Thankfully the guard, presumably the father of an over-talkative child himself, didn't bat an eye, stamped our passport, and we were through. A exasperated talk about when to speak and when not was had as we waited by the luggage carousel.
But the joke's on him, because we did bring something priceless back to the States with us: Ellen and Megan! We were all on the same flight, where Ellen and I tried to see how many cocktails you could order before the stewardesses refused to bring more, while the kids serenely watched movies.
Theirs was a frustratingly short visit to Texas, as they have to get back to the UK in time for their next holiday to Greece. But still we packed it in, with plenty of froyo and ice cream, art and culture (against the wishes of the children) and even some alligator spotting. There was much complaining about the heat, to which the refrain "it's Houston in August!" was all I would offer.
Pete and Meg's relationship is about as sibling as sibling can be, with him arguing that she isn't trying hard enough at the computer games they're playing together, while she's desperately trying to find privacy from a marauding 6-yr-old, with the odd tantrum and tears (from the parents), while simultaneously doing everything together. It was exhausting; Ellen and I just kept up the drinking routine we'd started on the plane.
It was hot, so we took them to the beach. Beautiful Galveston!
Meg, who used to be small and cute. Now she's big and cute!
Obligatory Ellen-and-Hannah-with-drinks photo.
Down the pier.
S'mores over the firepit.
"Helping" me make ice cream.
Catching a tractor ride at George Ranch.
Put to work at the pioneer's hut collecting the eggs.
I see you!
Sibling love. And, like all siblings, it descended into meaningless violence shortly after.
Can't come to America without enjoying a juicy burger!
Meg makes short work of hers.
They wanted to go for a walk around the Bayou, which we did...in 100F+ heat. No one was happy, apart from me helpfully chanting "told you so, told you so..."
Holiday in Houston.
Our last night meal at a noodle house, with the cat beckoning them to come back soon.
