“Good Day Sunshine”

On Friday morning, after leaving Joey’s, we headed west in Louisiana. It was a long haul, but we made it into Texas and Joe was determined to make up some time on our trip. We met some great people and got a lot of tips at the Welcome Center…and also our first sense of Texas pride…and SIZE!

After we had stretched our legs a little, Joe wanted to keep on truckin’…  So we opted for a quick, drive-thru dinner and we made it all the way to College Station, TX! It was a really neat area and fun to see, even if it was just through the windshield. Go Aggies! We experienced our first overnight stay at Walmart and it worked out great! Joe popped in the store for a few essentials, early on Saturday morning, and then we had our breakfast sights set on…The Silos Baking Co. in Waco! 😉

It was only another 2 hours of driving to get there. We easily found a spot to park Eleanor on the street, right by Magnolia, just as they opened. (Yay!) But we came around the corner to find out…..almost 100 other people had the same idea! (Boo…)

1471 Miles to be exact!

There was a 20 minute wait for the bakery, so we decided to walk around and get our bearings.  Luckily, they also had a food truck for the bakery, in a different area, that was selling a few of their selections! We probably over-indulged…but it was worth it!! EVERYTHING was delicious!!

The Magnolia grounds were incredible…but it was HOT!!!!!! Whew! This was, by far, the most intense heat we had felt on the trip. Thankfully, they have several shaded tables where you can sit and enjoy the view. The heat didn’t keep the boys from playing in the green space for a little while. They loved it!

While they were out there, Joe and I enjoyed the fans and shade under the big pavilion. After about 10 minutes, a sweet couple came to sit at our table, also to escape the heat. Our new friends, Allen and Denise from South Texas, had stopped by Magnolia for a few gifts. We talked for a long time about traveling and family. It turns out they are originally from Pittsburgh, so we reminisced about the East Coast for awhile!

 

They were excited to visit Chip and Joanna’s restaurant, Magnolia Table, since they hadn’t gotten there during their previous visits. So were we!! Then Allen told us his text said they had 100 people in line in front of them!!! 

Uuuuuuhhhhhh…

So after a jam-packed walk through the market, we settled for yet another food truck option for lunch. We had the Demo Day Hotdogs and the Dog Pile chili bowl…and everything was SO good!! I’m definitely glad we visited Magnolia. It’s incredible how they’ve built their business. On the grounds, they spared no expense. It’s very thoughtfully laid out. They have paid attention to every detail – I really appreciated that –  and the customer service was top notch. But, as the day wore on, the overwhelming Saturday crowds, were a little much for us. (Obviously, I still left with a few trinkets 😉 ) It was great for a pass through visit…but we were also excited to get to our next stop.

We got back in the RV and headed just out of town to visit some sweet friends. Some of you may recognize this guy!!

(Thanks for reppin’ Hereford, Craig!)

Craig, Lori, and their three kids moved from The Hereford Zone down to Texas last summer. It was a big loss for us, but we are so happy for them. Craig used to play piano with us and we enjoyed getting to know him and his sweet family. We miss them a TON and this road trip was a great excuse to get to see them!

They were so gracious to host us at Ranchito Azul. Their town, Mt. Calm, TX, was also HOT, so we enjoyed just relaxing together in their family room and catching up. Aiden and Brady had so much fun playing with their youngest son, Ben, who is close to their age…and their (well, Casey’s!) new puppy, Bella. ❤

In the evening, they treated us to a BIG family-style meal and some great conversation.

When dinner was over, they were excited to take the boys down to feed the horses. I think the excitement took over, because after enjoying some time with Lori in the kitchen, she and I realized that the guys left without us! So she drove me down to meet them on the 4-wheeler! Mama Power!

 

When we got there, it was sweet to see Joe, Craig, and the boys in hog heaven. Their ranch is just beautiful and there is room enough for everyone; cows, horses, and even a donkey! In fact, they just recently had a baby horse. So cute!!! And the baby LOVES to be pet and snuggled. Actually, if you walk away from him – after petting him awhile – he will follow you and try to nuzzle!!  He was my favorite. 😉

After spending some time with the animals, we rode back to the house and I believe someone told three little boys something about driving 4-wheelers… Hmmm… And yeah, you guessed it, they had a BLAST!!

In the meantime, I was hanging out with Lori and Sandon (their oldest) who were telling me hilarious stories about the neighborhood and adjusting to Texas life. 

When it got dark, we went inside for ice cream and then said goodnight. We spent a cool and peaceful night in the RV that they hooked up outside Craig’s workshop. On Sunday morning, we had a quick breakfast and a sweet goodbye before we had to get back on the road and all head off to church. We even saw a real life armadillo in the front yard as we were leaving!

Thank you, Leavers Family, it was SO great to see you! We love you! xo

Stayed tuned for the rest of Sunday’s installment: Texas, Part Two ❤

Joe’s 10 surprising things about driving an RV:

1. When you enter a traffic circle, you’ll probably have to go around a few times until you can gauge the turn to get on the correct exit.
2. Being blown onto the shoulder when the tractor trailers drive passed you on the highway.
3. Working brakes – who knew?
4. Being passed by old ladies, going the 75 mph speed limit, when you’re in the slow lane putting pedal to the medal to go 60.
5. Rookie mistake: carrying a full tank of water and adding tons of weight to the RV, drastically decreasing the gas mileage. Oops.
6. Everything’s bigger in Texas…except exit signs and junction markers. We’ve spent quite a bit of time “recalculating.” 😉
7. When the cruise control is working so hard to get Eleanor up the hills, it eventually gives up and shuts off.
8. It is possible to fill up three times in one day. (see #5. Oops.)
9. Stopping at yellow lights – yeah right!
10. Having to make sure the side door is closed and locked before take off – every time.

Miles so far: 1896

| “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” – Acts 2:46 |