Last Thursday night we drove to Houston to visit some some of Geoff’s oldest friends (in this area of the world), Sarah & Amir and their 2 children, Kameron & Amber. The drive took just over 3 hours, we got there at just gone 11pm. So that night we only had a couple of glasses of wine and went straight to sleep.
The following morning Geoff went off to play golf with some work buddies, and once Kameron and Amber had got off to school Sarah took the Twins and I out for the morning. We went to a Mall, where there was a Children’s museum. Although I was expecting the kids to have a good time I was expecting much from this, but I was really impressed! It was very interactive and they had different areas dedicated to different activities and different ages (The dentists room was a bit creepy with a real chair!). The kids really, really enjoyed themselves and we spent a long time in there. Then we went to get some lunch from the food court. Right by the food court was a huge carousel and Thomas and Charlotte’s eyes lit up at the sight, so after we had eaten we let them have a go on it. It only cost a dollar a time and Charlotte went on it twice, but Thomas wasn’t interested the second time round.
After that we went outside to have a trip on the water taxi. I’m sure this doesn’t need explaining! The boat leaves on the hour every hour, and its fun to just have a trip on it there and back. The kids seemed to enjoy it at first but then I guess they started to feel bit penned in as they started running around causing havoc! It was nice though, and I enjoyed it. After that we let the Thomas and Charlotte have a run around in a toddlers play area right in the centre of the Mall while Sarah and I had a bit of a rest, before heading back home.
When we got back the kids were home from school and in the pool (yes, they have their own pool plus hot tub in their backyard!!). It was really great to see them again and how they had grown up since we had last seen them - 4 ½ years ago. They got changed and when Geoff got home we went out to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. Sweet Tomatoes is very similar to Fresh Choice in Austin, only better, the food was great! And when we went back home everybody got in the pool again. Well, by everybody I mean all the kids plus Geoff & Amir. Sarah and I sat on the patio watching and drinking wine in our Pyjamas!!
That evening, once we had got the twins settled in bed, we played on the wii, and played American Idol on the PS2, whilst the adults had a lot to drink! Now, Amber was a strong contender (very strong!), but the the final came down to Geoff and I (Geoff!!!????). And, really, it was inevitable that I would win in the end! ;-) hurrah!!!
The next morning was Saturday, and Geoff and Amir went off to play golf (again!) leaving us with 4 kids to entertain. To be fair though, Kameron and Amber spent most of their time entertaining Thomas and Charlotte. When the boys got home Sarah took me shopping. Houston is a great city to shop in, and it was a lot of fun. In one particular shop I felt I was waited on hand and foot, and I came home with plenty of new clothes!!! While we were out Amir and Geoff took all the kids to the park and then had more fun in the pool.
That afternoon we went to Red Robin for burgers and they had the best chips (and I mean English steakhouse style chips!)! They were also bottomless, so if you wanted more you just had to ask. Why anyone would need more I don’t now, though, as there was a lot of food already!! And when we got back it was time to pack, say goodbye, and start the 3 hour drive back to Austin.
We had a great couple of days in Houston, and it was very sad to say good bye, but I’m sure there will be plenty more visits on both sides.
And here are a couple more shots of the house (plus a gecko my cat bought in!)
Our huge en suite bathroom
The Big Daddy Chair
Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou, Romeo!?
