Visit Houston - Thursday Thirteen

 

Here are some fun things to do in or near Houston in case you ever visit (and if everything eventually reopens, which it will if they follow Broadway's lead).  There is something for everyone on this list, and I have actually been to all of these places.

1. The Houston Zoo.  55 acres, 6,000 animals, and 900 species.

2. The Houston Museum of Natural Science and Burke Baker Planetarium and Cockrell Butterfly Center. (located near the zoo)  17 permanent exhibits including Body Worlds, Earth, Pompeii, and The T Rex.  They also have multiple guest exhibits, butterfly tours, and shows about stars and space daily including Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon which I highly recommend.

3. Space Center Houston and across the street, the home of Mission Control, Johnson Space Center.  Moon rocks, mock-ups, lunar samples, and over 400 space artifacts.  They also have live demonstrations and a theater.

4. The Kemah Boardwalk. Restaurants, concerts, games, rides, and shopping.

5. Hermann Park (located near the zoo and the Museum of Natural Science).  A miniature train, pedal boats, plenty of places for nature walks or workouts, reflection pool, statues, the Japanese Gardens, McGovern Lake, picnic areas, art in the park, and so much more!

6. The San Jacinto Monument.  Come see how Texas began! General Sam Houston led a surprise attack at San Jacinto that won Texas its independence.  The museum has over 2,000 artifacts and the monument has a live cam view of the ship channel and the Battleship Texas.  There is also a library and a theater.

7. The Galleria. Multi-level upscale shopping mall (Prada, Hugo Boss, Aeropostale, Jimmy Choo, Disney, Lululemon, etc.)  with plenty of dining options and an ice skating rink.

8. Galveston.  27 miles of sandy beaches and the salty water of the Gulf of Mexico with plenty of souvenir shops, condos, hotels, and restaurants.

9. Minute Maid Park.  Catch a baseball game or even take a ballpark tour!  Our park features a retractable roof and interesting concessions.

10. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Boasting two live performance theaters, the Hobby Center is home to Theater Under the Starts, Broadway at the Hobby Center, the Houston Ballet, and other arts organizations.

11. The Holocaust Museum Houston. The nation's 4th largest Holocaust Museum since their expansion to their new location 2 years ago.  It has a welcome center, memorial room, butterfly loft, theater, outdoor amphitheater, several galleries, survivor's wall, garden of hope, and educational exhibits. 

12. The Original Ninfa's Restaurant.  Ninfa's has served great Tex-Mex food since 1973.  Mama Ninfa is credited with inventing fajitas. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a Houston institution.

13. Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Take a tour of Texas's oldest craft brewery which includes free beer, of course. Stay for dinner at the beer garden and restaurant.

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Wordless Wednesday

Yep, I rode it!

San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, March, 2010.

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Thursday 13

Last week I said my Thursday 13 was the third and last in my series of destinations. Well, it wasn't. Latree gave me a great idea!

My original destinations T13 was a list of places I've been to in Texas. The second was a list of places I've enjoyed visiting outside of Texas. The third in the series listed destinations I would like to visit someday. This fourth post on destinations is about places I would like to go in order to meet some of my online blogging friends. They could also show me around their beautiful cities: history, art, museums, architecture, culture. Wouldn't that be fun?

So, in no particular order, I would like to visit...

1. Indonesia - to meet Latree. She is the inspiration for this post. Latree said she has beautiful temples I would enjoy seeing. Plus, I would love to meet her daughter and twin boys.

2. Long Island, New York - I'd love to meet my friend Lucy and have her style my hair. Then she could take me for Italian food (or cook it, even!).

3. Connecticut - to meet Tammy. I would take her out for a night on the town and we would laugh ourselves silly!

4. Michigan - to meet Skittles! We would stay in pajamas all day playing computer games, and if she was up to it, I'd take her out for some sugar-free ice cream.

5. California - to meet Tamy, but I may not have to because she may be moving pretty close to me soon! We could swap cleaning tips and she's promised to cook a meal for me. Maybe we'll even catch a movie together.

6.Apple Valley, California - to meet Jennifer. We'd talk about books since we both love to read. And probably Facebook games, too.


