Exploring Houston Zoo

It was our first time to visit the Houston Zoo.  Our new family friend invited us here for an enjoyable treat for the kids (and for the kids at heart, hehehe).  By the time we got in Hermann Park Conservancy (where the zoo is located), the place was already jam-packed.  Our friends simply explained to us that it was the start of the spring-break and we should had came early.  And so, we improvised (and a tip to everyone): instead of wasting our fuel roaming around to find a vacant parking lot, we parked in a nearby shopping center.

We paid for the zoo's regular entrance fee: $15 for the adult, $11 for each kid, and free for the infant.  There were maps provided so one can easily get in touch with their favorite animal (the place kindly remind us of Singapore Zoo).  There were also animal shows, information and story-telling, and interactions (like feeding bears and lions, just kidding!!!).  And by the way, if you get hungry, they're selling food inside (just don't expect it's at the regular price).  Overall, it was a nice experience.  The kids enjoyed their stay (especially the sea lion show) ... and I think that's what matters most.

One more thing, when you are in downtown Houston, there's a lot of railways crossing the streets (so be very careful).  I emphasized this since when we were on board a train going to the shopping center where we parked our cars, it hit a car injuring a kid.  Good thing the train was able to apply brakes which prevented a worst-case scenario.  Just a friendly reminder: trains always have the "right of way" and they can't apply break easily like a normal car does.  Light rail trains are quieter than most buses and cars, so stay alert.  And never try beating a train to a crossing, it won't do you anything good.  Information were taken from the Texas Driver's Handbook I'm reading right now... preparing for my license test.

We hadn't stayed long (even if we wanted to).  It's getting late and we still had one place to go before we head home, and we wouldn't want to let go of the opportunity... Jollibee, South Main street (the only one in Houston).  I ordered the chicken-spaghetti meal.  There's a lot of McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King(s), Pizza Hut(s), etc.  But unlike Jollibee, none of them offers rice/spaghetti meals, palabok and halo-halo (among others)... and more "Chicken Joy" and "Yum Burgers" captures the taste, we Filipinos, are used to.  And if you want to meet our "kababayans", this is the place you should go.  Truly nostalgic!!!

We arrived home tired but the day's trips were worth it.  We again thank our Lord for keeping us safe throughout the day and for blessing us with friends that helped us with so many things.  Yahweh bless.
 

Jollibeerthday Surprises

It's Justin's day and the family prepared something fun for him today.  I took a leave and arranged my daughter's absence from her school (so she'll be excused from her exams for the day) just so we can celebrate his birthday together.   Likewise, it's also my mom-in-law's birthday, the more reason there is to be joyous.   

He woke up early, as he had a written exam in the afternoon.  But, apart from that, he's actually very excited for his Jollibee party where all his classmates and teachers are invited as his guests.  So, as soon as we got to school, he finished his exam right away and excitedly waited for the party to be set-up by the Jollibee personnel.  They brought along with them some goodies and giveaways for the kids and of course, they'll never forget, the ever energetic and a little bit naughty, Jollibee.  Maybe it's a part of  the characteristics needed to qualify as the mascot. hehehe.

The kids enjoyed the games and merienda (snacks), but most of all, they had fun being with Jollibee.  I don't know whats with the character, but the kids including my son and daughter really love him.  You know, that twinkle in their eyes and cute laughter, it's just a lovely sight.  And the party ended well... But the surprises haven't stopped, we didn't tell him that his cousins along with our relatives and family in Davao were coming.  So when we got home, he was so happy to see them, that he eagerly showed all his new toys to them as well as talked to them of almost anything under the sun.  I guess he just missed them so much and it's been just a month of not seeing them, what more if it's longer?

 

Since we just had limited time in Gensan, we immediately went to a mall they wanted to visit.  Good thing, since we also wanted to give our children what they were kept on requesting, to play in the fountain within the mall premises.  Actually, it's more of they wanted to take a bath and play at the same time.  I enjoyed watching them play, thinking that if I'm at there age, I would likely enjoyed the same.  But I was kinda  kill joy, i couldn't help to always remind them not to run fast... not to open their mouth to the shooting water... not to... hahaha.  I know it sounds annoying but as a parent, I was only after their welfare.  I don't want to regret something I can prevent.

Then, on our way home, we brought with us some delightful and yummy treats from our friends from Pablo's Steaks and Crabs.  These are gifts for the celebrants, my mom-in-law and my son.  We then enjoyed sharing with each other the sumptuous blessings from our Lord, the blessing of food, health and most of all, life.

Happy birthday to our very own, Justin and Mamang.  We wish you both all the best in life.  And we will always be thankful to the Lord that you both became part of our lives... To Yahweh be the glory.