Broken Bow, Day 5: Celebrating Nate’s Birthday in the Best Way
Day five of our Broken Bow trip was extra special—it was Nate’s birthday! Celebrating him in a place that means so much to our family made the day feel even more meaningful. Over the years, Nate has spent quite a few birthdays here in Broken Bow, and each one has carried its own kind of magic. This year was no different—just another memory to add to the growing list of unforgettable birthdays in the mountains.
At the beginning of the year, I set out with one big, personal goal: to read the entire Bible in chronological order. It felt ambitious, maybe even a little overwhelming, but something in me knew it was time to dig deeper—not just into Scripture, but into my relationship with God. And now, here I am at the end of the year… and I did it. I read the whole Bible from start to finish. And it has been life-changing.
River Wandering, Goodbyes, and Night Fishing
By day four of our Broken Bow trip, we had fully settled into that sweet mountain rhythm—the kind where time slows down, your soul exhales, and the only thing on the agenda is to enjoy the moment. It was another day spent at Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that’s more than just a park to us—it’s a piece of our family’s story, full of comfort, history, and the kind of beauty you never get tired of.
Broken Bow, Day 3: Fishing, Hiking, and Train Rides Through the Pines
Day three of our Broken Bow getaway was one for the books—full of fresh air, familiar trails, and the kind of simple fun that fills your heart more than any screen ever could. We spent the day exploring Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that holds decades of memories for our family. From fishing in the clear waters to hiking along the riverbanks and capping the evening with a scenic train ride, it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
Broken Bow, Day 2: Celebrating Carson’s Birthday—Mountain Style!
Day two of our Broken Bow getaway was extra special because it was Carson’s birthday! There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating a birthday while tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by family, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. From the moment we woke up, the day was all about making Carson feel loved and celebrated—and I think we did a pretty great job!
Back to Broken Bow: A Place That Feels Like Home
There are places in life that leave their mark—not because of anything extravagant, but because of the memories made there. For me, Broken Bow and Beaver’s Bend State Park is one of those places. Nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, it’s more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place woven into the fabric of my life and our family's story.
Christmas at the Halls is always a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and joyful chaos—in the best way possible. As our family has grown, so has the celebration. With every new face around the tree, there’s more magic in the air… and let’s be honest, more wrapping paper covering the floor. But that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just about the gifts or the decorations—it’s about the people, the moments, and the memories that get made right in the middle of the mess.
Christmas morning in our home is something I look forward to all year. While the season brings with it a flurry of festive events, bustling shopping trips, and the joy of reconnecting with friends and extended family, there’s something incredibly special about the quiet simplicity of Christmas morning with just the three of us—Nate, Mason, and me.
After our beautiful candlelight service at church—a night already full of peace, worship, and warmth—we weren’t quite ready to let the Christmas Eve magic fade. So once we got home, we traded our church clothes for cozy PJs,grabbed some hot chocolate and a few snacks for the road, and piled into the car for one of my favorite Christmas traditions: looking at lights. There’s just something about driving around in the quiet of the night, car filled with soft music, sipping cocoa, and being surrounded by twinkling lights that feels like pure joy. It’s simple, but it’s everything...
There are certain traditions that anchor the holiday season for me, and our church’s Candlelight Christmas Eve service is without a doubt one of my very favorites. There’s just something so peaceful, so powerful, and so full of wonder about gathering together in worship on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment that cuts through the noise of the season and centers your heart on what truly matters.
Every year, our church puts so much thought, care, and love into creating a moving experience for Christmas Eve—and this year was no exception. From the moment we walked in the doors, you could feel the warmth and anticipation. The sanctuary glowed with soft lights and the atmosphere was filled with joy.
A Quiet, Cozy Christmas Eve...
Christmas Eve usually comes with a whirlwind of activity—getting dressed up, packing the car, rushing to gatherings, and trying to fit it all in. But this year? This year was beautifully different. For the first time in what feels like forever, we had nowhere to be on Christmas Eve day. No schedule. No obligations. Just a quiet day at home, and honestly—it was exactly what our hearts needed.
Christmas with family—honestly, is there anything better? It’s hands-down my favorite time of year. There’s just something so special about coming together, slowing down, and soaking in those moments with the people you love most. The lights, the food, the laughter—it all just feels like home.
This year felt a little different, though. A little more tender. A little more precious....
There are some traditions that just make the holiday season feel complete, and for our family, Christmas cookies at Nana’s is one of those moments I look forward to every single year. It’s the sweetest tradition—both literally and figuratively—and one that brings so much joy, laughter, and togetherness in the days leading up to Christmas.
