Thanks for the feedback! I actually found ~$175 fares back home so I may just go home and see the family, and plan a more in-depth spotting trip for after the new year; I haven't quite decided yet.

Tex, you're actually thinking along the same lines I was... somewhere that's an easy/short hop from IAH. Alas with my busy work schedule an overnight would be pretty tough, but I think I might feel a bit rushed if I try to do a spotting trip all in the same day. We shall see; I'll also check out the MR forum.