Well, we packed up some stuff, piled into the car and headed to Fredericksburg, TX over the weekend.
If you’ve been reading this blog for several years, you know that this quaint little German town about 4.5 hours away is one of our favorite places to visit. We love the food, we love the friendly people and we love the cute little Main St. with the shops. Since Catherine was in Seattle over Easter weekend hosting a baby shower and Sean had previous commitments that wouldn’t allow us all to be together, we took the opportunity of an unusual Easter weekend and turned it into a getaway.
Here’s a peek at our trip…
Everyone was buckled in the car and ready to go!
There are some amazing Czech bakeries on the way down…and we feel like we must stop when we see one. #weloveczechbakeries
About halfway down, we stopped in Salado, TX and met up with my parents. Here is me taking the world’s most awkward selfie. #toomuchme #toolittlethem
Lunch in Salado before heading on to Fredericksburg.
This kid is a mess.
Papa Jay was teaching Ashby how to take a selfie…
…and then I looked over and saw this! Hahahaha! How funny is Kensington taking a selfie?! This girl has it down!
After lunch, we hopped back into our cars and headed to Fredericksburg. At the entrance to the town is one of my favorite places in the whole wide world…
…the home of Circle E Candles. They’re my favorite. I’ve blogged about them approximately 5,569,512 times. I love them. They’re my very favorite. And they’re made in Fredericksburg.
Overwhelmed by the candle goodness. #girlaftermyownheart
After we stocked up on candles, we headed to the little house we rented for the weekend. This house has four bedrooms, so Kensington was pumped because she got her own…
…in her room while we’re checking out the house.
We love a house with a porch swing. Mom and Andrew on one side…
…Dad and me on the other.
And then mom went to the backyard with the kiddos and I scooted over to the swing…
…to be honest, I didn’t feel like we matched until I saw this picture! This is what happens when both of you shop at J Crew!
In the backyard with my big guy!
He’s such a mama’s boy…and I LOVE it!
Okay, speaking of things I’ve blogged about a million times…
…I LOVE GERMAN FOOD.
I mean…there is love and then there is MY LOVE FOR GERMAN FOOD. I love it all, I crave it, it is my favorite and it’s a real treat to actually eat authentic German food. Fredericksburg is a German town and they have wonderful German fare. I talked about it all the way down in the car, I told my mom I was actually giddy and then I have been talking about it since we left. I. Love. It.
Jaeger Schnitzel, German Potato Salad, a German roll and not pictured on this night, German Cole Slaw. Love.
Speaking of love…my littlest love ate her weight in red cabbage and sauerkraut. #thatsmygirl #likemotherlikedaughter
Happy, happy, happy!
After dinner, we walked down to their old fashioned ice cream parlor for dessert.
This guy right here…I love him.
Ice cream and horseback riding outside of the ice cream parlor.
The weather was gorgeous for our weekend! After Ashby finished her ice cream…
…she had a horseback ride too :).
My mom is so sweet and brought the kids Easter “boxes” for the trip…
…after we got back to the house, they all opened their boxes.
Happiness!
Day one was a huge success!
The morning of day two…we slept in and then ate breakfast. We were lazy and it was wonderful!
Cutie in glasses 🙂
We decided to have a little egg hunt for these three…that being said, we forgot baskets, so they got trash bags. #keepingitclassy
Off they went! We left some easy to find ones out for Ashby and the big kids were great about not taking them!
Just too much fun! Egg hunting in her pajamas!
Happy kids with their loot!
At 10:00, we set out for town.
My dad positioned them behind the barrel, so that it looked like they were in it. They thought it was hysterical!
Walking Main St. with my babies.
We always eat lunch at the Peach Tree…and it NEVER disappoints!
I mean…this kid.
Smith found a hammock and asked if he could just stay there all day.
Then he found the playhouse in front of one store…and wanted to stay there all day.
We stayed on Main St. all day! We finished off our day with dinner…at another German restaurant! Woohoo!!!
After we ate dinner, we came back to the house, got all bathed and showered and the kids watched The Ten Commandments while the grownups played dominoes. Andrew LOVES this movie (it’s not my favorite)…and my kids loved it too! Look at them?!? They were totally into the whole movie. So funny!
That was our weekend!
We woke up Easter morning and headed home. We listened to some great praise and worship music in the car and celebrated the true meaning of Easter…HE IS RISEN! Friends! That’s the best news EVER!
This was the first Easter in my lifetime that we haven’t done our usual routine with our usual people…and you know what, it was special. Next year, we’ll be back to the usual, but this year, we enjoyed the little getaway together.
Today on my foodie blog is a supper your whole family will love…
And the best part? It’s prepared in the slow cooker. Yes! Simple and delicious for your spring!
xoxo
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Well, that looks like the perfect little trip! That Ashby will eat ANYTHING!!!! Love it!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
This makes me want to try German food! I bet it would be really good! I noticed your Apple watch–my sister got one about two days ago and I haven't had the chance to talk to her about it. What do you like about it? I have a Fitbit Charge HR, but I hear the Apple watch is so much better. Thanks!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Narci says
What a perfect trip!! So fun, girl!! Fredricksburg is so fun!!