7. Memphis, Tennessee - to meet Calico and Grandma - They could show me Graceland. And we'd have a great time talking about family, books, and writing.

8. Idaho Falls - to meet Eve - We'd also talk about books. And we'd gossip about our families.

9. Somewhere in the "country" part of Texas - to meet Rachel Anne. I could pick her brain about organizational tools and decorating, and we'd have a nice visit.


10. Spartanburg, SC - to meet Jenn - we're both moms, and I think we'd get along just fine and have lots to talk about.

11. Oshkosh, WI - to meet Penelope Anne - we could shop at the Oshkosh b'gosh store! We'd chat and laugh, too.

12. Australia - to meet Melanie - Boy would it be great to see her create her scrapbook pages in person, and I'd love to meet her family.

13. Canada - to meet twin moms Susan and Janice - I would love to know how they got their start in building such a successful blog and business.

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Thursday 13

This is the third and last installment of my series on Destinations. Week one included places to visit in Texas. Week two was all about places I have been outside of Texas. Today, I'll focus on places I have never been to that I would like to visit someday. I wonder how many, if any at all, I will ever get to visit. It's just a wish list, though.

1. New York, NY - Statue of Liberty, shows, lights, Central Park, Ground Zero, and other points of interest. I hope I get to visit someday.

2. Charleston, SC - History and beaches!

3. Memphis, TN - Graceland, museums, and scenery.

4. Ontario, Canada - I'd like to go to Niagara Falls.

5. London, England - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, museums, and castles!

6. Rome, Italy - The Ancient Colosseum, The Pantheon, Vatican City, The Sistine Chapel, oh, and the food! Italy! It's gotta be the best food in the world!

7. Hawaii (any island!) - Beaches, museums, volcanoes, and beautiful scenery.

Image: http://www.digitaldutch.com/arles/tutorials/thumbnail_tags/galleries/thumbnail_tags_with_size/imagepages/image4.html

8. Paris, France - The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the food!

9. Amsterdam, Holland - I would love to visit Anne Frank's Secret Annexe.

10. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Swimming, snorkeling, and scenery.

11. Ocho Rios, Jamaica - or maybe Montego Bay. What else except beaches?

12. Anchorage, Alaska - Mt. McKinley, whale watching, and air taxis to watch grizzly bears.

13. Sydney, Australia - Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, and much more.

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Thursday 13

This is the second in my series of DESTINATIONS. The first part listed places to visit in Texas. Today I have a list of destinations I have been outside of Texas and when I was there.

All photos were taken by me and are the sole property of Forgetfulone.

1. Monterrey, Mexico (circa 1975) - I remember 2 things: having my picture taken on the balcony of the motel while wearing a mustard-colored shirt and a sombrero, and riding a donkey with my dad.

2. Los Angeles, CA (1982) - Drill team performance at Disneyland. We also got to go to Universal Studios, Newport Beach, and Knotts Berry Farm.

3. Nassau, Bahamas (1993) - Snorkeling in beautiful, clear blue water, sight-seeing, and shopping.

4. Winter Park, CO (2002) First and only ski vacation.

5. Cancuun, Mexico (2004) - the most beautiful beach I've ever seen at La Isla de Mujeres.
6. Belize (2004) - visiting the Altan Ha ruins.
7. Roatan, Honduras (2004) - Beautiful beaches except for the sand fleas, but depressing local life.
8. Cozumel, Mexico (2004 and 2005) - I found my happy place! It's on a private beach on a chaise lounge under a palm tree umbrella while I drink a Pina Colada and read a good book. I also went snorkeling with my sister and the kids.
9. Washington DC (1988 and 2005) - lots of walking and lots to see!

10. Grand Canyon, AZ (2008) - You can't deny God's existence when you see it. Also went to Phoenix, Sedona, National Monument, and Scottsdale.

11. Orlando, FL (most recently 2008) - all things Disney.
12. New Orleans, LA (1995 and 2009) - Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
13. Las Vegas, NV (most recently in 2009) - when I turned 21, we began having annual trips, but after about 1990, we didn't go back quite as often.

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Photo Hunt

My third week.

The theme is Water.

This is a waterfall near Austin, TX.

