Thanksgiving weekend took us to Houston this year—a short getaway with no packed agenda, just time together and room for surprises (both good and not-so-good).
We kicked things off the way any holiday weekend should: with a comforting, indulgent dinner at Maggiano’s. Big portions, familiar flavors, and that cozy buzz of families doing exactly what we were doing—slowing down, catching up, and eating a little more than planned. It felt like the perfect start to a weekend meant for togetherness.
Day two didn’t quite go as expected. We had our hearts set on the Houston Zoo, especially for our little one, only to find it closed. The disappointment was real—for us and definitely for the tiny human who was ready to see animals. After a brief reset (and some convincing), we pivoted to the Children’s Museum instead. And honestly, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Watching curiosity take over, tiny hands busy with exhibits, and laughter echoing through the halls reminded us that sometimes Plan B is exactly what you need.
That evening, we took a relaxed drive through holiday lights. No rushing, no getting out of the car—just glowing tunnels of color, soft music, and that quiet magic that Christmas lights seem to bring, especially when seen through a child’s wide-eyed wonder.
Our final day was all about the Galleria. It felt like a city within a city—lively, festive, and full of energy. Ice skating in the middle of a mall still feels a little surreal, but it added to the charm. The children’s fun area gave our little one space to play and burn off energy, while we soaked in the simple joy of watching them have fun.
The weekend didn’t go perfectly, but that’s kind of the point. It was filled with good food, small disappointments, happy surprises, and moments that reminded us why we travel together in the first place. Grateful for the memories, the detours, and a Thanksgiving weekend that felt full in all the right ways.
Kenrick Vaz 