Every Friday I’ll indulge my order-crazed brain in a list of randomness. Welcome to my Friday Fives.

I have spent the last week worrying about weather, driving to beat ice storms, dealing with snow and watching the nightly news’ car accident count rise to over 300 (just today). And I haven’t spent one bit of it in Utah. Texas is fitting all of winter in the week that I decided to visit.

It’s been a week of hugs, games, farm animals and late-night work sessions and even though I’m ready to see Joe and Bella, here are the things I’ve loved about being here:

5. The Animals

One look to the sidebar on the right will tell you how much I loved being with the horses and llamas on the icy farm. I adored my close encounters with Lucy the horse and the llamas who managed to keep their spitting to themselves. It was peaceful to walk out in the brisk air and adventure into the pastures with them close behind.

4. The Games

I’ve lost about 100 games of everything from Skipbo to Mexican Train to Chicken Foot to Pegs and Jokers. Turns out winning isn’t everything, but it usually helps. These moments have been some of the most special of the entire week. I wish every night ended with a few rounds of games before bed.

3. The Food

Both of my parents credit my Mimi as their kitchen expert–the one who taught them how it was done. Being in the kitchen with her, watching her craft, was amazing. On another food note, tomorrow brings promises of Tex Mex. I’m literally jittery in anticipation.

2. The Familiarity

As chaotic as a last-minute trip and bad weather can be, there’s nothing as soothing as going back to your roots. I’ve always thought of myself as a city girl, but I can think of few places as relaxing and comforting as this farm. (This is an older pic from its non-ice-and-snow days.)

1. The People

Texans are nicer than just about anyone you’ll ever meet, but these guys top even that. My heart is so full of their kindness and love. It’s overwhelming at times to have such wonderful people in your life. I don’t know what I did to deserve them, but I’m so thankful to call them mine. More soon on all of our snowy adventures.