Houston Art Car Parade 2015

Everyone always talks about Austin and their campaign to "Keep Austin Weird," but we have our fair share of artsy, strange types ourselves. The best place that I have ever been to people watch was the Houston Art Car Parade in downtown Houston. The Art Car Parade is open to anyone that wants to decorate a car in a unique way and drive it down the street. I have never seen so much creativity in one place. It takes all kinds...

The Houston parks department had an entry...

This car had a calliope built into the back of the bed.

Lots of unique paint designs. Some professional, some not.

This car was COVERED in sea shells. EVERYTHING was covered in seashells including the steering wheel, insides of the doors, etc.

Someone even decked out a plane.

Many of the drivers dressed up for the big day.

Some of the cars had props to enjoy.

This one was covered in fruit.

This car was my favorite. This was the most beautiful paint job and it shimmered in real life.

Of course we had a take some pictures.

We found a little patch of bluebonnets.

We love exploring our city.

My Baby is 14!

I took an online quiz the other day and it said that I have the spirit of a 16 year old. Therefore, I cannot believe that I have a 14 year old daughter! Waaah! 

Where has the time gone? 

I know that everyone always says that, but seriously?!!

It seems like yesterday that I was rocking her in the middle of the night while she cried. It was not that long ago that I was sitting in the middle of the bed crying when Shane showed up from work because she had cried all day. We dragged her from hither to yon as we finished our undergraduate degrees and then our masters degrees in Illinois. She grew up with us.

We are getting old...sob.

So, in our old age we are beginning decisions about endorsements and pathways through high school that lead to college academics. Meanwhile, Grace and all of her friends are discussing the vehicles that they think they will be getting. Drivers Ed starts next year. Oh my.

Dad was gone for Gracie's special day, but as soon as he got home we did it up right! Ice cream cake anyone?

Another reason that I love the Houston area - strawberries are ripe in January! We hit up our favorite patch. 

 Of course it's not a birthday without friends. We had the compadres over for ice skating and a sleepover. Discovery Green is a park in downtown Houston that has year round programming of all different sorts. During the holiday season (and a little after) they install an ice skating rink. 

 We also checked out an art exhibit of fiber optic lights in the park that was very cool. It was a beautiful and cold night. 

 Just when I think that she is getting so old, she showed up in the kitchen like this.

She and the littles were in some kind of battle. I'm going to keep thinking of her like this for a while longer.