Dad's visit in September

My dad came to visit us with his new fiance earlier this month. It was a good time and we had fun taking them around to see things in Houston. My dad's fiance had grown up on the SE side of Houston, so she was aware of somethings, but I am sure it had changed quite a bit too. We went to the Downtown Aquarium for fun on the train, ferris wheel, and at the exhibits and then we ate dinner there too. The only downside was the fact that due to another tropical storm in Houston this time, there flight was delayed and then it was scheduled for an earlier flight that we couldn't make it to. So, instead of getting into Phoenix around 4pm or so, they got in around 9pm. A little later than was planned. I think they would both do it again though. :)

Gulfshores and New Orleans

I have to say this trip was not our best. We decided on the spur of the moment to head to Gulfport, MS. The trip was fine, except that we couldn't do some of the things we wanted to do, because it rained all the time. There had been a tropical storm that came ashore a couple of days before we got there, but what we didn't know and the nice weather forecasters didn't tell us, was that the storm was coming back around to make a second hit. So, with that, we didn't do a lot. We did however make it to Cafe DuMonde for beignets and coffee, in New Orleans.

The view from our hotel room. Not bad if I do say so. Jonathan booked the room and it was great.

At Cafe Du Monde, enjoying the beignets. I could eat these everyday, they are so good. If you haven't had one, I highly recommend going to New Orleans, just for these.

Austin for July 4th

So for July 4th we decided to get out of town. We drove up to Austin to stay for a couple of days.We decided to go to downtown Austin to see the fireworks, but honestly, we were a little concerned about the crowds. Well, we found a good spot to park and then started walking with blanket and cooler in hand to the park where the fireworks were being held. On the way, we found this great parking garage that had a bunch of people on top of it. We thought, I wonder if they know something we don't. So we started up the stairs. On the top of the garage it was loaded with regulars who came here every year, because the view was great. So we went down one level, where their weren't all the drunks and craziness and watched. The view was fantastic. The next couple of days we went on hikes around Austin. We had so much fun and it was just the get-a-way that we needed.

Connie's

As is normal in our house. We occasionally head to Connie's, and if you live in NW Harris County, Houston, you know why. It has the best frozen custard in the area. Well, our dog is fully aware of Connie's now too. One time awhile back we decided to head out for just a drive. Well, we decided to take Brownie (dog) along. She loves car rides. You just mention the work ride and she is all over the place she gets so excited. While on this ride, we decided to go through the drive through at Connie's on our way home. The lady who was going to give us our order at the window saw the dog and asked if she wanted a torch. We asked what it was and she said a mini cone with vanilla custard on it. We said sure. Well, we were never to live it down. Our dog now knows the term ride and torch. If we mention them both, she can not contain herself in her seat on the ride over until she has gotten one. This shows her enjoying one not that long ago. She sits patiently, not so much, in the car and waits for Jonathan to come back with her torch and our treats. She then eats it just like you and I would, one lick at a time until she gets to the cone and then she bits it. She is such a silly dog, and we spoil her rotten. So much so that she is now on a diet because she has gained 8lbs in about six months. NO! we do not go to Connie's that much. Usually, one a quarter or so.

Kitten visit

I don't remember when this summer, but it was probably August sometime, we had a visitor. We noticed that our dog and the neighbor dog where barking at the corner of both of our yards. Every time either of them would go outside they would bark. So, I went to the corner to see what I could find. Nothing. Then I sent Jonathan the next day, Nothing. So, finally on the third day we found this little thing sitting in one of the bushes just off the corner of the yard. She was flea infested, so we bathed her and gave her treatment, then we took her to the vet, after we couldn't find a shelter or anyone to take her. She appeared to be healthy and they gave her the first set of shots. After the vet trip, Jonathan took her to Petco to buy more kitten food, since we don't have a kitten anymore and talked to a employee there. She couldn't take the cat, but knew someone who would. So after two weeks of having the joy of a crazy kitten around, we found her a home. This was very good news, because the last thing our house needed was another animal. One dog and one cat are enough for this house. At least right now.

Cody's trip in June

I know that Cody looks bored in this picture, but he was actually playing and goofing off with the dog, while the kids were sleeping.

This picture of Cody in the fire fighter gear was taken when we took a trip to Jonathan's firehouse. Cody thought it was cool and all of the guys were really nice to him. They even showed him the flairs, of which he wanted to take some so that he could take them home with him. He was quite disappointed when I told him that he couldn't get them on the plane without being arrested.

Our Sea World trip in April

 Right after we entered Sea World, we decided to have a little snack to get us through until lunch. We didn't eat breakfast because we left our hotel early to get to Sea World when it opened. Well, when we sat down at some picnic benches, this little guy decided that he needed some breakfast too. He was none to shy about helping himself to our muffin if we would have let him.

This of course was the Shamu show. All of the shows were fantastic, and yes, we sat just outside the splash zone. We didn't really want to get soaked, since it was already a cloudy and chilly day. We saw others that were soaked and freezing after the fact. I know we are wimps. Deal with it.