Spring Break Houston Style

Last Sunday we thought we left the cold and rainy weather of Austin behind us and we all headed down to Houston for a little "spring break" fun and relaxation with Taylor's grandparents, GeeGee and Grandpa. Needless to say the cold and dreary weather hadn't left Houston yet (morning fog and mist both days and COLD) but we had lots of fun anyways! First stop was the Downtown Aquarium. We visited it during the summer for the first time and loved it so we decided to go back. This time Taylor was able to walk or "run" around on his own (no stroller in tow this time) so I think he enjoyed that a little more than looking at all the beautiful fish! He did enjoy looking through the glass at the white tiger that was pacing anxiously back and forth. He was probably sizing up his lunch! At one point the white tiger leapt up on the glass and stood on his back legs... that's all it took for mommy and GeeGee to get out of there in a hurry! They are so BIG up close.

Due to the fact that I packed all the wrong things for the unlikely cold morning weather, we had to make a pit stop in the giftshop for sweatshirts for Taylor and Andrew. Luckily, I was wearing GeeGee's jacket and my jeans and wasn't freezing. Taylor got a cute souvenir which he loved and wanted to wear the rest of the time in Houston.

After everyone was warm in sweatshirts, we ventured back outside to ride the rides. Of course by this time the sun was out and it was hot...no sweatshirts required to go fountain jumping! Unfortunately, the shark train ride was not running so we decided to ride the Merry-Go-Round instead. Taylor held on and enjoyed the ride.

Later that evening and after a much needed nap, we went to dinner at Clay's Restaurant. This place was perfect for families with little ones. The restaurant's neighbor just happens to be a ranch with goats, cows, horses, donkeys, peacocks, and chickens. Free entertainment while we waited for our burgers and corndogs! Plus the outdoor seating was perfect since it turned out to be a beautiful day. Check out Taylor and Andrew taking riding lessons... for only 50 cents!

The next morning we got up and drove to the beach. Galveston Beach that is. The last time Taylor has been to the beach was when he was 6 months old. That was on Boliver Island and the beach house we stayed in no longer exists due to hurricane IKE. If you are anything like us and were curious about Galveston post IKE, I can tell you that it is once again a happening fun place to hang out. The young "spring-breakers" were hitting the beach as were vacationing families. I guess they're still hauling in truck loads of sand to refill the beaches since all the sand was swept away but we were still able to find a perfect spot on a cold March morning...no sun again! Andrew, Taylor, and GeeGee built a sand castle (which Taylor got to destroy later with a stick) while I sat and snapped some pictures, trying to stay warm-party pooper! This whole trip Taylor was fighting off a cold so he wasn't entirely impressed with his new surroundings... but there is always summertime in South Padre Island where there will be lots of sun, warm water, and white sandy beaches. I'm counting the days!



Last but not least, I have to include a gardening picture taken this week too! There's nothing like digging in the dirt wearing your favorite pajamas and your wellie-boots!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Breaks as much as we did!