Galveston Island

We went to Galveston to play at the beach, but when we drove into town and got to see the city we got really excited!! There were lots of places to eat and so much to do and see. We knew we would not have enough time to do everything we would like to and immediately started figuring out how we could stay longer. The first day we just checked into our condo and headed to the beach, but the second day we did some sight seeing.  Our first stop was The Strand.

This Pirates Museum caught my eye. I thought the kids would like it and it might even be a little scary. Wade had fallen asleep, so Chris stayed with him in the car. I took Rachel, Kate and Luke and we headed inside. It was a cute little museum with a little scavenger hunt. I think I was more interested in it than kids. The kids were just interested in the scavenger hunt and could care less about reading the information and looking at the exhibits. 

As we wandered around The Strand we found this plaque. It showed how high the flood water got during Hurricane Ike. I can't imagine that much water.

I believe this is the first cruise ship I have seen in person. I can't remember the name, but my cousin Gary had worked on it a few months ago. 

We were really amazed at the size. Look at it up against the buildings.

We stopped for some refreshments. Wade sure does think his big brother is cool....too cool!!

My sweet boys.

One thing we were really excited to see were several blocks of Victorian homes. They were all so pretty! We drove up and down the block owing and awing.

This is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church established in 1884.

Across from the church was the Bishop's Palace. It was originally built between 1887 and 1893 as a private residence but later acquired by the church. The American Institute of Architects has listed the home as one of the 100 most significant buildings in the United States. It was really beautiful. One day when our kids are older and don't feel they have to touch everything, I would like to take the actual tour.

We went to Moody Gardens Aquarium on the third day before we headed out of town. It was smaller than we thought it would be. There are several parts to Moody Gardens. I think if you bought the ticket to do everything it would have been really cool.

Sting Ray

Sea Dragon

Penguins

Petting the Starfish

The sharks were really cool. It was neat because they swam over you. We got a really good look at their teeth. Yikes!

We ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe before we left town. We had never been to one before, and the kids loved it. The mechanical animals kind or scared Luke and Kate, but it was fun. Wade even wore a hat for the first time in his life. I was shocked he left it on.

We left Galveston sad because we were not ready to leave. We all want to go back, soon. Next time we will plan at least a week and find a much bigger condo/house. If we have any complaints, it was our condo. It was way too small for six people. Everything else was great even the weather!! This post is really making me want to jump in the car and head southeast!!