We checked out a fun concert by Brian’s orchestra kids.  They joined the other middle schools and the high school showing off the ever increasing performance skills.  It was fun for all.

Ever hear 80 or 90 tubas come together to play Christmas carols?  It was actually a combination of tubas, baritones and sousaphones gathered for the 39^th annual Tuba Christmas in the Woodlands.  Familiar tunes rang clear and intricate counter melodies swirled beneath them.  It was delightful and worth a listen if you come across one of these.

Neighbors on the kid’s street have gotten into the decorating spirit as well. 

We don’t often get to hear Brian perform but it is time for the Houston Civic Symphony Orchestra Holiday concert so we heading back into town for a couple days. The choirs of Houston Baptist University join the orchestra in a performance of carols and instrumental music familiar and new. It is a great night musically. I love hearing our kids play. Next it is dinner together then overnight at their place. We will hang out and enjoy some tasty grilled steaks before heading back to Lake Rayburn.

It is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so we get an early start. Traffic in Houston is notorious any day but with the added Holiday volume it has the potential to be horrible. Not for us today. We make it to Brian and Johnna’s without incident and ready to share a couple family days.

It is Thanksgiving so of course there is food to talk about:
Crab dip, cookies and banana nut bread
Chicken enchiladas with homemade salsa verdi – that is a great start!
The “whole thing” Thanksgiving meal – turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and apple pie. You go, Johnna. It was all wonderful; and we all ate too much.

Christmas lights go up outside and the tree inside. Maybe half the decorations are out and Brian already claims it looks like an elf threw up. I say it is looking very festive and one just can’t resist getting into the Holiday spirit. Friday evening we head to the Winterfest at Constellation Field in Sugarland. Lighted shapes range from the traditional trees, candy canes and the 12 days of Christmas to the decidedly less traditional; Santa throwing out the first pitch and a giant Texas flag. There is a 10 minute or so light/music synchronized show. We watched it once from down on the field and again from up in the stands. I loved it.

Johnna got the night off as we tried out a new semi-local Italian place, Carmengios. It did not disappoint. They had a grilled mozzarella appetizer that was actually made in a Belgian waffle iron; a fun twist on a favorite, fried mozz. Herbed bread served with an oil and balsamic dip was way too good. There was pasta all around and among us we tried smoky, Cajun, spicy and alfredo sauces plus chicken marsala. No one had room for dessert.

Saturday was shop small-shop local day. We did. We mostly looked but it was still fun as we checked out a farmer’s market and a bunch of little shops in old downtown Richmond. Then it was time to let the kids get back home to relax before they have to get back into work mode for Monday after a whole week off. We say our good byes, gather up some yummy leftovers, and head back to the lake.

Oh, we met the newest pet at the Sayre’s, Rigel: a bearded dragon. I must say he is not as creepy as I thought he would be but as far as I am concerned he is just fine at arm’s reach!