Visiting Emelyn in Houston

Emelyn has lived in Texas for two years. It was time to pay her a visit and see her place. Especially since she didn't come up to Seattle over the summer.

Sisters 4 Ever

Now that D is a seasoned traveler, a jaunt down south turned out to be an adventure.

Dahlia and my dad came with me. We left B at home.

I've been working too much since I've been back from Houston, so I'm just going to slap some photos up, tell you about them and go to bed.

Boots.

I had to get some boots while I was down there and we had lots of colors to choose from.

Before Hurricane Ike, we had planned to visit Galveston Island, which ended up getting the brunt of the storm. My dad visited Galveston only a year prior and was sure it couldn't be "that bad". Turns out the island was tossed. Houses were sideways on their foundation, yachts were strewn about the highway, threatening signs were left in blood red spray paint for would-be looters. All of the antique stores he visited with his wife were GONE. There were only a few restaurants open and we patronized one of them.

While the pier to this shop over water was gone, there were still posters hanging on the wall in what's left of the building.

Dahlia in front of half a beach-front bar.

We ate fresh seafood at Joe's Crab Shack.

Despite being tired, Em and I dragged ourselves out one night and hit a few bars near Rice University. I met her friend and co-worker Matt. He showed us around Rice Village and we watched scantily clad Texan girls shoot imaginary pistols to the song Paper Airplanes by M.I.A.

They're not dating. Em wants me to let you know.

Look at us! We're out on the town!

Emelyn, ever the party animal, only had to look at a pineapple & rum drink before she was giggly.

We went to the Houston Zoo the show Dahlia the animals. We saw elephants, bears, lions, seals, lots of birds, creepy, crawly things and other zoo-type animals.

The best part was the petting zoo because D could run around. She came across this statue of two bison and something compelled her to give this baby bison a kiss. It was super cute.

Love you!

I fell in love with the pygmy goats in the petting area! They are small and cuddly and they just want love!

This guy will fit in my overhead luggage compartment, right?