While our Colorado adventure was full of scenic drives, roadside stops, and bucket list moments… the main reason for our trip was something a little extra special: Mason was accepted to attend the Air Force Academy Hockey Camp in Colorado Springs!
As a hockey family, this was a big deal. Not only was it a great opportunity for Mason to grow in skill and experience, but… hello — hockey camp at the Air Force Academy?! So cool. We knew it was going to be an unforgettable week.
On our way home from the mountains of Colorado, we made another adventure stop…
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. It was right at sunset, and y’all… what a perfect way to wrap up a road trip. The sky was glowing with those dreamy Texas colors that only God can paint, and the row of half-buried Cadillacs lit up like a dusty art gallery on the plains.
Our road trip from Waxahachie, TX to Colorado Springs, CO was nothing short of incredible. From stunning mountain views to thrift store treasures and some “oh wow” bucket list moments, we packed so much into our adventure...and had a blast counting it all along the way. Here's our Colorado trip... broken down by the numbers.
Whether you live here in Texas or anywhere else, I hope this inspires you to make your own list and embrace the sunshine, laughter, and spontaneity that summer brings.
Summer in Texas might bring the heat... but Waxahachie brings the charm! 🌞💛
Our sweet little town absolutely comes alive this time of year...with sun-soaked festivals, hometown parades, local eats, and plenty of places to cool off and make memories with your favorite people. Whether you're a local or planning a weekend road trip, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spots, events, and family-friendly adventures happening right here in Waxahachie this summer.
Here’s what’s on our Waxahachie Summer Bucket List this year:
If you're seeking a unique and awe-inspiring natural experience in the Texas Hill Country, look no further than the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve near Mason, Texas. This remarkable site is home to one of the largest maternity colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the United States, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness millions of bats in flight during their nightly emergence.
Y’all know we love a good road trip around here... especially when it involves chasing sunsets, new adventures, or heading west to the mountains. Over the years...and after many miles on the road, I’ve discovered a few trusty iPhone apps that make all the difference. From finding clean restrooms (you’re welcome, mamas) to discovering hidden gems and documenting the journey... these apps are tried and true road trip gold.
So whether you're road-tripping across Texas or heading into the Rockies like we are this week, here are my favorite iPhone apps to make your next adventure even smoother.
Whether it's something God has laid on my heart during my quiet time, a lesson learned in the everyday, or a verse that won’t let me go...my hope is that these words point you to Him and remind you that you're deeply known and wildly loved.
Pull up a chair, friend. You're welcome here.
We are so excited to be heading to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a whole week of fun, family time, and adventure! It’s a trip we’ve been looking forward to for a while now...and we’re extra grateful to get to experience it all together.
This trip is especially meaningful because our son Mason will be attending hockey camp at the Air Force Academy while we’re there (so cool, right?!), and we’ll be staying with sweet friends who opened their home to us for the week. With seven full days to explore, relax, and take it all in, we put together a bucket list of all the things we’d love to see and do while we're in town.
There’s something deeply stirring about the sight of a flag fluttering in the Texas wind. It’s more than just fabric on a pole...it’s a symbol of sacrifice, freedom, and the blessings we so often take for granted. On this Flag Day, I felt led to pause, reflect, and pray for our nation.
As believers, we know that while we live in this country temporarily, our true citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). But that doesn't mean we take lightly the responsibility and privilege of praying for our earthly home. Scripture reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV):
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
In that spirit, I wanted to share a few simple prayers this Flag Day; prayers for our country, our leaders, and those who defend the freedoms we hold so dearly.
This weekend was a mix of highs and lows...a little disappointment, but also a whole lot of love, joy, and quality time with our favorite people. And honestly, that’s what life’s all about, right? Sometimes things don’t go the way we hoped, but God always finds a way to fill in the gaps with goodness.
Happy National Best Friends Day, y’all! 🖤
What a sweet reminder to pause and reflect on the friendships that shape our lives...the kind that cheer us on, pray us through, and show up in both the chaos and the calm. Whether you’ve had the same bestie since kindergarten or you’re walking into a new season with fresh friendships, today’s a good day to look at friendship through a Kingdom lens.
God created us for relationship, with Him, and with each other. Scripture is full of examples of rich, honest, loyal friendship (I’m looking at you, David and Jonathan!). It’s more than just shared laughs or weekend plans...it’s soul work. So, here are 5 ways we can be godly friends...the kind that reflect Christ in how we love.