Kelly Stamps says
That sounded fun! You were with your family and as Christians – every day is Easter! I'm glad y'all had a fun getaway!
Nicole says
What a fun trip! Last month I ordered my first candles from Circle E Candles – what scents did you love this go around? I can't scent test over the computer? 😉
Also, wondering your tricks and tips for eating on vacation? Do you ever go for a quick jog on vacation? Do you just eat in moderation and never return home feeling blah? I hope that makes sense! I love me some vacation food, but don't love the overindulgence feeling I come home to. You have a great perspective with this sort of thing and I love hearing your thoughts 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
My favorites are Apple Strudel and Country Morning :). Love them! And I do not work out on vacation. I always just enjoy and eat in moderation. I'm not going to fret and worry over a little weekend indulgence. Life is too short!
Nicole says
You're my favorite! Thanks!! 😉
Grace says
Im cracking up bc whenever Andrew takes the group selfie it's taken super high up, but when you take it, you can barely fit everyone. Struggles of being petite 🙂
Jennifer Martinez says
Just an Easter tip that we use with 5 kids (ALL cousins,I only have one kiddo) all different ages, we color code all the eggs, so this year my son only found the blue eggs, so this way we can also personalize what inside them. Looks like you had a blast! Love reading your blog!
Valerie Cox says
I love that Grace was buckled in too! So glad you enjoyed time with your sweet family, Shay!
Amy Androff says
Fredericksburg is a blast. A couple of years ago 10 of my closest friends rented a home there and we had so much h fun. The country Czech bakery in Hillsboro is a must stop for me. It beats the ones in West I think hands down. Linda the owner is so sweet and she has many of blue ribbons for Kolache baking.
Kristin Baetz says
You really took me back today to the years we lived in Texas. My hubby is from Irving, but when we lived in Central Texas-Salado became my very favorite little town 🙂
Regine Karpel says
Such a cute town.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Karen At Home says
Sounds like a fun weekend getaway!!! Your family is adorable. Happy Easter Shay!
Linsley Schneider says
What a fun way to spend Easter weekend! I am such a fan on doing special things with your family! It's what memories are made of!
Jenny F. says
Circle E has always been one of my favorite stops in Frederickburg. Love that place and Fredericksburg!
Rebecca says
Memories today for sure! Almost 40 years ago (in July) we honeymooned in Kerrville and my husband wanted to take me to Sunday lunch in Fredericksburg so we drove over only to find the restaurant was closed. He spent his high school summers on staff at the Boy Scout Camp nearby and this particular place was a mainstay for him each summer. He didn't take into account that we married on July 2nd and the 4th that year was the Bicentennial! : ) We ended up finding another German place to eat and had a lovely time. Your trip looked so fun and I'm glad you guys had such a good time. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin McGeeney says
That looks like a fantastic weekend! What a great little town and the house looks super cute too!!
Amanda Taylor says
So if you are ever randomly in Eastern Michigan – you HAVE to go to Frankenmuth. Such a cool city with amazing German food (best bratwursts/sauerkraut of my life!). They even have a brewery. There is also the BEST Christmas store – Bronners (https://www.bronners.com/).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenmuth,_Michigan
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! We used to live in Detroit and LOVED Frankenmuth!!!! It was one of our favorite places to visit!!
Erica @ Whimsical September says
My in-laws live about an hour from Fredericksburg and we are DYING for them to babysit our girls so that we can do a little weekend vacation there in the future! We drove through it for the first time about two years ago en route to hop on I-10, and it was torture passing all of the gorgeous wineries and German shops/restaurants and NOT stopping. Sounds like such a fun weekend for your family!
Rebecca Jo says
ALL THE FUN!
I totally laughed out loud at Kensington & her selfie. Girlfriend has it DOWN! 🙂
How cute are the 2 of you matching in your gingham.
The purse joy of a horseback ride – even if its medal 🙂
Lauren says
Kensington has the fashion blogger pose down to art form!
Oh I can't wait until Oktoberfest in Helen, GA! Jagerschnitzel? is that you calling me!? YUM!
Lauren says
Oh Fredericksburg! When we lived in Waco, that was a favorite place to go for a fun weekend getaway!! Were the bluebonnets out yet? That was always a highlight for me! What a great way to spend Easter weekend!
"The Mrs." says
It looks so fun!!! Love the trash bags. 😉
Bekah Dill says
I have to ask, how do you get your hair curly/wavy like it is? Is it naturally like that? Do you use a curling tool? Please share your secret! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I have an entire blog post about it!! Email me and I'll send you the link! mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com 🙂
Marvy Gallegos says
Love Fredericksburg. Where did you stay? I am looking for a home to rent for girlfriends get away.
Katie {The Mishaps & Mayhem of a Solitary Life} says
Perfect Easter getaway!! Love the matching outfits and the selfies!!
Melanie Smith says
I don't think I've ever had German food. To be honest, it doesn't look the best. Haha. I'll take your word for it! 😉 Looks like a fun trip though!
