Summer Break: Week Two

It has definitely felt strange not having Will around this week.  Henry has been missing him a lot, so we made an effort to plan a lot of fun activities to keep him busy. Here's a peek at our second week of summer break:

Gene took Henry to the pool last weekend.

A cold front blew into town on Monday, which meant highs in the mid-to-upper 80s, lows around 70 and lower humidity. It was still warm but nothing like a normal June week, so we spent a LOT of time outside.  On Monday, Henry and I explored Hermann Park for over an hour.  First stop: the McGovern Centennial Gardens.

Climbing the Mount

and views from the top

Wildflowers everywhere

It was so pleasant outside that we decided to walk over to the Japanese Garden.  We saw a family of whistling ducks.  

This duckling kept swimming away from his parents.

Inside the Japanese Gardens, we found two more families of whistling ducks

and a night heron.

It was so beautiful!

Henry had to run down the hill by Miller Outdoor Theater 

and then he collapsed because he was exhausted and hot.

We checked on Gramma and Grampa's house and Henry ran upstairs to read Timeriders on a recliner.

Back at home, when the book got too scary, we put it in the freezer (like Joey does in Friends).  Side note:  am I the only one who remembers this episode? Gene and my friend Kelly had no idea what I was talking about when I showed them this picture!

On Tuesday, we went down to Pearland to help at my mentor's library. I don't actually need any more hours for my practicum requirements, but I love spending time with Kelly and always learn something new.  It was such a lovely day that Henry and I ate lunch outside (Buff Burger, per his request!).

Wednesday was another beautiful day, so we took Ruby to the Arboretum.  I can't think of a prettier place in the city of Houston.  

Henry had cooking class for three days this week as well.  His favorite class was Chinese Takeout.  

Thursday was another beautiful day, so we headed to the zoo.  We saw the summer exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs

and visited the new Texas Wetlands exhibit, where we saw whooping cranes and a bald eagle.  

We also rented a pedal boat and pedaled around the lake. 

By the time Friday rolled around, the humidity was creeping back up and we were tired from our busy week, so we literally did nothing but buy a new vacuum cleaner and talk to Gramma and Grampa to wish them a happy 50th anniversary. 50 years!!

Yesterday, after a busy morning, Gene and Henry joined Uncle Mike, Mary and Michael at an Astros game. It was the first game for the cousins and Henry was thrilled to teach them all about the Astros and baseball.  

What a gorgeous week to spend in Houston!