The Great State of Texas

One thing I love about living in the Denver area is how cheaply I can fly to San Diego and Houston - the major airports closest to my two sisters. My goal is to make it out to see one of them every winter. After all, when you live in Colorado and your sisters live in Texas and California, how can you not take advantage of a reprieve from the cold? This year was Adee's turn so Zach and I flew out for a quick weekend trip. (Actually this year I'm double dipping thanks to my inlaws - headed to see Dana for a weekend in January with the whole fam!) It was a wonderful getaway. I enjoyed my sister's company, got to know my nieces a bit better and saw the sights of Galveston. And I got a much needed break from the long days of raising children. My bucket is full and I feel rejuvenated to tackle this parenting business anew. Dave earned some serious brownie points by sending me off cheerfully and holding down the fort at home. A few of my faves...

Aunt Adrienne showing Zach the monkey at Moody Gardens

The Dickens Festival on Galveston Island. This was such a cool event. The Galveston Historical Society scheduled events like a one act Christmas Carol, bed races and visits from "the Queen" and many attendees dressed up in period costumes or steampunk.

A Bobby. We also saw Father Christmas, the ghost of Christmas present, pirates and a whole assortment of English gentry and poor.

The Campbells - missing John who was on a work assignment in Vietnam. Love them!

With Zach at the beach. My sister lives just a couple of blocks from the beach. You can hear the waves from her porch. I might consider giving up my culdesac and big backyard for that kind of perk.