One Horse Open Sleigh and Dinner

Thank you to our God that created all of this for us.  Oh what a night.  Sort of like a fairy tale.  Horse driven sleigh through the snow covered forest.  This is our second year going to the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.  We will be back!

The sleigh ride was about 25 minutes.  There was a light so we could see our way and bells on the horses to add to the atmosphere.

Here is a video or the ride.  Click to watch

One of the people guiding the horses owned a blue healer.  The dog followed us the whole time.  She said that he was never far from her.

 There's the dog again!

 It was a perfect night.  A chill in the air, jingle bells, beautiful scenery, perfect company.  God was right there with us.  I know He always is but He felt extra close this night.

 The lodge.  Time for a meal and some music.

 Our own table for two.

 Right by the Christmas tree.

 Well, you knew there had to be a roaring fire in the fireplace.

 Mike found something to read!

 There were two sleigh rides.  We were the on the first.  After the second group arrived we had dinner.

 The crowd hasn't arrived yet.

 Time to eat!

 My healthy meal!  The food was all healthy and really good.

This cracked me up.  I asked Mike what he was doing.  He said he was checking out the ham to see if they brought out a second ham.  He makes it look like the ham was far, far away.  It wasn't.

The most special part of the night for me was when Mike got up some courage to dance with me.  Another couple was dancing and had been dancing to many of the songs.  A slow song came up and Mike looked at me and he knew I wanted to dance.  I said he didn't have to but then...he stood up and we danced to a slow song.  It brought tears to my eyes because I knew he really didn't want to and was uncomfortable with it but he did it for me.  Gotta love him!  He is a good man.

 That's a wrap.  We said goodbye to the resident dog and headed home.  We made great memories tonight.  It was extra special for sure.  I am thankful that we discovered this place and can come back again and make more special memories.  God is so, so good!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

I got the white Christmas I wanted!  

We tried something different this year.  We went to the children's service at 4:00 PM.  Oh my!  Both of us were teary watching these children act out the story of Jesus' birth.  It started with a candle lighting and scripture reading. 

 Unique spins on the traditional Christmas Carols.

 Here they go!

 Singing and acting!

 We three kings!

 The best part ever and always, candles and Silent Night!

After church we headed up to the Kilgores to celebrate Christmas with Justin, Kristin, Layne and Lucy.  Julie's tree is always fabulous.

One of the kids said a prayer before they ate.  Then as we were getting ready to eat the kids were all singing Christmas songs.  A beautiful sound!

Justin and Kristin.

Mike

US!

Lucy got an award because she can swim all the way around the dock at the Bead Lake cabin.  She can now be on the dock without a life vest when an adult is there.  Great system for keeping all safe.

Layne is waiting for her turn!

There was a height contest between two of the guys!  MEN! Really?

Kids present exchange!

All the cousins in their new jammies!

The adults had an ornament exchange!

National Lampoon Christmas Vacation.  Remember the green jello with cat food in it.  Well, Julie made some for fun and guess who ate it.  Layne challenged Mike and he couldn't say no!  If you want Mike to do something throw out a challenge.  It works almost every time. Gross!

Going in for another bite!  Really gross!  There is never a dull moment with this man.

Time to say goodbye for the night.  See you later!

This goes right along with the cat food eating.  We got a present delivered from Cabelas and check out the name on the label.  My life is rarely dull with Mike.  

Santa Claus woke me up at 6:15 AM.   What?  I am not 6 anymore.  But you love Christmas Jackie!  Yes, but I could wait to love it until 7 or 8!  Rarely dull, I told you.  I started the cranberries.  They need to cool anyway before dinner.

Yes, Mike requested an apron with a funny saying on it.  He got it.  The hat was not a request but I got it for him anyway.  Pretty cool get up!  Rarely dull!

AHHH,  a new Santa hat.  Mine disappeared somewhere a couple of years ago.  It's a good one.

Snow shoes!  I tried them out in the backyard.  Good stuff!

There is a story here.  I got this for Mike.  When I had my aneurysm Mike was asking God to give him hope.  He thought he would get some food and then look up hope verses in the Bible.  Just then he got a text from Dave.  Dave said it was on his heart to send him this scripture verse.  No coincidence here.  Just another way God had us in the palm of his hand during pretty awful time.

The chef in action!

We had a great turkey dinner with all the fixings.  Happy Birthday Jesus!  I thank God for sending his Son for us.  I love Christmas for so many reasons!