Quick Trip.

Ben,

We made a very quick trip to Houston this weekend because Nana and Papsy were itching to snuggle you and we just had to see your little cousin Lyla again. She is growing so fast.

Before you were born, the four hour road trip was no big deal at all. Now we make sure our bellies and the gas tank are full and our bladders are empty before we hit the road. We've tried to eliminate stops all together since stopping the car always seems to wake you up. There's a darn stoplight in Waco that gets us every time. Sure enough, you slept until the stoplight in Waco and were awake for the last three hours of our trip.

We pulled in to Nana and Papsy's house at 10:00 Thursday night and you were so excited to get out of that car! I put you in your pajamas before we left home, hoping when we arrived in Houston I could just transfer you to a pack-n-play. What was I thinking? Of course Nana and Papsy couldn't keep their hands off of you, and you smiled and giggled and got all wound up and wired. Trying to get you to settle down and go to bed at 11:30pm in a "strange" house almost did me in.



Friday morning you enjoyed breakfast with Daddy and Papsy. Nothing like biscuits and cantaloupe with the guys, huh?



Nana is a true Southerner, and her home and hospitality reflect it. The house is always clean and cozy, and the food is always delicious. The pace is relaxed and there is lots of kicking back and chatting and just enjoying each other. We love visiting.

Friday's weather was incredible so Nana and Papsy took us to The Houston Zoo. That zoo is so much more beautiful than I'd remembered! There is tons to see and do, and best of all, it is wonderfully shaded. I suppose they need to capitalize on the shade if they want any visitors during the Houston summers, but I really was so impressed by all of the majestic oaks and lush greenery.



First stop was the sea lion show. You were mildly interested.



I can't remember exactly what you were looking at here (a turkey?) but it was so funny to see which of the animals you spotted and checked out, and which ones you were completely oblivious to.





The elephants were so cute, and so close! I like this picture because it really captures how we all enjoyed the animals while Nana looked at her map and found our next route. She is a good planner!



Those otters were fast, but you were captivated.



Lunch was a highlight for you, as it is pretty much every day. You ate almost all of the egg off Daddy's sandwich, most of the roast beef off mine, half a piece of pizza, and two pieces of crust. Notice how you are sitting in this picture? You wiggled out of the seat and scooted around so you'd have a better view of everyone else while you ate. Sheesh.



Blake, Drew, and Lexie came to the zoo, too. You had a great time playing with all of your cousins, but especially Blake. Blake wears hats, and you love hats.



After almost five hours at the zoo, we were pretty pooped.



After the zoo, we all went back to Nana and Papsy's house to meet up with the rest of the family and have a barbecue. So good to spend time with all of your aunts, uncles, and cousins.



You and Lyla are just seven months apart, and we think you'll have a great time together as you grow.



You're still a little young to enjoy each other. This picture makes me laugh.



After a long, eventful day, Nana and Faith Anne got you and Lexie all cleaned up. You slept great Friday night!



We planned to leave Saturday afternoon, but Nana insisted we visit my happy place before we left town. I love your Nana for that. And I love Connie's.



Life will never be the same for you again, little buddy!





You were a total champ in the car on the way home, and we enjoyed the peaceful drive through all the beautiful wildflowers. We were back by 6:30 Saturday night so we could teach Sunday School the next morning. It was a quick trip, for sure, but full of family and fun. We are blessed to have people we love all over Texas!