Barbara Bush, JJ Watt make surprise appearance at Hobby Center

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The crowd pleasing pairing of a former first lady and a Texans fan favorite helped crowds feel the holiday spirit.

'Twas two days before Christmas, and at Hobby Center in downtown, guests were arriving from all around. The decorations were hung on the stage with care, in hopes the Rockettes would soon be there.

The house lights went down in front of a curtain of rose, settling in for a familiar tale of prose. Perhaps children expected a man in a red suit, but there was a surprise no one could refute.

The children moved in to take a close look, the audience gasped; Houston's all-star JJ Watt and former First Lady Barbara Bush were behind the book.

He's known for his tackle and her for her grace, and together they teamed up for a cause -- illiteracy erase!

Houston's First Lady and the Texans best man read together to the delight of their fans.

The spirit of Christmas was alive and well in our city.