One day for lunch we went to Fadis, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Houston. I don't know why we were put in this fancy room. We ate humus, pita bread and a huge chicken Shawarma. It was all delicious.

























We had the fun of going to El Bolella, the largest Mexican bakery in Houston.

We all took a tray and picked out the goodies we wanted to buy from hundreds that were displayed in cabinets.

Jo took us to Bayou Bend in Houston. It is the former home of Ima Hogg, a famous philanthropist. She had a great collection of American antiques dating from 1620 to 1870. She never married so gave her home which she made into a museum and the surrounding gardens to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Her father put in his will that they should not sell their home (not Bayou Bend- the home that her and her brothers grew up in) until 15 years after he died. He thought there would be oil discovered there. He was right and the Hogg's fortune came from oil on their land.











It was great to go through her home and see all the treasures and learn how people lived in 1620 to 1870.






























Hunter and Karsyn in Ima Hogg's beautiful gardens. We were told that this area is filled with beautiful flowers in the Spring.














Grandpa getting a haircut from Jo.

Lots of Food!

We went to Menchies, a frozen yogurt place that has so many flavors. You take a cup and choose what delicious concoctions you want to put into your cup.










I enjoyed eating my "Texas Chow Down." The baked potatoes had so many wonderful goodies piled on top of it even some Texas barbecue meat. I enjoyed every bite!





We went to Carl's Barbecue, a eating place close by Hockley. Rich's mom and Beck also tackled a "Texas Chow Down." Rich's dad and mom are moving back to Texas and they came to the U.S. to look for homes. If they find a home, they will leave Australia in the next month or so.

Carl, Jo, Hunter and Karsyn meet us here to say good-bye. Carl's brother, James came too. James was in Texas to run the Houston marathon.










Beck fixed us some great meals. She is wearing the apron that Mary Ann made for her to use on her mission.

Welcoming in 2012 with the Frantz Family!

As you can see by the photos we had a great New Year's Eve Party with Dave, Catherine, Brian, Elizabeth and Ben. We had hats, noise makers, drinks, lots of pizza and chips. We had a fun time playing the candy game and making a time capsule.I even did my witch laugh that traumatized the Frantz family.

Trip to North Carolina to visit Dave's Family

Ben was anxious to fly his remote control plane that he got for Christmas. We went to a near-by park where there was a big open space. It was very exciting when Ben flew it high and made it circle around the field. We all got a little nervous when the plane headed for the tress but Ben was able to steer it in the opposite direction and avoid any crash.







































We enjoyed going to Brian's favorite eating place. Brian ordered Pizza and we had the new experience of tasting Blue Cheese Chips.


















We had the neat experience of getting a close up view of the moon by looking through the Frantz family's telescope.

Trip to Dave's home in Chapel Hill

I didn't realize that I could not post more then 5 photos on a post so my effort to put the photos in their right order was destroyed. Also all the text explaining our activities in North Carolina is in my first post, so I will try to put some repeat text in this post and other to follow.


Elizabeth painting Grandma's fingernails. She did such a great job using two colors. I felt pretty fancy! Elizabeth painted her fingernails too.

Grandpa enjoying a game of chess with Brian.








Ben received a Lego kit for Christmas. He did a great job of constructing it with a little help from his dad.

Brian wearing his rock climbing harness that he got for Christmas. He loves to go rock climbing.

Ben showing us his scooter that shoots out flames when he puts on the brakes.

Brian making bracelets for us out of parachute string. You can see what a great job he does of creating them.

We enjoyed lunch in Old Salem.