Christmas Weekend Road Trip

We spent the night with Jenna and Jared Christmas night. The next morning we headed out with no firm plans or reservations. We just headed to the east part of the Hill Country. The only thing on the agenda for sure was to hit a few BBQ joints (Jared's fav). Our first "sample" stop was Southside Market & Barbeque in Elgin. We made other BBQ stops in Smithville, Lockhart, and Luling. (I think those are right.)  We had a meal at Neighbor's Kitchen and Yard which sits off the Colorado River in Bastrop. We saw some pretty country and great architecture. We spent the first night there in Bastrop.

The second day we made our way over to Fredericksburg. We got to go back to The Grist Mill for a chicken fried steak (Rick's fav), Enchanted Rock, and a local show.

Ready for another weekend road trip anywhere anytime!

Christmas 2014

The Davis/Ferguson families had our Christmas on Tuesday, December 23. We originally moved it from the 24th to the 23rd because Justin was to be at the station. Unfortunately, he came down with the flu and did not even get to be with us on the 23rd. We had a good meal followed by a visit from Santa. We then had some fun together playing games which I love to do! It was also great to have Greg, Lisa, and baby Anja with us. Next year....hoping for Chad and Tara to be home from Singapore.

Rick and I attended our candlelight service on Christmas Eve. It was such a special time! Then on Christmas Day we got to have lunch at Justin and Keelie's; she had cooked a great meal. (Justin was feeling much better.) 

A Blessed Christmas!!

 Christmas Girly Party

Keelie hosted her annual Christmas "Girls Only" party last night. All of us PJ-wearing girls look forward to this event so much. She has been doing this since almost the first year she and Justin married. Jenna drove up after work. Lisa and baby Anja got to come this year for the first time. Keelie prepared a delicious menu as always! We did a fun gift exchange/stealing game. We always leave blessed by the fun we have enjoyed with family and friends. And... we leave with a plate of cookies! 

Glory was so thrilled to get to hold Anja.

  Lisa, Marilyn, and baby Anja

37 Years!

Then.....

And now...

So blessed!

White Chocolate Party Mix

I just needed something quick for a Christmas thingy. Let me say....this stuff is addictive!

*5 cups Cheerios

*5 cups Corn Chex

*2 cups salted peanuts

*1 lb. M & Ms

*1 package  (10 oz) mini pretzels

Now some recipes call for 2 packages (12 oz each) white baking chips.

I just melted one package white bark instead.

It's light and sweet. Did I mention it's irresistible?

Our Final Advent Activity  -- Movie

Justin and Keelie returned from their anniversary trip late last night. (Based on lots of photos, I think they had a great time in Philly and NYC.) Last night was also the last  "advent activity" that we got to do with Jonah and Glory. I enjoyed all of them as much as the kiddos. 

Tonight's was.....

Advent Activities  -- Jesus's Cake & Bingo

Justin and Keelie are still on their anniversary trip. Therefore, we are continuing doing Jonah and Glory's  "advent activity" each afternoon. I think I'm enjoying it as much as they are. 

Yesterday's was...

Today's was...

Papa even played! (I think he just wanted some M&M's.)

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

A little goodness this morning.....

1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 40 mini-muffin cups.

Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups (about 1 heaping teaspoon). Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.

Advent Activity  -- Christmas Lights

While Justin and Keelie are away this week on an anniversary trip, we are helping with Jonah and Glory. Each afternoon we have been picking them up from school. After a snack and homework time, we open their "advent activity sack." Today's was........

So after a "healthy" dinner at Wendy's, we drove through the Loy Lake Christmas Lights Display. 

So fun!

Back to a 5th Wheel

Yep. We recently traded in the class C and went back to a 5th wheel trailer. We missed the space that a 5th wheel gives you. The comfort, space, and storage in this one is so nice. We are truly "at home" in it.  

We just got back from another trip to Lake Joe Pool.  I took a couple of Christmas things and a strand of lights to decorate the RV with just for the fun of it. The lights were a little "Griswald" but who cares! We spent time with Jenna and Jared; they are about 15 minutes from the lake. Lots of good food, fun and house hunting (for them).

Christmas Decor

Scenes from the living room........