While Gene and Will were off camping with Boy Scouts over the weekend, Henry and I cooked up our own brand of fun here at home. Henry is always up for an adventure, so we had a pretty packed weekend, but, boy, was it fun!
Henry and I had a little sidekick along for the ride. Meet Texas Flat Stanley! My kids never had to do a Flat Stanley project, but they are pretty common in elementary schools and last week, a letter arrived from my nephew Leo. He sent a Shelburne, Vermont Flat Stanley and a blank cut-out for us to decorate and take on adventures. Texas Flat Stanley picked a good time to visit because we were out and about a lot!
Henry's fun started with a playdate with one of his best friends after school on Friday. After saying goodbye to his buddy and to Gene and Will, Henry and walked Ruby and then headed out, with Texas Flat Stanley, to Local Foods for dinner.
After dinner, we popped into Brazos Bookstore to pick up a couple of books for the boys for spring break. Fablehaven fans: the sequel to this middle-grade fantasy series by Brandon Mull is now out!
On Saturday morning, we made blueberry muffins. We rarely make them at home because Will doesn't love blueberries, but my family has been making this recipe for years and years and it was a childhood favorite of mine.
Farmers market visit (always)
And then we went to Levy Park. Have you been yet? This park was originally built in 1941 and is located just across Richmond from the farmers market. We've driven by for years -- after seeing a huge green park space on the map, we had to check it out -- but there was not much there. Renovations started a couple of years ago and the park officially opened on February 25. It is a destination park similar to Discovery Green and Hermann Park. Go visit! I promise it's worth it.
When we parked, we found reading carts full of books and magazines for all ages, an art cart full of art supplies, and a games cart full of board games. There are ping pong and foosball tables.
Henry really wanted to explore the playground, and it is awesome! Check out the many pictures below:
This green walkway winds through the oak tree canopy in the playground.
Levy Park also has a rain garden, a community garden and a dog park.
The grassy area had huge building blocks for kids to play with and a boot camp was set up nearby. Even at 8:30 in the morning, the park was busy!
We found mini putt-putt and cornhole.
Levy sign by Houston graffiti artist Gonzo247.
Later that morning, Henry and I headed to MATCH in mid-town to see Main Street Theater's performance of How I Became a Pirate.
Check out this mural at MATCH! We donated to MATCH and our names are on the wall of the men's restroom! Graffiti art by Gonzo247.
Henry with some of the cast -- his favorite was the pirate Swill.
Gramma and Grampa had invited us over for lunch after the play, so we enjoyed chili and cornbread with them. And Gramma always makes a little something sweet for dessert. And then we all headed to Houston Center for Contemporary Craft because they were having a craft day with all sorts of artisans -- weavers, woodworkers, sculptors and much more!
Whew! We were pooped after our busy day, so we enjoyed downtime at home before heading out to Vietopia for dinner. Pho for Henry, vermicelli bowl for me.
We came home, found our second wind, and made a batch of strawberry jam (using some of the 10 pounds of strawberries we purchased at the farmers market!).
On Sunday morning, Gene called at 8am to let us know they broke camp early when there was a break in the rain and were heading back to Houston. Henry really wanted to go to the zoo, but it was pouring rain! Crazy people that we are, he and I donned our raincoats, grabbed our umbrellas and explored the zoo in the rain. There are plenty of indoor spots and Henry even made his first trades at the Swap Shop. The best thing about the zoo in the rain is zero crowds!
My smiling boy at the zoo
The two of us had a really fantastic weekend together, but we were happy to be reunited with Gene and Will and spend the rest of a rainy Sunday inside, watching movies and making pizza.
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