2.5th Annual Girls Weekend

I have been to visit my good friend, Stephany, in Houston for the past two Januaries. We threw in an extra summer trip this year so we could see Brandi Carlile at Lilith Fair. Unfortunately, the concert got canceled, but we made up for it (and more) with all the fun stuff we packed into the weekend!

Friday
Ate some world-famous oak-smoked brisket from Rudy's Bar-B-Q. It's located in a GAS STATION but oh-so-good!

Went shopping in Old Town Spring, a quaint little historic shopping village. Did some wine tasting, bought some yummy treats, and found the cutest handmade bird feeder for our Lead house.

Did some "Dancing Under the Dinosaurs" at the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Mixers and Elixirs event. The "buffet" was disappointing (7-Eleven-style nachos) but definitely the best people-watching of the whole trip!

Saturday
Toured Minute Maid Park where the Astros play. Walked right down onto the field (but don't touch the grass!!!), sat inside the team's dugout, and toured the owner's suite. We even saw how the Diamond Club members live. These people paid $20,000 just for the rights to buy season tickets, and then they pay an additional $350+ per game for the actual tickets!! At 81 home games, that's a minimum of $28,350 per year. They have padded seats and all their food and drinks are included. Nice!

Watched the horse races at Sam Houston Race Park. We had Winner's Circle Tickets, which included an all-you-can-eat buffet and the best seats in the house! I lost all my money :( but Steph won $25!

Sunday
Cruised through Clear Lake and Galveston Bay on a bottomless-brunch champagne cruise. It was a little cramped and Steph got motion-sick, but I'm glad we checked it out! There was a really good live musician, a la Eric Anthony who played at our wedding.

Mulled around the Kemah boardwalk. The shops were lame, but the roller coaster was wicked fun! It was one of those rickety old wooden types that scares the shit right out of you. We didn't stay long because it was about 110 degrees (with the heat index) and we were completely drenched in sweat.

Ate some fantastic Mexican food at Chuy's. My enchiladas were stuffed with chicken, squash, and spinach, and smothered with SUPER spicy Texas green-chili sauce. Topped it all off with a Mexican Martini -- green-chili infused tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and a jalapeno-stuffed green olive.

Overall it was another great trip! Thanks so much for everything, Steph. Can't wait to see you next time!!