Welcome to From the Front Porch—a new series here on Hall Around Texas where I’ll be sharing gentle reflections on faith, family, and the everyday beauty we often overlook. Think of it as a quiet moment with a friend, coffee in hand, heart open, and eyes turned toward God.
There’s something sacred about the view from a porch. Maybe it’s the way the breeze carries the scent of changing seasons, or how the rocking chair creaks in rhythm with a slow sunrise. Out here, things move slower, and somehow, they make a little more sense. It’s often where I hear God the clearest.
Friday Favorites | A Simple Photo, A Powerful Verse, and a Song on Repeat
Happy Friday, friends! Welcome back to another edition of Friday Favorites here on Hall Around Texas. I love taking a little time at the end of the week to reflect on the things that made my heart feel full...whether it's a verse that spoke to me, a simple moment that brought joy, or something new I'm loving.
Here’s what’s on my heart this week:
If you're searching for a peaceful, family-friendly retreat in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, look no further than Fort Mason City Park Campground in Mason, TX. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time RVer, or someone just looking to unplug for a few days, this scenic destination offers the perfect mix of nature, comfort, and small-town charm.
Nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, Fort Mason City Park feels like a hidden gem, yet it’s just minutes from downtown Mason, where you’ll find local shops, charming restaurants, and a warm, welcoming community. Whether you're here to fish, hike, relax, or simply soak up some sunshine, you'll find plenty of reasons to settle in and stay a while.
On Tuesdays (when I have something to share), I shine a light on a special Texas town, trail, or treasure, and this week’s Texas Tuesday takes us to the heart of the Hill Country, where history runs deep and the views stretch for miles. Welcome to Fort Mason in Mason, TX...a place where the past meets peace, and where stories still whisper on the breeze.
If you've been following along for a while, you might remember a tradition near and dear to our hearts...camping at Fort Mason City Park in Mason, TX every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. It was something we looked forward to year after year...packing up the RV, hitting the road, and spending the long weekend surrounded by good friends, good food, and the peaceful beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
But as life often does, it got busy. Our last trip to Fort Mason was back in 2017, and somehow the years slipped by faster than we realized. That is, until this year. We finally brought back the tradition, and y’all… it was everything we remembered and more.
This year, Mother's Day carried a little extra weight and a whole lot of meaning.
It’s been a challenging season for our family. A few of us, myself included, have walked through some difficult health journeys over the past several months. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and a lot of waiting. But through it all, there’s been support, love, and so much grace. So to be able to gather together, healthy and surrounded by those we love, made this Mother’s Day feel incredibly special.
Mother’s Day looked a little different for me this year… and honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way...
Instead of a traditional brunch or a quiet day at home, I spent this Mother’s Day doing something that fills my heart just as much...watching Mason do what he loves out on the ice. Our JV Summer League had a game scheduled that day, and while some might have seen it as an inconvenience, I saw it as a gift. What better way to celebrate motherhood than by watching your child thrive?
This past week, we officially kicked off our JV Summer League season and we started strong, walking away with a W in our very first game! 🙌
The day itself was extra special because all four of our hockey teams played back-to-back at our home ice. The atmosphere was absolutely electric...teammates, families, and friends filled the rink with energy, support, and excitement. There’s just something about home ice and a full day of games that brings everyone together in the best way.
What a weekend! We packed a lot in, and I wanted to get it all down while it's still fresh because this one was full of fun, sunshine, and some really great memories.
It’s been a labor of love, but I’m finally getting this blog caught up! This space has always been our family scrapbook, a place to preserve the moments big and small, and I’m determined to keep it that way. I’ve now finished documenting all of 2023—yes, every holiday, milestone, and adventure—and I’m diving into 2024. But since life doesn’t slow down, I’ll also be mixing in current updates alongside the catch-up posts. After all, some memories are too fresh and exciting not to share right away!
Speaking of excitement— our Spring league team played in the semi-final playoff game, and it was incredible! We came in as the #2 seed after a strong season, and the team showed up ready to play. We won in a commanding fashion, with a final score of either 10-0 or 11-0 (we’ll confirm it later, but either way, it was a shutout!). The kids were focused, the energy was high, and it was one of those games where everything just clicked.
Saturday was one of those days that just fills your cup—sunshine, family, laughter, and a whole lot of Cajun flavor! We spent the day at the lakehouses (my parents’ and aunts’ homes all line the same street, which makes gatherings super easy and extra fun), and this weekend’s theme? A good old-fashioned crawfish boil!
