An afternoon in Houston

This past week, the boys and I traveled to Houston to visit a friend whose daughter was in the hospital. We were going to also visit another friend but they became ill so we had extra time. Beforehand, I packed a lunch because I knew we'd be hungry at some time. After my preschooler got out of school at 1pm, we headed out.

It was a couple hours away so the kiddos had a nap along the way. I just pointed the camera behind me while driving while watching the road (that's why it's off-center.)


The medical center is full of many hospitals that line this really long street. It was a little scary to drive in the traffic because it was unfamiliar territory and because there were so many things to see while trying to find the correct hospital (I had never been there before.) I finally found the hospital and then I had to drive around again to get to the correct parking lot. After visiting our friend (where I forgot the camera in the car), we had a picnic in a grassy area of a park. It is a huge park next to the zoo and museum district.


Then we went to find the train depot. There is a lengthy train track that surrounds the park and we walked and walked and walked looking for it.


It was later and we barely made it there and got to ride it before it closed. The zoo was still open though (for another hour) so we went on in. It was the perfect time to be there...on an afternoon on a school day near closing...no crowds.


And we rode the carousel twice (we were the only ones on it!) My preschooler was incredibly happy to find this particular animal to ride on...the raccoon...because his 'lovey' is a small raccoon named Ricky and he knew by riding it, it'd make Ricky happy!


After the zoo closed, we played on a huge hill near an amphitheater. The boys ran up and down it for about thirty minutes.




And finally, as it was nearing dusk, we played near the long pool thing watching ducks. Of course, the kids wanted to get as close to the edge as possible and put their hands in the water. Next time, we'll bring bread for the ducks.


For an unplanned event, we had a great afternoon. We spent just enough time playing around and visiting the zoo and park that we missed all the traffic and were able to easily make it home without any delays.