Despite the time difference working against us, everyone was up bright and early on our second day in Waco (our first day is here). We were headed to Chip and Joanna’s shop where a special lunch for us had been planned by Chip’s assistant, and we all wanted to explore before we met up with her.
Chip and Joanna opened their shop and open air market on the ground where two old, historic silos had stood rusting for years. They built a giant shop, a large grass play area that includes soccer balls, frisbees, and corn hole, a huge line of swings, several food trucks, a seed and supply store, and a bakery. The kids had a total blast playing in the shadows of the silos.
Which isn’t to say Mike and I didn’t have fun out there, too!
But I’m not going to lie, I really enjoyed being inside the shop and seeing all the pretty things:
I want this infinity clock frame so much, but it’s not available online!
After walking around the shop for a bit, it was time to meet up with Chip’s assistant, Beth. She took us up to the offices above the store, where I saw that the workspace for Magnolia is just as well-designed as you might expect.
We were brought into a large conference room to eat. The centerpiece of the room is a gorgeous table constructed by Clint (of course!). We also got to meet Joanna’s mom, Nan, who is incredibly sweet.
After we ate (I had grits and sweet tea, because when in the South…), we had a private tour of the grounds. This included seeing the warehouse, peeking into the private offices, and going to the roof of the market:
The kids spent time yelling, “Hello down there!” I’m sure everyone on the grass below loved it.
Of course, we also had to take pictures of the Fixer Upper Minis:
I know what you’re wondering and no, we did NOT meet Chip and Joanna — they were filming! Even without meeting them, it was still an amazing day. Everyone who works for the Gainses is incredibly charming and nice. We could not have felt more welcomed.
The next day, we fit in a bit more sightseeing. After hitting up the local Farmers Market for breakfast, we stopped by the Dr. Pepper museum, where the kids had their first-ever Dr. Pepper floats. They LOVED them, and why wouldn’t they, Dr. Pepper is a superior soft drink YEAH I SAID IT.
Mike and I tried the Hot Dr. Pepper, which sounds questionable but I actually enjoyed. Mike was more neutral on it, because he’s a hater.
After the museum, we went to Clint’s shop and received another private tour (and took even more photos).
With one of Clint’s sweet employees.
I know what you’re wondering and no, we didn’t meet Clint. He was also filming!
We finished the day off with delicious BBQ at Vitek’s. Well, some of us did.
James was tuckered out! Don’t worry, he woke up in time for ice cream sandwiches, which I’m sure was his plan all along.
As we were leaving the restaurant, Annabel yelled, “Mom, look, I’m in college!”
Just replace that white cup with a red one and I could almost believe it (I’m scared).
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and before we knew it we were back at the airport.
I still can’t believe that Chip and Joanna flew us all out there, with absolutely no catches and or strings attached. They really just wanted us to all have fun and enjoy Waco. Even though we didn’t meet them, I think this really shows that they are just as wonderful and nice as they seem on their show. They made sure ALL the kids felt important — not just the little siblings, but the big ones, too. We are all so incredibly grateful for their kindness!
Becca says:
omg – STOP IT with that I’m in college pic! Look at her!! It *almost* makes you want her to go to Baylor because that would be a priceless flash-forward photo.
Suzy says:
Love the stories and that “college” face on Annie is awesome! ???
Johanna says:
I love the look on her face in the I’m in College picture. Too too cute.
What a fun trip! I haven’t really watched that show, but I might now knowing how kind the stars are.
Marjorie Steele says:
sounds like an amazing time!
Jackson says:
I agree! I watch the show regularly.
Chris says:
We love the show, one of the better home improvement shows. Yesterday was actually a mini marathon of the best of their shows. Very fun to watch. I’m a little jealous.
Robin Wyatt says:
Wow, so excited ya’ll were able to see the Magnolia and Waco. The kids and the parents looked ya’ll had a good time. Love Dr. Pepper and Dublin Dr. Pepper is the best!
Damita says:
Now I want to go to Waco and visit this place. Thankfully I live in Texas and it would be a few hours in the car to get there. Great pictures. Annie looks so grown up in the picture with you on the swing and that college photo is hilarious!
Lenora says:
Sounds like fun. I have never watched the show but will definitely check it out. And now off topic: did you see this very sweet story, Heather? I thought of you when I saw it!
http://www.scarymommy.com/86-year-old-makes-300-tiny-hats-for-preemies-after-teaching-himself-how-to-knit/?utm_source=FBOnsite
Heather says:
I did! What a sweet man, I want to give him a hug and tell him thank you!
Ashley says:
I love this!! I was so excited to see the bits and pieces on IG !! I’ve been wanting to make the drive down and now I really want to go. Your pics are awesome!
Tracey says:
I love that show, and it is so refreshing to read that Joanna and Chip are as nice in person (the way they treated you all) as they are portrayed on their television show.
Jeanie says:
Wow, lucky you! I love that reindeer.
Lisa Samer says:
Annie really needs to check out TCU before she makes her final decision! LOL Just 70 miles north or so of Waco, and you will all be in Frog Heaven! You have the most precious children, which is why they get to do special things!
Paul says:
Yeah, the Gaineses are kind of gross, since they belong to a church that promotes gay conversion therapy and are “good friends” with the pastor, who has made all kinds of homophobic pronouncements:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/kateaurthur/chip-and-joanna-gaines-church-same-sex-marriage?utm_term=.ekv9mvlky#.hxBZ92pGq
Totally possible that Chip and Joanna don’t believe what their church preaches, of course. But given that neither their production company nor HGTV would answer the question “would you ever feature a same-sex couple on Fixer Upper?” I think I’m done watching them.
MJP says:
Well I see the I intolerate crowd has arrived. We still have religious freedom in this country. If you don’t like them don’ t watch them. So simply really.