Out of Africa

Last Friday night, Jason and I decided to have a night out of town and headed to the Serengeti resort north of San Antonio.  We stopped for dinner at the Gristmill in Gruene and had a great dinner outdoors.  The whole town was lit up with white Christmas lights.  It was really beautiful and festive.  We arrived to the resort late and got checked in.  We had reserved a tent for the evening and were so so grateful they had a heater set up in it since it turned out to be pretty chilly.  The tent was nice complete with carpet, a lamp and two queen beds....my idea of camping.  There was a bath house right next to the tent with clean bathrooms, showers, etc.  We woke up the next morning and had breakfast in the lodge which was so so cute.  The entire grounds were beautiful and relaxing.  After breakfast, we headed out for the "safari" adventure that was one of the reasons I booked the resort.  They have golf carts that you can rent, and they give you a bag full of food and send you on your way to this large pasture that has quite a few African animals roaming.  I wish we had a brochure to know the names of all of them, but we had a great time.  Several of the animals would come right up to the cart and eat from your hand.  We had such a great time, and it was definitely a different experience for a night away.  They have large bungalows to rent that sleep several people so I think it would be so fun so go back with a group of friends when the weather is nice.

 Our tent

 The lodge was rustic and beautiful

 They had floor to ceiling windows so you can see all the animals as you eat.

 

 

 

 

 

 Jason made friends with the dog Boomer.

3rd Annual Girl's Night Ornament Exchange

Last Thursday, I hosted our 3rd annual girl's night ornament exchange.  We had such a blast.  I made a few appetizers and wine spritzers, and it was a great night with the girls.  We all brought our competive sides, and the white elephant ornament exchange turned out to be quite the event.  We had lots of laughs and a fun evening.  So glad ya'll could all join this year!

Brandi (with sweet Kinley who after 9 months of pregnany FINALLY let me feel her move that night), Jamison, Lynda, and Melissa

Christi Stover and a few of her girlfriends she brought along

Casey and Beth

Monica, Julie, Valerie, and Me

The ornaments all ready to be chosen

Jamison picked Brandi's squirrel, and obviously she thought it was quite hilarious.  That squirrel caused lots of laughs that night.

 

 Pretty snowflake

 

Don't Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle

Since we hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year, I had to wait until the weekend to decorate for Christmas.  I love when the house is is all festive, and I find myself many nights just staring at the Christmas tree while sitting on the couch.  I used all the same stuff as last year (except for my new tree skirt that I LOVE) but just moved things around to make it look different.  I also got lazy kept things low stress by not putting garland on all the stair rails this year.  Jason's mom came over and helped me put the ornaments on the tree.  Isn't decorating so much more fun when people are helping!?!  Overall, I am happy with the results and enjoying being in the Christmas spirit.  Here are some pics below:

Love my little angel in the half bath

I have been looking for a tree skirt I like for 3 years.  My mom found this one for me this year and I just love it!!

Kitchen table

Kitchen buffet

Glitter reindeer

I am in the process of doctoring up this burlap wreat.  I feel like it still needs some ornaments hanging or something.  Just pretend it is beautifully hanging on the front door for now.  :)

I really like that you can see our Christmas tree when coming up the stairs.

Entry table

The netting on my Christmas tree is one of my favorite things.  I found the same netting in ribbon width at the Nutcracker market this year and couldn't pass it up.  It adds so much sparkle to the garland.

Dining table

Dining buffet

I added this cute plate to the dining buffet this year.

Nativity scene on the wet bar.  Nativity scenes make me think of my grandma every time I walk past.

I found this cute Christmas plate at Marshalls the other day when I was out and just couldn't pass it up.  It hasn't found a home yet, but I'm sure it will soon.

Coffee table and one of my most favortite thing about Christmas....the cards!

The stockings are hung.  We have actually had some cold weather lately so have been enjoying our fireplace in the evenings.

Snow men on the media stand