Home for the Holidays

Yes, there's no place like home for the holidays. Jon and I were long overdue for a holiday season in the States and we managed to spend Christmas in Texas and New Year's in North Carolina. It was heavenly. After spending a few days in Dallas, Waco and Bryan, we headed south to Bandera for a country Christmas at the ranch. This is where I spent most all my Christmases growing up, and Christmas anywhere else doesn't feel quite the same. 

Ranch House

Ranch House, under the 'Texas Historic sign' stating the house was built in 1855.

We've always had strong traditions surrounding Christmas, and this year was no different. On Christmas Eve, we shared a dinner of tamales and chili before searching for Santa's sleigh in the sky (only to just miss him in our house delivering presents) and afterward we sing carols and read the story of Jesus' birth. Lastly, we open presents. 

Enjoying a glass of Riesling with Aunt Nean, Mom, Laurel and Mandy

This year, we had a guest appearance from Santa Jason, thinking Braxton would enjoy it. But alas, not so much. Poor Braxton was terrified of the man in the big red suit (aka, his dad) and couldn't even look at him. It did, however, definitely provide entertainment for the rest of the adults. 

Santa Jason, Laurel and a terrified Braxton

Santa Jason and an oh-so-happy Jon

Fireplace mantle

On Christmas morning, we woke to our stockings filled with goodies. After a lazy morning, we had a wonderful Christmas lunch in the dining room with turkey and all the fixin's. It was an absolutely perfect Christmas celebration surrounded by family in a beautiful setting. 

Opening stockings on Christmas morning

Christmas lunch

Braxton on Christmas Day

The Catlin-Hicks Family (with Aunt Nean and Uncle Dickie)

We stayed at the ranch the following two days after Christmas enjoying quality time with one another and all the animals and beautiful weather at the ranch. There was lots of sunshine and the highs were in the upper 60s. I loved not having to wear a huge coat every time I left the house. One of the "chores" we had to look forward to each day, usually twice a day, was to feed the donkeys bread. They go crazy over bread and my dad came up with an interesting way of feeding them to see how close they would get. So, we all decided to give the donkeys and Amigo, the horse, who also loves bread, bread kisses. 

Dad giving the donkeys "bread kisses"

Jon giving Amigo a "bread kiss" with Rambo looking on

Me and Rambo, the favorite miniature donkey

In order to utilize the huge barbecue pit behind the ranch house, Jon and Jason decided to have a barbecue cook-off with a pig Jason's boss provided him. Jason cooked it in the Texas-style, and Jon in the North Carolina-style, with a vinegar rub. Both finished products were absolutely delicious! 

Barbecue cook-off on the Barbecue pit

Dad and Braxton walking down to the pit with the guys

 On our last few days at the ranch, the weather was so perfect we wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Laurel, Mandy and I had decided to take a walk along the creek and were met up by my dad on a four-wheeler. We decided to all pile on (along with Laurel's dog) and enjoyed the rest of the tour on four wheels.

Four adults and one dog on a Four-Wheeler

Ranch Vista

The beauty of the ranch, even in December, is so captivating and although I try to capture it in pictures, it simply doesn't do justice. I love this place like none other and have so many special memories spending time here with my grandparents as a child, summer family reunions, Christmases and other holidays and most recently, the place where both my sister and I were married.

On our last night at the ranch, we enjoyed a bonfire in the fire pit making smores and looking at the stars in the clear Texas sky. It was the perfect ending to another perfect Christmas at the ranch.