The kids keep us young. They keep us on our toes. Thanks to them, we know what’s bussin’, what slaps, and that if you mess up royally—you’re officially canceled. This trip to San Antonio was one of the first vacations we’ve ever taken without driving ourselves. No rental car. No 20 hour road warrior run. Just flights, feet, and the occasional Uber. If it weren’t for the fact that Alida’s boyfriend’s family was staying  on the opposite end of San Antonio, we probably wouldn’t have gone much farther than the airport and our hotel. But that gave us an excuse to see more of the city than just downtown—and downtown San Antonio, by the way, is incredibly walkable. Surprisingly peaceful for a city of its size. You don’t feel like you’re in constant danger of being honked at, mowed down, or asked to “move your vehicle, sir.” I already had the Uber app on my phone from a recent Chicago trip, so getting around was a breeze. I even managed to send Jamie across town solo one day while I stayed...

There’s a certain kind of quiet glory that doesn’t come from grand triumphs, but from small, consistent wins. Like waking up in a Marriott, shuffling downstairs in today’s fresh shirt, and discovering that the breakfast is not only free for employees of X Corporation—but good . Not just edible. Not just “included.” But worth sitting down for. Let me take you there. Where Business Casual Meets Breakfast Casual This particular Marriott has mastered the tone. The dining area opens just past the modern lobby and its low, clean couches and oddly placed decorative logs. It’s the kind of lobby that makes you feel slightly underdressed, even in a polo. But walk past the little bar and the Starbucks kiosk—yes, an actual Starbucks with real baristas and espresso machines humming like jet engines (it doubles as a bar at night)—and you’ll find a discreet buffet tucked around the corner. The kind of layout that says, “This is free, but we won’t make you feel desperate about it.” There are no loud ...