Spring Break in Texas!

After a long hard semester for Daniel, we were able to get away for a week and fly to Texas for Spring Break and Easter with Daniel's family. The week was packed full of excitement and visits with family and friends.

We started off the week by going to the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo. My friend Anna Shurtleff who now lives in Dallas flew down to spend the day with us. We also met up with Daniel's high school buddy, Eddy, of the Houston Police department, who kindly offered us a police escort throughout the day (he was on carnival duty). While we road the rides, he kicked out annoying teenagers. Later that night we met up with Daniel's brother Michael and his girlfriend to go to the rodeo followed by a Dierks Bentley concert. Having only a few hours of sleep the night before, we made it through a couple songs before having to bail and head home.

Friday morning began the weekend we've waited for all year! The family tradition is to spend Easter weekend at the Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas. We missed out last year, so were anxiously anticipating this year. Loading the car begins early Friday morning, and sometime before lunch the hope is to be on the road. Some of us stopped in Gruene, Texas, for lunch and then caravanned the rest of the way to Bandera. Arriving shortly before dinner, we unloaded a little before the weekend of eating began. The one thing you do at Bandera is eat! And then you eat again! It was so good to be back in south...where good ole' southern food is at your fingertips. Meals at Bandera are served family style in the dining hall. Our combined families took almost two tables. Apparently for twenty years now the family has monopolized the lodging, dining tables and ranch over Easter weekend. But, that just means we get special attention!

After a welcoming dinner of fried catfish and cornbread, we were entertained by a trick roper. Of course, everyone but me (Erin) knew this routine. So, when my sly husband had prearranged my volunteering for the trick roper, I was in for some trouble! He had me so tied up, blind folded and then was breaking off spaghetti noodles in my mouth with a whip. I don't usually mind being put on the spot, but I must say this had me a little nervous at times. I'm not one to enjoy the unexpected! We all watched the Texas sun go down and Daniel and I were too tired to do anything else.

Saturday morning came with a pancake breakfast followed by horseback riding. It was a beautiful day so I was determined to soak in the rays as much as possible. Between walks, horseback riding, reading by the pool, and chatting with family it was already lunch time. Saturday lunch is the favorite among most of the family. But, I would just have to say the meals got better over the weekend. Fully stuffed (again!), we took the afternoon to play some volleyball, swim, horseback ride again, and enjoy the ranch. Late in the afternoon some of us went into town and I found me some real deal cowgirl boots!! I had been looking, but no luck until then. I finally felt like I fit in with the rest.

Sunday morning brought Easter! For me, Bandera was different than what I'm accustomed to for Easter. But, it was a fun change. Of course, we had a giant Easter breakfast followed by an Easter Egg hunt for the kids, more horseback riding, and beginning to pack up. Sunday lunch was by far the best! I'm not sure where we all put it, but there weren't many leftovers from that fried chicken and all the fixen's delicious dinner.

Daniel and I left a little early on Sunday. I had never seen the Alamo so we were going to take a detour back to Houston and visit San Antonio and finish up with dinner at my cousin's house. We had a fantastic Sunday afternoon seeing the Alamo and the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. We then had dinner with my Cousin Gail and her family that evening. They had never met Daniel and vice versa so we had a great time catching up. Unfortunately, we had a long drive back to Houston that night...did I mention we were tired? The Lutzes know how to go!

Monday was a little more relaxed with a trip to College Station to visit Texas A&M, Samuel (Daniel's brother) and Sarah (his cousin). Marjie and Michael came along too. We got to visit with long time friends, the Kriels, and Daniel showed me a little more of A&M since the last visit before we were married was so quick.

Tuesday we picked up some more long time friends, the Buckleys, and headed to Galveston, Texas, along with Marjie. This was another part of Texas I had never been to and wanted to see. We saw the sea turtles, the city's museum, and had lunch along the water. Daniel and I both agree we love gulf coast seafood! It was a little chilly that day, but the sun was shining. Later that night we met up with Daniel's dad's side of the family for dinner. We had brought some Oregon wine to share and had a great time reminiscing from the wedding and sharing funny family stories. It's never a dull moment when you get the Lutz family together.

We flew home Wednesday, hardly believing how quickly the time had flown by. But, we saw lots of people and really enjoyed the vacation.