We Give Thanks

Last Thursday was Thanksgiving. The kids were off school for the whole week, they were very excited about that! On Thursday we had the traditional turkey dinner - stuffing, mushy peas, cauliflower au gratin, lots of potatoes both mash and roasties. Abate and Fantu seemed to enjoy the meal, but it's not going to be a favorite of theirs.

Alan and I were up early on Friday to hit the sales. Can't say here what we bought - but we did well! By 9 am we were on the road to Houston. Caleb joined us for the overnight trip. Needless to say the car was packed full. Our first stop in Houston was to pick up Fr. Robert, we then headed on to Galveston for all 3 kids to get their first view of the ocean and beach. It was a little too chilly to swim, but just warm enough to get their feet wet and to have a good time running around on the beach. Abate loved gathering sea shells. We had then planned on going to the Railroad Museum there but it isn't scheduled to re-open until spring. they are still making repairs after last years hurricane that devastated the island. So instead we took a short stroll through the historic district then headed back to Houston. We made a short stop to get checked in to our hotel then headed out to dinner at Chuy's, I love the Mexican food at Chuy's especially the Chili Relenos. We all had a great time and the food was great! We all really enjoyed the time spent with Fr. Robert. After dinner we headed back to the hotel so the kids could go swimming. Our hotel had a indoor pool so the kids were able to have a great time in the pool.

Saturday we started the day with a big breakfast, and another swim for the kids before we headed out. First stop Maru Ethiopian Market. We were out of Injera at home and needed to stock up. The kids got a Ethiopian Music DVD/Video and some Sambosa's for their lunch (Ethiopian version of a Samosa only with lentils and some very hot peppers). The afternoon had stops at Galleria Mall, The Holocaust Museum, and The Houston Children's Museum. The kids loved the later, but oh the noise and crowds of kids - Earplugs would have come in handy. We then headed back over to Fr. Roberts church (St. Philip Neri) for evening Mass, and afterwards said our good-byes and headed home.

All 3 kids really enjoyed the trip. They are already asking when we can go back - really wanting to go back to Galveston. It was a good weekend but I was glad to get home, get the kids back in school and get back to a routine. And just think it's only 3 weeks until the Christmas Holidays!