My sister and I just returned from a little trip to Waco, Texas to explore everything Magnolia – built by Chip and Joanna Gaines.  My sister’s birthday is today, and we planned this trip at the beginning of February for a birthday celebration.  It was just the two of us sisters exploring, sight-seeing, shopping, walking, eating, and taking pictures.  Texas did not disappoint.  From the moment we drove out of the airport parking lot we were continuously pleased with the beauty of the green trees and ground that was adorned in many bursts of colorful wildflowers.  It was going to be a beautiful trip!

We stayed in a “farm-y” area/neighborhood in a cabin-like, modern tiny house.  The first morning we took a walk from right outside our front door and were stunned by the gorgeous sights.

We had a scare on the walk back to our place when we saw a large animal a ways off in the distance.  We could tell it was wild by the way it stayed still for a long time and then moved as if in slow motion.  At first we thought it was a bear!  It was large and very furry, but that’s all we could really tell.  Then, we thought maybe it was a wildcat or a wild boar – hahaha!  I zoomed in the best I could with my camera and took a few pictures until the creature took an attack posture (head down and moving now in our direction)!  We didn’t waste any time at all with our exit strategy!  Yikes!  It was a good minute before I was brave enough to check behind us to see if we were about to die from death by wild animal (still weren’t sure what it was).  We looked at the pictures when we got back to safety and this is what we found.

Okay, we know full well that it looks similar to a house cat, but pleeeeaaase believe me when I try to convince you that it was HUGE!  I mean – at one point we thought it was a bear – HUGE!  We tried to look up our mysterious creature on the internet, and there certainly are variations of wildcats in Texas.  However, we still aren’t sure what kind we saw.  We suspect it was an enormous feral cat.

We visited the famous silos and bakery and Magnolia store (and the original Magnolia store a few miles away).  We were surprised that the silos were located in the middle of town.  Both of us had imagined that they were on the outskirts somewhere.  Every single square inch of the grounds was intentionally functional and beautifully detailed – even the restrooms!

The restaurant was fantastically charming- from the outside waiting areas, to the traditional, old-fashioned diner feel of yesteryear on the inside.  Classy and down to earth makes a perfect combination.  Chip and Joanna sure know what they’re doing!

My sister and I enjoy each other’s company so much that I think even after all the many places we were able to see that we had learned about on the show Fixer Upper (their friends’ places and stores, too) that our favorite things were the countryside drives.  We drove and explored the farms and the land for hours.  It was so relaxing and rich a time together.  We discovered a number of lovely places that are off the beaten path.  We dreamed about having land to live on and having huge family gatherings.

Memories and time together are far more precious than anything materialistic.  My sister and I love each other fiercely and affectionately.  She is a one of a kind beauty.

I am as convinced now as I have always been that she is an angel to me.  She has been the most loyal and sacrificing friend I could ever know.  She is a gift that has brightened my days since she was born.  I adore her.  I cherish her.  I am so thankful for her.  Happy birthday, beautiful sister.