Chasity Munn says
What a fun, gorgeous place to spend Easter! We usually go in the Spring too, but we haven't taken Georgia with us because we always do the wine tours. I'm not a fan of German food but there are soooooo many good restaurants there! There's another cookbook author's restaurant too, which I always visit for brunch and dessert!
http://www.hautemommyblog.com
Scavenger Hunt Blog says
What a nice little getaway! Fredericksburg. is on my bucket list this summer! We are going to hike enchanted rock and camp out.
Lesley McFarland
http://www.kltfamily.blogspot.com
Mary E says
I was just in Fredericksburg for a girls' weekend. We went to Herb Farm for dinner one night it was great! We had beer and pretzels at the brewery, but didn't do a meal there. I'm definitely going to have to remember your recommendations for next time.
Keisha Dawson says
What a fun little weekend! We're thinking about heading down that way for a little weekend getaway this fall, just my and m hubby, no kiddos!
Kristen Who says
Just curious…do you spend time with your in-laws? Never see pictures of them or hear about them but I thought at one point you said they live on a farm. Would think that would be a great place for your kids to spend time at 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
They do live on a beautiful farm! I don't always blog when they visit (they're more private and I try to respect that). For the last six months, my mother-in-law has been having medical treatments done in Minnesota, so they haven't been home much. Prayers for her health are always appreciated!
Beth says
I had my Bachelorette party in Fredericksburg last fall and we did a day of wine tasting. It was a great girls getaway! They made me ride that little horse in the pictures. It was not the friendliest ride as I'm sure you saw! lol 🙂
Megan says
My husband and I leave for Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic on Sunday…you post has me even more excited for the trip…which I didn't think was possible! Hoping to eat our way through these three countries.
Amanda-Cupcake N Dreams says
What a fun way to spend Easter, doing something different! This town looks adorable and I would totally indulge in that yummy looking german food 🙂
http://www.cupcakendreams.com
Kristen says
Looks like a fun family weekend!
Mandi says
I LOVE The Ten Commandments! I have since I was about your kids ages! Looks like you guys had a fun weekend!
Wendy Correa says
What German restaurant did you eat at the first night?
Mix and Match Mama says
The Brewery on Main Street!
Loni "The Healthie Foodie" says
Shay, you have such a lovely family! It looks like Ashby is going to be a lot easier with the food. I know you once blogged about Kensington and Smith being picky eaters. Well now Ashby can you be your little taste tester for your blog. Such a cutie that one is!
Amber Barrett says
What a sweet family you are! You all are just as adorable on the inside as you are on the outside. I love reading your blog. You are just too precious for words. Keep up the good work!
Casey says
We did a Texas vacation last September and ended it in Fredericksburg. We had only planned to stay one day and one night but added an extra day because it was so fun! I loved seeing all those pictures because those are all things we did! I want to go back so bad but it's a long drive for this Charleston, SC girl and her family 🙂
brookerichardson says
Shay! I still can't believe I haven't been to Fredericksburg being that I'm German and I love the food as well!!! Looks like so much fun and I completely agree Circle E candles are the best!!!
Nichole Mancone says
Love Love Love Fredricksburg! We went last Spring Break and fell in love with it. We hiked Enchanted Rock and ate German food and had the most delicious chocolate pecan pie from the Fredricksburg Pie Shop. I can't wait to go back again.
Dhender says
So happy to hear you were in the Hill Country for Easter! We live part time outside of Fredericksburg in a log cabin on 75 acres. My favorite place in the world. We were there for Easter as well! Blessings to you and your precious family!
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
What a fun weekend!! I have to say, even matchy matchy – your picture with your hubby is one of the best ever!! Beautiful!!
Chad & Meredith Hulette says
So random but it looks like you're wearing an Apple watch — I'm so used to my oversized dress watches but thinking about trying the Apple. Do you like it?
Lisa Longoria says
Shay it may be time for a selfie stick! Lol!
Simply A Rough Draft says
I'm probably the only Texan to not be a huge Fredricksburg fan. Let me tell you why…I grew up in the Hill Country & played many volleyball, softball & basketball tournaments there, so it's just exhausting to me. Second, I'm not a German food person, but I do know the Fredricksburg Brewing Company has an excellent Cesar salad, because that's what I get every time we go (my dad & hubby love that restaurant). And third, I'm from Wimberley, so I just think it's better! Next time you're looking for a Hill Country getaway, check out Wimberley!
With all that said, glad you guys had a good weekend! I love holiday getaways!
chasity says
You should check out Helen GA! Our favorite time to visit is October.
Megan says
I love Fredericksburg!! It's such a fun place. So many great memories going there growing up! The house yall rented looked adorable!! And Miss K taking her selfie was hilarious!!
Aubrey says
Looks like an awesome Easter! Especially the trash bag Easter baskets. (That totally looked like something I would do.)
We left Germany over four years ago, and I'm only just now mentally prepared to go to the Brauhaus and eat another schnitzel. 🙂