Our Family Vacation to Houston Part 5
“Take a picture Mom!”
We then loaded up and headed to the Houston Zoo. We were glad we got there when it opened. It was actually somewhat cloudy that day, giving just a little respite from the heat. We found a parking spot in the shade and then stood there loading the kids up with sunscreen and grabbing water and such.
We really enjoyed the zoo! We have been to some really great zoos and wondered how this one would compare. The Houston zoo may not be the biggest we’ve ever seen, but there were so many different animals that we’d never seen before that it made the trip worthwhile.
The kids didn’t fare quite so well. Joy was still a little under the weather with a sore throat. They all had sores on their feet from all the walking and by one o’clock, we still hadn’t eaten. My husband will not pay the exorbitant prices at such places, but he wanted to see everything before we left so we wouldn’t have to go back. Finally, I put my foot down and said we needed to get out of the sun, sit down a while, and get some food. We were carting four little kids, and I am pregnant–for crying out loud! At that point I didn’t care about the one area of animals that we missed. We were near the exit and the kids and I had had it!
“Okay everyone pretend you’re having fun!”
We got to our van to find the side door standing wide open! In all of our preparations to get everyone ready for the zoo SOMEONE, though no one will own up to it, failed to shut the door. We frantically checked for our things, fully expecting the van to be empty, but miraculously nothing was touched! A case of “all’s well that ends well” I suppose, though you can be sure we double and triple checked to make sure the doors were shut after that!
Our meal was not pleasant, but by the time everyone rested a little and got some food in them, spirits began to lift. I was glad I didn’t have any more outdoor activities planned for that day. We drove to a dollar theater and relaxed and enjoyed the show. We rarely take the kids to movies so that in itself was a special treat. They were all happy and cheerful again after that. We drove around a little, ate supper, took them swimming, and called it day two of our vacation!
Mari says
August 14, 2011 at 9:13 amOh my. The van door reminds me of what happened to us yesterday when we went for a free day (courtesy of Dave’s employer) of fun at our local amusement park. I’m blogging about it today.
Esther, you look adorable with your little baby tummy.
RaD says
August 14, 2011 at 10:23 amWell, at least ya’ll sort of enjoyed it until you got tired.
One suggestion, if you know you might be at an all day event and don’t want to pay event prices (believe me, we avoid it at all costs too!) Pack a lunch and leave it in your car(even PB&J can be purchased during vacations and easily stored). Step out for a bit, eat, and then head back in to have some more fun. That way you don’t have to leave early but you don’t have to starve. We’ve done it tons of times. It may not be as much fun to eat in the car, but it saves tons of money and keeps you from getting whiney children!
Dr Momi says
August 14, 2011 at 10:55 amLove that last picture. I thought you were going to say someone left the car door open and the battery was dead LOL!
Rachel says
August 14, 2011 at 1:43 pmEveryone looks tired in that picture! I love dollar theaters best thing for families ever!
Nancy says
August 14, 2011 at 2:36 pmI used to take my boys to the Omaha zoo all the time when they were little. Always a great time! 🙂
Carla says
August 15, 2011 at 10:58 amHouston’s hot right now for a long zoo trip, lol! We usually bring food inside the zoo…Houston doesn’t mind if you bring food or drinks. 🙂