How all 6 of my sisters (and cousin Cheri) us managed to be able to get away together is a blessing. Our girls trip to Texas will never be forgotten.
Kristin and Cheri flew in from the East coast and Sarah, Emily (& baby Nixon) and I flew down from Utah. Our flights lined up just about right so Hollie could pick us up together and then it was off to our first stop in Waco.
Driving 3 hours in the car is super fun when you have a stop at Buc-ees in the middle. Kristin was telling us about how amazing it was and it wasn’t until we stopped that we saw it for ourselves. It’s a GIANT gas station that has probably 50 gas pumps .The store is more like a grocery store. Super clean bathrooms are just one of the perks. They have clothing, crafts, home decor, fun snacks and even serve fresh BBQ sandwiches, homemade chips, roasted nuts and their famous Beaver nuggets. Needless to say, we stayed there for a while oohing and ahhing. But dont’ worry, we would stop at another 4 Buc-ees during our trip because it was just so fun and delicious.
Hollie brought all of Chip and Joanna Gaines books and we read some of them on our drive to get everyone up to speed on their story.
Our first impressions of Waco were just as they seemed…run down and a bit sketchy.
However, our Air BNB was the most darling 2 story house. Every single detail was thought about and we were welcomed with fresh baked cookies and eye candy galore. We spent the first 20 minutes checking out every room and falling in love immediately.
We got to sleep in and then it was off to our reservations at Magnolia Table for breakfast. The restaurant was just darling and because of “social distancing”, it didn’t seem overcrowded.
I wanted to order everything on the menu, it all looked so good. We tried the hash browns, lavendar donut holes, dark hot chocolate, crunchy french toast with strawberries and buttermilk biscuits. We were so full we didn’t eat anything else until later that evening!
After that we drove over to the Silos district to shop. And shop we did! The place was nearly empty and I think all 6 of us were basking in the glory of not being rushed by children or husbands.
I loved being able to browse every nook and cranny of each shop including the new markets that had just opened up. I bought a really cozy sweat suit, perfume, a Christmas book, and some pens. We also went to the Magnolia discount store and found a few fun treasures.
We picked up Torchy’s Tacos for dinner but it took almost an hour! And hit up Goodwill too.
We watched a really cheesy Christmas movie at our Air BnB and then crashed.
Day 3: San Antonio
We said goodbye to our cute place and headed back to the markets for a few other items we decided we wanted before we left Waco. I added 5 candlesticks to my collection and was so excited to use these for holiday dinners!
We drove to San Antonio and visited the Alamo and walked along the Riverwalk.
Sitting on our hotel beds, we did a “favorite things” gift exchange. I got Joanna Gaines new book and some lip gloss.
And a quick trip to the rooftop hot tub that overlooked the city.
I’ll never forget our hotel stay and how we had to call the front desk multiple times because our neighbors were so loud. Kristin’s call was the best, “He–llo, it’s us again. We cannot go to sleep because it’s still too loud. We have 2 pregnant women and a newborn.” haha. The staff was so kind and refunded our night’s stay and finally got our neighbors to quiet down.
Day 4: Austin
Left San Antonio and headed to Austin. But first a stop at Buc-ees for treats and souvenirs. That place is amazing.
We dropped Kristin off at the airport to fly home and then drove into the city to explore.
I love biking in new place, so it was really fun to bike around Austin with Sarah and Cheri. There were lots of protests going on due to the election results. (Biden vs Trump)
On our way out, we stopped at some fun murals just because we could and got Gourdough’s and Bulfina’s pizza for dinner. Both were amazing!!
Pulled into Lake Jackson where Hollie lives and worked on a quick wooded bead garland for our Christmas trees and then went to bed.
Day 5: Lake Jackson
Went to Hollie’s church in Lake Jackson and then took a Sunday stroll on the beach right by her house. It was beautiful!
After a relaxing afternoon at her house, we drove to Houston to catch our flight home to Utah.
I’m so thankful Brandon made it possible for me to go. I will cherish these memories together and so grateful for my sisters and Cheri, who is like a sister!