Every now and then, you get to experience a night so special that it feels like it was written just for you—and Thursday was one of those nights.
He is Risen!
Every spring, without fail, there’s one tradition that pulls at my heart a little more than the rest: a trip out to the bluebonnets. There’s just something about those soft fields of Texas blooms stretching under the sky that fills my heart and soul in the most peaceful way. It’s not just about the flowers—it’s about the pause, the stillness, and the reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.
Every sports season tells its own story—one filled with early mornings, late nights, long practices, wins, losses, and everything in between. But it’s not just about what happens on the ice. It’s about the people, the growth, the laughter, and the memories made along the way. This past weekend, we got to close out our Mansfield JV hockey season with a night that reminded me just how special this team truly is.
Last night was one of those evenings that made me pause and smile—a little teary-eyed, a lot grateful. The 2025 Mansfield Hockey Banquet was everything you could hope for when you gather to close out a season: full of laughter, celebration, memories, and a deep sense of community.
It’s that time of year again—fall hockey season is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited! This season, Mason is playing for both the house league and the high school league, which means double the action and double the fun. We’ve already kicked things off with our first leveling game for the house league, and while we didn’t win, I couldn’t be prouder of how the team performed. We faced off against a really tough team, and though we came up short, it was clear that we gave it everything we had. The energy and effort were there, and I have no doubt that we’re going to come out strong in the next couple of games. I can feel it in my bones—we’ve got this.
We had an incredible weekend—our team came out strong and won both of our 2nd and 3rd leveling games! After the first game, I knew we had the potential to bounce back, and seeing the team pull together and get those wins was such an exciting moment. The energy was high, and the teamwork was on full display.
If there’s one thing you know about our family, it’s that we absolutely love spending quality time together. Whether it’s chasing sunsets, heading out to the lake, exploring fields of bluebonnets, or soaking in the beauty of sunflowers—anything that gets us outdoors is our kind of thing. We’ve always found such joy in nature, and it’s become a treasured part of our family’s rhythm.
It feels like we've been waiting for this night for what feels like an eternity! We've all read the book and been eagerly counting down the days to the release of the movie. So when we finally found an evening that worked for all of us, we couldn't wait to make it happen. We got our tickets, marked the date on our calendars, and started the countdown!
Happy Wednesday, friends!! Has it really been almost a year since I've blogged? I would ask where the time has gone, but I know the answer. We have a 14-year-old (gasp) with a very busy social and sports calendar. He keeps us busy and on the go. But...I wouldn't have it any other way. Watching Mason grow into the person he is today has been such a gift. I am completely undone by the love of God and that He saw fit for us to be Mason's parents. It will always be the greatest joy of my life. I am living the life that I dreamed about for so many years and that will never be lost on me. To say that I am proud of Mason is an understatement. He's kind, respectful, and just an all-around great kid! Anyhow, more about Mason later...believe me, there's plenty to come.
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| From our summer cruise to the Bahamas! |
Mason will be playing in two hockey leagues this fall. He will be playing for the high school JV team and the Stars house league. Today he had his first combine for the Stars House League. This is a time where they do drills and showcase their skills and then coaches place them on a team (based on individual level).
Today we attended our nephew's birthday party at Boulder Adventure Park in Grand Prairie. This is a new attraction that offers a jumping pad, ice skating, exploration play area, bumper cars, an arcade, archery, adventure climbing nets, blaster ball, tubing slides, rock climbing, ropes course, a freefall experience, mining, and more!
Mason is still going strong with his weekly private hockey lessons! He really respects this coach and gets so much out of each lesson. Coach Larson is awesome with the kiddos and really knows how to work with them. We are grateful for a coach who pours into our kid!
Tonight we had our high school hockey preseason kick-off/signing event! It kind of made everything feel more real! Our boy will be playing on the JV hockey team as a freshman. We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments over the last year. He's worked really hard and definitely has earned his spot on this team. We are looking forward to a great season!
Hi, I’m Crystal — daughter of the One True King, wife to my high school sweetheart Nathan, and Mama to our 15-year-old son, Mason. I’m a proud hockey mom, homeschooling adventurer, wannabe homesteader, and Texas girl through and through.Around here, I share our life...the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. From chasing dreams and thrift store deals to traveling this beautiful state (and beyond), to finding Jesus in everyday moments... this is our story. Welcome to Hall Around Texas!! I’m so glad you’re here!
