Houston Vacation 2013

This year's NCECA (National Council on the Education for the Ceramic Arts) was held in Houston. Travis and I left Tuesday afternoon and flew out of Wichita and were in Texas by 9pm. Hollie was driving from Kansas City and picked us up at the airport. We, including her, were pretty amazed at her navigation skills. We headed downtown to our hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, they had overbooked for the night and put us in room on the top floor (30th) that just had a roll away twin bed and couch. That would just not do. I went downstairs and was able to sweet talk them into the King room that we'd paid for. I wish I'd taken a pic of the first room, it was pretty funny.

Getting things started at the airport.

Looking up the hotel interior from our room.

Looking down from the 30th floor, crazy high.

Walking to the convention center to check in.

Inside the convention center. It was a really big building and built like a ship.

Our "craft project." That is all I'm going to say, ask me in person for the full story.

A tangy triple threat: Ruben sammich, German hot potato salad, and a pickle. Pretty much awesome.

Zumba in the park.

We noticed little sprouts growing out of the cracks of buildings. It's amazing where things try to grow. As Hollie said "we grow in the tough spots."

One of the exhibit halls had an area where they were building installations. One we could make leaves and things to add to it.

Fish tacos, Fajitas and Margaritas.

My favorite piece of the trip. Small, thin porcelain feathers that had a fan blowing on them so they made a tinkling sound.

Friday they both sported shirts for their schools.

A nice patio lunch.

There was a great market where we bought snacks and drinks and sat to catch up. Our view of the checkout stands from our table.

Me, Hollie and Sir Perry catching up and hatching crazy ideas. Travis got arted out, so he went to see a movie.

Plantain chip smileys.

Pizza with apples on it. Yum.

 On Saturday, Travis and I explored the city. We went to the aquarium, museum of Natural History and Galleria Mall. It was a fun last day. It was foggy in the morning and humid. But a very nice warm day.

Petrified wood at the museum.

Travis standing on Travis Street.

Crab cakes and Key Lime Trout.

 We got home around 2:30 today, so we had plenty of time to spend the rest of the day with the kids. They were very glad to see us, especially Marley. We stopped by the Disney store and got the kids new jammies and a cup. 

 

Vacation is good, home is best.