Quick Trip

Today we took a quick jaunt to Galveston to see my cousin Mason. He just entered a transitional living facility for people with brain injuries about a week ago and is bored out of his mind. The severity of his injuries from his accident almost 2 years ago are minor compared to many of the other patients, so the rules in place are intended for people that are a lot worse off. He can't have a vehicle or leave by himself, and me and another cousin who lives around Houston are the only family nearby. So, Chris and I went and checked him out for a few hours.

We had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, which was my first time there. It was a lot of fun. I thought Clara might be slightly terrified of the animatronic elephants and gorillas, but she did just fine. But then again, we did have the forethought to make sure we weren't seated by the gorillas unlike some people we know :) There was someone dressed as an alligator walking around and I thought for sure she'd freak out at the mere sight of him, but she surprised me again and did just fine. He even sat at our table and perused a menu, offering suggestions and she allowed it. She watched him closely, but no fits were thrown.

Clara on safari in the gift shop

We hung out at the beach for awhile. Clara was fearless.... until a wave caught her off guard and she tumbled into the sea. She got over it pretty quickly though and was right back in. We played in the sand and then we tried to pick up some dead jellyfish that had washed up on the beach.

Here's Mason and Clara chillin' on the beach. He's a natural with the babies :) Actually, he is much better since he's been an uncle for almost a year. He's a pro now.

After the beach, we went to The Strand and we got the best parking spot on the street. One right in front of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! Mason and I split a caramel apple rolled in pecans and drizzled with white and milk chocolate. Yummmmm! I shoulda gotten a second one to go. Too bad Chris couldn't have any of it; we had to finish it off without his help.

I gave Clara some change to put in this street musician's jar. She did just that, and then she promptly put both arms around the jar and tried to off with the woman's dough! Little stinker; I bet her daddy put her up to it. The nice lady then played a wonderful rendition of one of Clara's faves, "Old Macdonald".

Then we took Mason back to prison, I mean the center, and headed home. I believe a good time was had by all.