Saturday was our 2nd annual Friendsmas, and honestly—it was nothing short of amazing. We decided to spice things up (literally!) this year with a fiesta theme to go along with the delicious tamales we had made the night before. It was the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive chaos in the best way possible.
After spending a fun-filled day with the family soaking up all the Christmas magic, we wrapped things up in the best way possible—gathering at a friend’s house to make tamales for our upcoming Christmas celebration!
Every year since Mason was a baby, I’ve made it a point to take a Friday off in December to spend a special day with him and Nate. It’s one of those traditions that started small, but has grown into something we all look forward to year after year. Life gets busy, especially around the holidays, but carving out this one day—just for festive fun and quality time—has become one of my absolute favorite things we do as a family.
Over the years, we’ve made so many sweet memories on these special Fridays. We’ve visited the Gaylord ICE exhibit (which was so cool—literally!), picked out our tree at a Christmas tree farm, visited Santa at Bass Pro Shop, explored Christmas-themed restaurants, and more. We usually sprinkle in some Christmas shopping at the mall, enjoy a festive meal somewhere, and always, always end the night with hot chocolate and a drive around town to look at Christmas lights. There’s something so magical about those quiet drives, sipping something warm, with holiday music playing in the background.
One of the things I look forward to every year is Nate’s company’s Christmas shutdown. It’s such a gift—several days off (paid!) to relax, recharge, and soak in the holiday season. Some years it’s a full two weeks, other times it’s a little more or a little less, but no matter how long it is, we cherish every bit of it. It feels like a deep breath at the end of a busy year, giving us time to be fully present as a family and make the most of the holidays.
And before the official break even begins, there's a little tradition that kicks things off in the best way: a big gathering at Fat Daddy’s on the last workday of the year. It’s become the way to start the season with laughter, music, and the kind of laid-back celebration that sets the tone for the days to come. Friends from Nate’s work—and their wives —come together to unwind, catch up, and welcome the Christmas break with open arms (and probably a drink or two).
There’s something so simple yet magical about this photo—a cheerful little Santa mug sitting in front of the Christmas tree, lights twinkling in the background, everything soft and glowing. It might not be a big, elaborate moment, but it perfectly captures what I love most about this season: the coziness, the warmth, and the little pockets of joy tucked into everyday life.
This year, one of our amazing Jeep Girl Mafia advisors kicked off a brand-new tradition that I hope sticks around for many holidays to come—a group trip to the movies to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! As soon as I heard the plan, I knew I had to be there. That movie is one of my all-time Christmas favorites, and the thought of seeing it on the big screen with my Jeep girlfriends sounded like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
And then it was time for the main event—the absolute star of the weekend: riding the Polar Express! No matter how many times we’ve done it, it never loses its wonder. If I had to choose just one word to describe the Polar Express experience, it would be pure MAGIC.
Saturday is always the biggest, most exciting day of our Polar Express weekend—and it all kicks off with one of our favorite stops: the Grinch’s Lair!
This past weekend was our annual Polar Express Weekend, and it was every bit as magical as always! This tradition is one of my very favorite parts of the Christmas season. It’s one of those weekends where we slow down, soak in the holiday spirit, and make memories together as a family.
Every year, Mason’s Nana gives each of the grandkids a special Christmas ornament that represents something meaningful from their year. It’s become a treasured family tradition—one that adds an extra layer of joy and sentimentality to the holiday season.
Yesterday, I got to be part of one of the sweetest, most heartwarming afternoons I’ve had in a long time. Nate’s grandma—whom we all lovingly call NeNaw—had a special outing with her assisted living community, and I was so honored to tag along.
After spending the afternoon surrounded by laughter, sweets, and the sweet women in my family at our annual Christmas baking party, I slipped out a bit early—but for a very special reason. I didn’t want to miss Mason’s hockey game.
This past Saturday was one of those days that fills your heart to the brim—our 9th annual family Christmas baking party. It’s a tradition that has become one of my absolute favorite days of the entire year. I count down to it every year, knowing it’ll be a night full of laughter, memories, and all the joy the holiday season brings.
Hi!! I am Crystal. Daughter of the One True King, wife to my high-school sweetheart Nathan and Mama to a 13 year old boy named Mason. We're the Halls and we love to travel around Texas {or anywhere, really}. I blog about our daily life, traveling, DIY'ing, and everything in between. Welcome and thank you for stopping by!