A few weeks ago, yes I am running way behind, I was invited to check out the annual Houston Auto Show.

My initial reaction was very similar to Long Duck Dong’s “Automobile?”

But I wasn’t drunk, just confused.

“Auto Show?”

I had never been to one, nor did I think it would be at all up my alley.

But, having an excuse to shower and wear a bra and actually leave the house was all too tempting to pass up. So, I thought I’d give it a go.

You guys, it did not disappoint. And I am not being paid to say that. Even though I totally think they should have given me free soft pretzels and nachos.

I told my kid we were going to the auto show and he pretty much did a fist pump.  He is a sucker for cars.

We left my husband at home to watch some dumb basketball game catch up on some very important work and headed over to Reliant Park to check out some cars, yo.

This was an awesome opportunity to get a sneak peak at all the cool, upcoming models.

There were so many cars. I wish I had gotten more pictures, but I have a very fast and sneaky two year old to keep up with.

What really stood out to me was all the new Hybrids. Most every manufacturer had some variation of one. Looks like it’s becoming more and more the norm and I expect to see many more on the streets next year. This makes the environment very happy. It told me so.

My kid, “Sticky Fingers Zapata”, wanted to get in every single car we came across – and they were crazy gracious enough to let him.

And if all this wasn’t cool enough, they had a kid’s fun zone!

Next year -oh yes, there will be a next year -I am going to sign up for one of the many test drives they offer.

On the way 0ut, I came across the new Jaguar Convertible.

My inner Veruca Salt came out immediately.

I want that car now, daddy!

But, alas, I had to settle for a soft pretzel and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Life is so hard, and refreshing.

We had so much fun at the Houston Auto Show that I had to drag my kid out kicking and screaming, assuring everyone around us that he really was my child and I was totally not kidnapping him.

Thankfully, the parking was a breeze and the car was close enough to the building that I didn’t have to drag him very far.

All in all?

A great time!

I appreciate so much the opportunity to check it out and highly suggest you do the same next year.

See y’all there in 2012!

Beep! Beep!