There are two things I really look forward to when going on vacations: new experiences and food. So my plan was to eat and sight-see as we find another place to eat. We stayed at the St. Anthony, a historical hotel smack dab in between the Alamo and Riverwalk.

From the second we stepped out of the hotel on our first morning we knew there was something happening. Iowa State had clearly invaded and the city was bleeding red and gold. There was no direction I could look in that was not covered in ISU pride. You would’ve thought the entire state of Iowa flew south for the winter. Turns out they were playing in the Alamo Bowl against Washington State. I prayed for the few Washington State souls that may have been floating around the city. I didn’t see any, however their colors are red and gray, so as long as they stuck to wearing just red they could walk around the city without anyone knowing they were the enemy. I’m sure they had to be especially stealth after they defeated Iowa State 26 to 28. May God be with them.

The first day started off great. We had breakfast and then walked to the Alamo. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Low 70s. Perfect. I was relaxed, excited, and ready to finally do our own thing without the responsibilities of work and foster-parenting.

As we were waiting in line at the Alamo, which extends down the street and around the corner, I was all smiles. But then we got a phone call we were not expecting. It was the caseworker to our previous placement.

A baby was just born, and we are first choice for a home.