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Thursday Thirteen # 23

Image courtesy of Jenn at Enjoying the Ride. Thanks, Jenn!

We spent spring break in Orlando and frequented all four theme parks. It was absolutely the best vacation I have ever taken with my kids! I've been to DISNEY before, but it's so different through the eyes of my children. Here are my Top 13 rides, attractions, events, and shows from this trip. I have pictures of everything, but for conservation of space, I will only post a few right now. You can refer to a previous post (Best ride, best show, best parade) to see some other photos if you so choose.

1. Expedition Everest, a thrilling roller coaster ride at Animal Kingdom. Loved the final plunge!

2. Aerosmith Rock-n-Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), another coaster. Go from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds, plus go backwards and upside down - in the dark! A Rockin' good time!

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - still another coaster at Magic Kingdom. This is one of my favorites because it's timeless and my kids enjoyed it so much.

4. Disney Dreams Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom. The song still sticks in my head! I love the atmosphere, the gorgeous floats, the characters, the elaborate costumes, the dancing, singing. The whole sha-bang!

5. Having our picture taken with the Mouse himself, Mickey, at Animal Kingdom. He even kissed my hand.

6. The Festival of the Lion King, a fairly new show at Animal Kingdom. The costumes were amazing as well as the life-size animatronics. It included singing, dancing, audience participation, and even some great acrobatics.

7. Space Mountain, another roller coaster, and another Magic Kingdom tradition. Loved it not only because it's a great ride, but my children were so excited.

8. The Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom with 110 acres of reserve with natural habitats for lions, elephants, alligators, giraffes, warthogs, various antelopes, and both black and white rhinos.

9. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kindom. This had some great improv comedy that was kid-friendly and included audience participation. It was so darn cute!

10. Test Track at Epcot. This is set up as though you are in a car being tested for its traction, exposure to the elements, braking system, and speed. You're actually in a car-like vehicle going through these "tests" and zooming around an elevated race track.

11. The Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios. I've been on it before, but it seemed new experiencing it through the eyes of my children.

12. The Fireworks Spectacular at Magic Kingdom. We got a tiny glimpse of Tinkerbell, and the flares and fireworks filled us with awe and amazement. The colorful, booming spectacle seemed endless.

13. The Show at the Castle Court at Magic Kingdom. Another display of talented singers and dancers with a great story to go with it. Being up close to all of the characters was memorable.

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I'm Back from Disney...

And exhausted! But I can't wait another minute to share a couple of my favorites from the trip.

What does a pirate pay to have his ears pierced?

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About a "buck an ear" (get it? Buccaneer!) Lame and corny, I know, but it was from the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and I just had to share it.

My Favorite Ride

Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom

"Train ride" roller coaster that's as smooth as silk, yet thrilling with its twists and turns and high altitude. Not only that, but you get to go backwards! There's also a heart-stopping plunge off the top of the peak. In a word, Awesome!

My Favorite Parade

Disney Dreams Come True in Magic Kingdom

Daytime parade with fabulous floats, costumes, singing, and dancing and all of your favorite Disney characters. You can't help but feel happy during this parade! In a word, Magical!

My Favorite Show

The Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom

The sets are magnificent, and they use animatronics on floats with Pumba, Simba, a giraffe, and an elephant, all bigger than life. There is singing, dancing, acrobatics, and these are some talented performers. You'll be tapping your toes whether you want to or not! In a word, Fabulous!

More of my favorites to come in the near future. Consider this an appetizer. I noticed many of you are planning Disney trips in the near future, so if you've got any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

On our Way to Disney!

Hi everyone! I am so excited! We are leaving for Disneyworld early Sunday morning for six days of fun-filled adventure. I am taking my 11 year old twins, and while, ideally, I would have taken them when they were younger, it was an issue of affordability. Disney is expensive! They are very excited as well, needless to say. My mom is going with us, too, although she may not have the energy to keep up with everything we do. She'll try, though.

If you leave a comment for me, and I don't answer right away, it's because I'm meeting Mickey, Minnie, Winnie, and Tigger at ToonTown! I AM SUCH A BIG KID!

In the meantime, here is a link to our photos from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Rascal Flatts concert.