We reached a frazzled point of vacation desperation near the end of last March after a month where, collectively, we billed about 350 hours. We were exhausted. We needed to sail away. Get away. Somewhere. Anywhere.
Because we're in Oklahoma, the easiest vacation is to go big--Dallas! (Actually, we had been planning on taking RJ to Medieval Times for a while, and in our vacation desperation, men in tights seemed like a splendid idea).
We found a an Expedia deal on the Omni Mandalay Bay in Las Colinas. It had all the amenities:
What is this curious contraption my lady? A corded phone you say? Most interesting!
Fine literature.
Attractive photo venues.
In reality, the hotel was lovely. They greeted us with gift packs for RJ and GiGi, and the concierge station boasted an enormous bowl of fresh apples. The main lobby entertained the wee ones with a swan fountain, and sunken nests of couches made for cozy seating around a central grand piano.
The pool was smallish and coldish, and we avoided it. We did, however, attempt the playground:
"Look mom, unpadded iron bars!" (It wasn't the safest playground equipment for smaller kids).
And, the playground fronted on what the hotel generously referred to as a "lake." (Bigger than a cement pond but nearly as charming--and complete with very Texan gondoliers. It was odd if not entertaining).
It's a balance beam! (This is about how far we could let her get from us on the playground. Not quite the relaxing evening on the lounge chairs that we were craving, but vacation-y nonetheless.).
Our location in Las Colinas was critical to our vacation success; avoiding the car was key. We walked to dinner at a charming Italian restaurant (where we did not and could not enjoy a bottle of red or a bottle of white). The food was kid friendly and tasty for the adults too:
She practiced for Medieval Times--they don't allow forks.
She wore her princess dress too. (Two months later, I'm suddenly wondering where in the world her left sandal is; I haven't seen it in months!).
Real princesses wear really big bows.
We enjoyed breakfast at the Omni too, though if you're planning to visit with kids, don't do like we did and order off the menu. Get the buffet! It's toddler torture to watch loaded plates pass by the table again and again while you wait on your smiley pancakes.
Final word on the hotel? It's lovely, but not a toddler oasis. But, on the plus side, it's not a toddler oasis. So, you might get the occasional sidewise snarky glance, but you don't have to deal with other crankier, louder, naughtier children than your own.
We had planned on spending the morning at the pool on Sunday morning, but it was chilly. So, we made a game time decision and headed to the Dallas zoo.
We're frequent visitors to the OKC Zoo, so we know the drill. And, we judge largely based on the amount of shade, the number of benches, and the ability to feed two small children in less than 10 minutes wait time. There's plenty of shade.
The zoo has a decent children's zoo; RJ fed the not-so-hungry koi, and he met an owl up close. He chickened out on the pony ride; he won't be knighted this year I'm afraid.
I have a rule on vacation: if anyone asks to ride a carousel, the answer is yes!
GiGi wasn't sure about it, but a lady does know how to ride (side saddle of course).
I made him do this--bet you can't tell.
While the zoo was shady and splendid, the fare left something to be desired. Specifically, the usual toddler chow (chicken strips) took over 25 minutes of line and wait time. GiGi survived. And, those thighs just make me smile.
Finally, it was time for the main event.
We planned ahead (I'm a little type A), so after a short wait we were welcomed immediately as guests of the yellow and red table. We donned our crowns and joined the fray:
The castle is as impressive as concrete tilt-up gets. RJ was totally impressed; and the grown ups were totally entertained.
GiGi didn't feel very princess-y in her crown. But, she loved the show. And by loved the show, I mean that she stood in my lap stomping and clapping the entire time. She was particularly fond of the green knight.
RJ, on the other hand, felt very princely in his crown.
The final finesse to his prince-wear? A ten dollar wooden sword (they also sell various plastic glowing paraphernalia. We deemed the wooden sword the most likely to last--and RJ's bestie has one. In a moment of un-parental thought, we decided RJ should have one so the boys could sword fight.).
The entertainment was top notch. No really, it was entertaining, and isn't that the key? The knights pandered to the ladies, tossing carnations to their chosen ones. And, according to the program notes, interested ladies can chat up the knights online (Is that weird? I think it's weird. But, there were some folks in the crowd who were there for a show. And, there were some folks who were there to find a knight in shining armor.). Generally speaking, however, the show was kid friendly. Near the end, RJ grabbed my arm and said, "Mom, I'm tired. I'm ready to go now." That's RJ Code for "I'm scared and worried." RJ worried that the knights had actually stabbed each other, but after they returned for a final bow his knitted brow smoothed and he decided he could release my arm.
RJ's final thoughts on the show? "Mom, our knight was really strong. He must have eaten all of his chicken!"
(The food was surprisingly edible, by the way).
Monday morning, we elected to avoid the breakfast debacle and headed toward Grapevine where we enjoyed cheap scrambled eggs and mall rides:
She was much happier and ready to go after her eggs.
Who needs Disney World?
On vacation, if there's a carousel, we will ride it.
Apparently, we need Disney World--or at least the friendly ride attendants. Because without them to mediate and marshal the line, GiGi is a beast. She kicked her brother out of the pink ice cream truck--with her pink sandals; it was serious business.
We reached vacation desperation. Medieval Times delivered. And, 'twas splendid:
(She picked out her own shoes--of course).
The cement pond really was lovely (in spots).
Some pictures just tell a story and deserve a place in my memory book. (I'm smiling. I'm walking assertively. I am a self possessed confident woman--with my husband's wallet in hand.).
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