Everything's Bigger in Texas

Recently our family (along with Dee's little brother) took yet another long weekend summer vacation; this time around we visited Texas for a family reunion. I had never been to Texas and was excited for Eli and I to meet more of Dee's relatives...what I was not looking forward to, however, was the 12-hour road trip there. Yes, we were crazy and drove! Add in a small vehicle and nursing infant to the mix, you'd think we had set up a recipe for disaster...but actually our small getaway turned out great. No doubt, the drive was VERY long, but we got to enjoy some scenic views...

Who knew the South could be so hilly, yet also seem MORE flat than Iowa at the same time!?

Eli was also a good sport on our long journey ;-)

We left Iowa Friday evening around 10 p.m. and arrived in Childress, TX Saturday morning just in time for the reunion. I met key family members: uncles, aunts, cousins, Eli's great grandma...along with a large handful of family friends. Dee and I both love to dance so I knew I fit in with this family the moment I saw these t-shirts. So jealous we didn't order them in advance!!

While Saturday was full of reunion activities, Sunday we departed Childress and headed two hours north to visit Amarillo: one of the cities Dee grew up in. Dee reminisced while I received a full fledged tour. We had lunch at "The Big Texan" where not only has my father-in-law previously worked, but is also the home of the 72 oz. steak challenge (as seen on Man vs. Food). We did not partake in the contest, but definitely consumed our fair share of amazing BBQ!

Even though our trip in its entirety only lasted ~72 hours, it was definitely worthwhile for the memory books! I even lucked out with the weather cooperating for me; I couldn't have asked for a better Texas weekend.

After our multiple short excursions this summer, I'm hoping our next vacation will be as fun (but a much longer) venture :-)

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