Well, things kind of got off to a rough start around here. We arrived last Saturday afternoon, and our movers were here first thing Sunday morning, ready to unload. Unfortunately, due to an account mix-up, the equity from the sale of our house that was wired to to the title company for our house here was delayed--and we still haven't officially closed yet (but will tomorrow, YAY!). Our movers finally had to to leave on Tuesday afternoon, and moved all of our things to storage. It will be at least another week before they can get another crew here to move it from storage to our new house. Hotel life continues... for another week and a half.
We had really hoped to be in our house and unpacked by the 4th of July (because I'm a crazy person like that, and can't stop until every box is unpacked and everything is hung on the wall), so we could relax and enjoy the day. In the end it worked out like that, because there was nothing we could that do but relax!
One of the perks of living in a hotel is a beautiful pool and hot tub, and we've certainly been taking advantage of it, especially with the weather. It's warm enough that you can swim anytime of day...literally. The night before the 4th we took the kids to the pool and spent hours there, and while they all loved it, no one quite matched the exuberance of my Henry. He is the first one of my children that truly has no fear of the water--almost too much so. Armed with his puddle jumper in place, he would just jump in the pool--regardless of which section, or how deep the water. He didn't care if the water covered his face, got into his eyes, or filled his mouth--he loved every minute of it. Thankfully I had Rick with me, because it was a full-time job just keeping that boy in line. Love that kid.
"One more time, Momma..."
Jack preferred to lounge...
The girls were in action so much, this was the only shot I could get!
All the bigger kids got together and played games--Ryan had a great time.
After we swam the afternoon away, we headed to Market Street for dinner, and the Waterway, which is in the center of The Woodlands. It's spectacular, especially at night. Every tree is always lit in Christmas lights, all year long, and with the water everywhere, it's stunning. Market Street is an outdoor shopping area, with every store you would ever want to see, and plenty of yummy restaurants. There are also fountains where all the kids come and splash--it's a very popular spot, almost all year! We needed to still stay family-friendly, so we took the kids to The Cheesecake Factory for food, and cheesecake, of course! After we finished dinner, we walked through Market Street, and Rick watched the kids while I went into Pottery Barn. ☺
It was a lovely day. We ate seafood overlooking the water, then took a ferry to Port Bolivar, hoping to see some dolphins, which have spotted quite a bit recently in that area. The weather was hot, but not overwhelmingly so, and with the wind from the boat, it was quite perfect.
It was exactly what we needed, especially since we are experiencing homesickness. It was really fun to see more of the state, and we enjoyed the drive to and from--taking in all of the beautiful woods and scenery along the way.
Today, on this Independence Day, I'm so grateful for my freedom, my country, my beliefs, my friends, and my family.
How incredibly blessed are we.
9 comments:
I'm so glad you had such a fun 4th! I love Henry in his puddle jumper...it's a good thing you got those...lol!!!! We missed you, though! But, you don't have to hear me get all sappy about it :)!
You make me want to move to Texas! Hope you get all the kinks worked out and can get into your house soon! We're unloading tomorrow, but it will probably take a week for me to decide where things go...you still may be settled before us! ;-)
It seems to me it turned out being a blessing that your new home wasn't ready! You guys are always so great about celebrating every holiday and not having your home ready for you allowed you to celebrate right with your family! I can't wait to see pics of the new place! I'm excited for you and your new adventure! And your new home town looks AMAZING!
Looks beautiful and almost perfect - if we were there then it would me ;) Glad you're having fun but we're having Wades being gone sickness as well!!!
As always, love all the pictures. That look on Henry jumping into the pool is SO CUTE. He looks so excited.
I'm so glad you are having such a great time.
I hope the move-in goes well.
I admire you for making the best out of a discouraging situation. I miss Houston!
Looks like 4th of July in Texas is perfect!
That's so funny - yes swimming at night! Love it! Did it tons as a kid but since we don't have our own pool not something I've done much of as an adult. And your Henry sounds like my Ashley - she is all over the place in the water! Glad it is starting to come together and glad you found some fun stuff to do in the meantime. My personal favorite part of the state is the Texas Hill Country - San Antonio and my favorite is New Braunfels. LOTS of water stuff to do with the kids but probably better if they are good swimmers. There is the Schlitterbahn waterpark (one of top 10 in the nation) and tubing on the Guadalupe River. I also love Galveston even though I will admit it isn't pretty. But there is a lot of fun stuff to do there and we always have a good time when we go. The South Padre beaches are yes definitely the prettiest. We are thinking of taking a trip there next month too. Haven't been down there in about 15 years! Hope you are getting settled in!
We're a fan of swimming at night too, and I have a picture of my Henry doing the exact same thing--just 1 more time, Mom! Glad you made it and hope you get settled in quickly.
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