When Gratitude Becomes a Gathering
Thanksgiving at OTG Adventure Park isn’t just a meal — it’s a moment.
It’s the crackle of the campfire, the laughter of friends and neighbors, and the scent of turkey and wood smoke mingling in the cool Texas air.
This year, as the sun set over the canyons and stars began to shimmer, our community gathered not just to eat, but to share.
Each guest who joined us for our annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was invited to tell a story — a favorite Thanksgiving memory, a person they’re thankful for, or a simple moment that reminded them what gratitude really means.
And as the night went on, something beautiful happened: the Ranch filled with stories.
Stories of Gratitude
Some stories made us laugh — about kitchen chaos and family traditions that never quite went as planned.
Some brought tears — about loved ones missed but remembered with love.
Others reminded us of grace, resilience, and faith — the ways we’ve all been carried through hard seasons by something greater than ourselves.
Each story, whether funny or heartfelt, became a thread in the tapestry of the evening.
Together, they painted a picture of what Thanksgiving is really about: community, connection, and the courage to give thanks for every part of the journey.
A Table, a Fire, and a Family
Here at OTG, we always say you don’t have to be related to be family.
When we gather around the table, everyone belongs.
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t about perfection — it was about presence.
It was about slowing down, looking each other in the eye, and remembering that gratitude isn’t something we feel once a year — it’s something we practice every day.
Reflections from the Ranch
As the fire crackled and the stars opened up above us, we found ourselves doing what families do best—telling stories, laughing at old memories, and remembering the moments that shaped us. Thanksgiving at the Ranch always has a way of opening our hearts, and this year was no different.
We started by reminiscing about Thanksgiving 2016 in Pensacola, when we all braved the freezing beach winds just to be together. Somehow, the cold made the memories even better—hours spent laughing in the sand, belting out “Don’t Stop Believin’” at a tiny local bar, eating Waffle House at 3 a.m., and waking up just a few hours later to hunt for sand dollars at sunrise. (For the record, not everyone volunteered for that early-morning adventure.)
Carmen and Oscar kept us entertained with their stories of being snowed in up in New York, singing karaoke with no power, and turning a storm into a celebration. Their adventures—from snowstorms to cruises around the world—make you want to pack a bag and go somewhere new.
Al shared the story that still makes all of us shake our heads: the time he brought Sam, who was just 19, out to the ranch alone for a week. As a mom, I was not thrilled when I found out. Especially after Sam flipped a side-by-side and ended the trip with a concussion. He’s perfectly fine now, thank God—but that one took a while for me to laugh about.
The boys—David, Hunter, and Handen—talked about their preferred method of hunting, which apparently does not include sitting in a deer stand. Led by our oldest, David, they trekked through the land on foot, exploring ridge lines and brush, and now declare that this is the only real way to hunt. It’s the kind of adventure this land inspires.
And then there was Raylon, just nine years old, telling the story of the Thanksgiving when the turkey slid off the counter and landed right on the dog’s head. The entire house erupted into laughter that year, and according to him, it was “the best Thanksgiving ever.”
More stories rolled out—travel mishaps, speeding tickets, warnings issued, and memories that get funnier the more time passes.
Bella and Raylon, both nine, shared their attempt at tracking the Chupacabra here at the ranch—only to be scared half to death by Nathalie sneaking around the house to jump out at them. That one… absolutely priceless.
We remembered the Thanksgiving a few years back when we all came out here together—cold winds, warm hearts, and memories made around the fire pit, at the goat cliff, and across the entire property. Jumping off cliffs into Lake Amistad. Finding fossils, treasures, and stories hidden in the mountains. Exploring trails that felt like stepping into another world.
These are the moments that live deep inside us.
These are the stories that keep our hearts full long after the plates are cleared and the holiday fades.
This land keeps our memories safe—and gives us new ones every time we gather here.
Thank You, From Our Family to Yours
To everyone who joined us this Thanksgiving — thank you.
For your stories. Your laughter. Your presence.
You remind us why OTG exists: to bring people together through the land, through adventure, and through love.
As we move into the Christmas season, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and a thousand reasons to give thanks.
From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving. 🧡
We are thankful for this journey and each and every one of you.
OTG Adventure Park Family