Laredo |ləˈrādō| an industrial port city in southern Texas, across the Rio Grande from Nuevo Laredo in Mexico; pop. 221,659 (est. 2008).
Last weekend, I had a free weekend to go somewhere with the kids. I was actually pushing to go to Disney World, but Field Christian insisted on visiting Laredo, Texas. *grin* He was dying to see his cousin, AJ, so I took it as an opportunity to take the kids home with me to have them experience the I city I grew up in, and all of my favorite places to eat and visit!
I haven’t taken an extended trip home in years, except for the occasional day trip (I generally just take an easy day trip in and out on American because it’s only an hour flight, and super easy travel!). But I planned this weekend especially to take my kids to spend some quality time visiting the places and people I love.
I think it’s so important for our kids to see where we grew up, and for them to experience some of the same things we did in our childhood! Field had originally planned a golf trip with his friends, and then had to cancel because of work obligations. We missed him being with us, but I was glad the weather was fabulous in Dallas so he was able to get some golfing in there!
The kids loved spending time with their cousins, and I loved seeing and spending time with my friends and family too! I took the kids and all of their cousins to an Extreme Jump Trampoline Park, and they jumped and jumped for HOURS.
Every time we visit home, I take my family to Palenque Grille and Border Foundry for dinner, and this time, we visited a new location, Siete Banderas, located in historic downtown Laredo. They have live music, incredible food and a fun atmosphere. If you’re in the area, definitely put this on your list of places to go for a night out.
Laredo is so special to me because of my community there. I love the time and fellowship with family and randomly running into so many friends that I love and miss so much. It was SO fun connecting with the best friends I grew up with and seeing our children enjoy playing together like we used to. Those are such special moments!
Some Laredo Fun Facts:
-Laredo at one time was the fastest growing city in the US, and is always the largest commercial crossing from Mexico to Texas. It has the largest inland port in the US and Nuevo Laredo is the largest in Latin America.
-Laredo has the distinction of flying seven flags (the Flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande, which is now the flag of the city, in addition to the Six Flags of Texas). -Hence the popular nightclub, Siete Banderas – Translation: Seven Flags!
-It was founded in 1755. Laredo grew from a village to the capital of the brief Republic of the Rio Grande to the largest inland port on the Mexico–United States border. Today, it has four international bridges and one railway bridge.
It may not be on Google’s Top 10 places to vacation list–but Laredo will always be on mine (and apparently, my son’s too..)! I will always love coming home to place I grew up, and the friends and family that I love so much. There truly is no place like home!
XO-
Sabrina
