Houston: Day 5

Today was much lower key...mostly due to the fact that both of the babies were looking a nice shade of pinkish/red. Because of their little burns, we didn't want to take them back out into the sun all day. So...the plans for today were altered a little. Nichole and Kate still went to the pioneer heritage park as planned while the rest of us enjoyed a lazy morning at home. When Nichole and Kate returned (a little after lunch), we were off again. Today's little adventure took us to the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory in Brenham. For those Utahns unfamiliar with Blue Bell, it's quite the wanted item in certain states, including Arizona and (obviously) Texas. They had stopped production a year or so ago because of a lysteria outbreak, but they are making a comeback. Still, because of the decrease in production, the factory wasn't actually open. However, we were still able to tour the little museum and (most importantly) sample some delicious ice cream! I even let Jonas have a few licks. Initially, I'm not sure he was quite certain if he liked it or not, but after a few more licks, I think he and ice cream are going to be good friends.

Dad, Kate, Nichole, Camden, Alisha, Jonas, Krystle, Nolan...with a statue of the iconic symbol of Blue Bell

Mom, Nichole, Camden, Alisha, Jonas, Kate, and Dad

Nolan, Krystle, Camden, Kate, Alisha, Jonas

Alisha, Jonas, Mom, and Dad

Yummy ice cream!

After the factory, we headed back to Krystle's house. On the way, we pulled off the road to take some pictures with the actual blue bells. It was a gorgeous little field arrayed with hundreds of these blue beauties.

When we finally made it back to Krystle's house, we decided to go out to eat for dinner. I would be leaving the next day so we figured this was our last chance. We all decided to have burgers so Krystle and Jordan took us to The Shack. The place lives up to its name! It is seriously a totally dive, but GOOD FOOD! When we drove up, I was a little concerned. The place looked run down and in disrepair. It was an eclectic, hippie place with uneven wooden floors and mismatched tables and chairs. Most of the seating is outside on a patio where parents can watch their kids play on the hippie bus turned playground. It was all a little comical, but the food was great! It is definitely a place I would recommend to anyone looking for a good burger and a unique experience. It was a nice ending to a great week with my family. I can't believe how fast the time went. I wish we all lived a little closer, but I'm grateful for these moments. I'm even more grateful that I have a great traveling buddy to accompany me.