will miss the city and amenities but Brian and I both agree that these great things we will miss still pale in comparison to the benefits of having friends and family to share our life with.
