We began our trip in Austin, where I tagged along with my husband for a work event. It was my first visit, and I was eager to soak up the city’s atmosphere, especially its famous music scene. Austin did not disappoint. Between exploring the downtown area and spending time in nearby crystal shops to support my chakra healing practice, I felt right at home.
On our last evening in Austin, my husband was finally free from work commitments. After a delicious dinner at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, a local favorite, we walked to Sixth Street. The entire block was shut down to traffic and pulsing with live music. Nearly every bar had a band playing, and my favorites were the spots featuring Latin and Reggaeton. As much as we wanted to keep dancing, we had an early drive ahead of us, so we headed back to rest and pack.
Houston: A Grandparent Getaway
In May 2024, we continued our journey to Houston to visit my husband’s daughter and her baby girl. As any grandparent knows, it’s a joy to spoil the little ones, soak up their laughter and then hand them back to their parents. That’s the beauty of grandparent life.
The drive from Austin to Houston took about two and a half hours, and we couldn’t resist stopping at Buc-ee’s along the way. Now I completely understand the hype, it’s like a gas station on steroids! If you ever drive past one, trust me, it’s worth the stop.
We arrived at my stepdaughter’s home in the early afternoon and spent time with our granddaughter before her bedtime routine began. Afterward, we checked into our Airbnb and treated ourselves to dinner at El Caribeño, a Puerto Rican restaurant. Being from Colorado, where Puerto Rican cuisine is rare, it felt like a special taste of home.
A Weekend of Museums, Animals & Splash Time
The next morning, we headed to the Houston Zoo. There’s something magical about witnessing a child’s excitement over wild and exotic animals, it makes the entire experience feel new again. The following day, heavy rain changed our plans, so we spent the day at the Children’s Museum instead. I hadn’t been to a zoo or children’s museum in at least 20 years, not since my own kids were little. I was surprised to find that the joy is exactly the same.
On our final day, the weather cleared, and we chose to go swimming. My husband, known to his granddaughter as Pop-Pop, spent hours splashing with her in the pool. The water was a bit too chilly for my stepdaughter and me, so we enjoyed the warm air while watching them have the time of their lives.
Before heading to the airport, we stopped by to say our goodbyes. Even though we don’t get to see them often due to the distance, moments like these make every visit count. We left Houston feeling like true grandparents, hearts full, memories made, and already looking forward to the next trip.
