Did you know crickets fly in Texas?

So this past weekend we (Mom, Riley, and I) made a surprise visit to Houston, Texas, for my aunt's 50th birthday.  We flew out of Kansas City Friday morning and had time to kill before the flight.

 

They were "hiding" from me around a corner...Boo!

We want YOU to sleep on this plane ride!

 



Of course, a trip isn't a trip without a few minor setbacks.  For instance, I know from experience that if you lose your driver's license after entering through security you freak out because you don't know how you'll be able to return.  But then are super relieved once a TSA agent finds it and brings it to you.

 

We arrived in Houston and had reserved a rental car since Hobby Airport is approximately one hour from Magnolia (where we needed to be).  We arranged for them to have a carseat ready for Riley, which they didn't.  "No biggie, here is a carseat," as she hands it to me.  I have never. installed. a carseat. in my life.  Chad always does it.  This began freak out mode in the 100%+ swamp-like humidity.  Luckily it was one you could just put the seatbelt through, whew.  Setback #2, conquered.  We head out toward I-45 and decide to eat at the first restaurant we see.  Las Hamacas, sounds perfect!  Until we realize they don't speak English.  At all.  Well, except for the manager, she spoke "un poco".  Turns out we were in little Honduras.  Those Hondurans make delicious quesadillas, though!

 

We surprised Jill at a restaurant in Bryan (Grandma & Doug drove from Dodge).

 

 

 

Afterwards we watched Marshall's marching band at the Bryan Rutter vs. Magnolia football game.  Yes, THIS is where the flying crickets made their appearance and in mass quantities.  Creepy.

 

The next day brought playing around the pool,

 

 

 

 riding in golf carts,

 

 

drum lessons,

 

 

and surprising Aunt Jill AGAIN at a surprise birthday party!

 

 

We decided that Riley needs her own personal teenager.  She loved Marshall, Baylee, and their friends.  Anyone know where we can find one she could call her own?

 

 

We had to drive back to the airport the next day.  Tear.  We had no clue how early to leave Magnolia and have enough time to make it through downtown, return our rental car, and go through security.  Turns out we were off by about, oh, say, two hours or so.  This is when the creativity came out regarding airport toddler entertainment and we pulled all of our rabbits out!