Back in July, we saw a Groupon deal for a two-day stay at the Holiday Inn in Kemah, TX. Ella had the Friday off so we pulled Lily from school and off we went towards Houston. First we had to stop at Buc-ees – Ella and Lily were thrilled! They are now slightly obsessed with Buc-ees and keep asking if we can go back. I have to admit, for a gas station/convenience store, it’s amazing. We made a stop at the home of Loran’s best college friend, Katy. The girls enjoyed/were terrified by her two adorable dogs. We chatted, ate Halloween candy and played with the dogs…it was great to hang out. We then made our way through the death-defying Houston traffic towards the coast.
The girls were so excited to get to our hotel, they didn’t want to leave the actual room. But, cooler heads prevailed and we tore them from the bliss of the double queen beds to get some pizza. After pizza, we headed to the Kemah boardwalk. It was after sunset so the rides were all lit up. The atmosphere was very fun, the girls loved seeing the rides and different game booths. We made our way back to the hotel when small girls decided they needed to use the facilities. Once back, we attempted to get the girls to bed. Despite sharing a bedroom for a couple of years, they’d never shared a bed in which one wasn’t barricaded in a baby bed or in a portable crib.
Then and now…there was a lot less giggling and goofing in the first picture.
Once the girls were in asleep, after much conversation and empty threats, everyone slept well. The next morning, Loran and the girls took my car for an oil change – typical vacation to-do list stuff. I basked in a quiet room and cable television. I thought about walking to the boardwalk, but watching HGTV while sitting down was too much of a draw. Once the crew was back, we headed to Seabrook Waffles for some over-the-top waffle goodness. There was Nutella, sprinkles, bacon, apple butter (not all on one waffle) and it was amazing.
After our waffle binge and a stop for tissues for Ella, we were off the shore! Our first stop was Galveston Island State Park. Lily was really concerned about getting to the beach. We couldn’t get there fast enough. She was rather put out that we had to stop in the park’s office to buy a day pass…what a hindrance to her beach enjoyment. But, like any good tourist stop, they had small things for purchase, so Lily was content to beg for butterfly nets, crab stuffed animals and beach balls. She settled for free coloring sheets and a map.
Apparently, back in the day, the beaches along the Gulf coast offered oil wipes so you could de-slick yourself upon exiting the water. This stigma of swimming in the youth of some of my native Texan friends must remain, as when I told them where we were going, they’d wrinkle their nose. But I was very impressed with the beach, it wasn’t dirty (or oily), garbage free. Just small crabs scuttling around and pelicans dipping into the water. The sand was soft and the water warm. I usually hate swimming in any body of water not surrounded by concrete walls, but I wish we’d put our swimsuits on and stayed a bit longer. The girls loved splashing. Ella would run out until a “big” wave came, then she’d come tearing back to shore trying to outrun it. Lily was content to gather seaweed and create a castle. Both girls liked finding little shells, thankfully we didn’t have any buckets, or we’d have a bucket of tiny shells! We left the beach with sandy feet and only slightly wet skirts.
The park and surrounding areas are still rebuilding from Hurricane Ike in 2008. The majority of the seaside homes are new, buildings we visited in town have plaques commemorating the high water level in the building (most about my height), a few abandoned or in-progress homes dot the area. You can’t go far without a reminder whether by sign or physical evidence that something big happened here, despite the swift rebuild in the last five years. It was also interesting to see how the major roads/highways could be switched to all one ways out of town in the event of a hurricane evacuation. And, even more stunning is how far into Texas the hurricane evacuation routes remain. Thankfully, they end before Austin…*gulp*. In central Texas, we root for hurricanes and tropical storms to make it to us for the rain prospect.
After spending time at the beach, and lunch, we headed for the Galveston Ferry. The ferry runs constantly as a free commuter ferry carrying passengers and vehicles from Galveston Island to Port Bolivar. We parked and walked on rather than bring our car. Our only intent was to ride it out and back. We enjoyed watching the cars load up, there was a bicycle race happening in the area, so there were dozens of bicyclists…not sure if the ferry ride was part of the course. We even saw an ambulance on each ferry. I learned the ferry can hold 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and 6 crew members, or eight – 18-wheelers! As if this wasn’t exciting enough for the younger set, the real fun started when we left port. The one-way ride is 18 minutes. Immediately upon leaving, there is an announcement asking that you feed the seagulls off the rear of the boat (sage advice). On the journey we passed a ship wreck, the SS Selma, a concrete ship launched in 1919, damaged in 1920 and purposely “sunk” in 1922 after it was deemed irreparable. Our boat was flanked by dozens of dolphins who were jumping and showing off for us, it was so fun to see! A perfect touristy, learning experience for all of us – for free! Another thing I learned, personally…it is windy on the ship. We were on the second level so as to avoid being sprayed like everyone on the first level. However, the younger set can’t see over the rail, so you have to hold them the entire time so they can see the shipwreck, dolphins, seagulls and pelicans. But, if you’re holding your preschooler, you’re wearing a knee length dress and it’s windy, you are left vulnerable to pulling a Marilyn Monroe, and helpless because your hands are full. So, to the Japanese tourists behind me, I hope you enjoyed seeing my undies. So, if you plan to wear a dress and ride the ferry (highly recommended), wear clean underwear (which you should do anyway).
After the ferry fun, we started our trek out of town back towards Kemah. We were tired of eating out, so Loran went out and got the girls some pasta and he and I had some Pho. Eating a giant jug of Pho is difficult on a bed, FYI, but still tasty. We got the beach babes bathed and ready for bed. They fell asleep easier, but Lily had to first point out how good at cuddling she is…
Sunday morning was a little rainy. We started out with a little breakfast at McD’s and let the girls play in the play place…which gives me shivers, but in reality, is no different than them playing outside at school. Lily was a little apprehensive to go in, but once two other younger girls came in, she was in the mix and off and up in the structure. Ella was gung ho until she actually stepped in, then she thought better of it and sat next to me watching Lily. Lily and the two girls were encouraging Ella to come in. Eventually, Ella did make her way in with their coaxing. Loran went in with her and she made it up a few levels before deciding to come down, but it was really fun to see two new friends and Lily being so kind and encouraging to Ella.
Once we were on the road, we stopped at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. It was gorgeous and so peaceful, unfortunately, raining so we only staying in the Discovery Room. The girls bounced around from exhibit to exhibit, visiting animals, reading books, and doing activities. We hit the road, and made a stop for lunch at an empanada restaurant that was quite good. Then, we had to stop at Aldi so we could buy cheap groceries and stock up (seriously miss it). On our way home, there was again, a stop at Buc-ees (for the girls…I’m not even kidding, they play Buc-ees), and a stop for BBQ to go for dinner.
All in all, a great Texas weekend.
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