365.5: WEEK TWELVE

 MARCH 21st - MARCH 27th

Grabbing a delicious drink with a long time friend at her sister's drink shop (beach coconut is pretty much amazing). Performance week for Aristocats! My number 5  getting baptized by his dad in the company of family.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A CAT

My "Nat-Nat Kitty Cat" got her opportunity to shine onstage in her school's 3rd & 4th grade rendition of Aristocats. Cast as "Hep Cat" (and the only girl of the main alley cats), she was on stage for a decent portion of the play AND even had a few lines/solos. Though I didn't direct the play this time around, I had the chance to be involved through designing and painting the sets, as well as helping as a stage manager during several of the performances. I am so grateful for an elementary school that gives students such an awesome opportunity to perform! 

365.5: WEEK ELEVEN

 MARCH 14th - MARCH 20th

Nationals at ASU for National Academic League (win!). Team picture after competeing in the semifinals (loss...). Dental appointment for the entire family (and the one pictured taking the longest because an apparatus broke down while he was getting his teeth cleaned).

EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS

TEXAS. Our trip to Texas has been in the works for nearly two years; this trip has been pushed back and modified more times than I can count. But we finally made it happen! Unfortunately, one of our kids got sick the day before we left, so he ended up staying at home with his older brother (and the mr.'s sister, who came over to watch our cats). Annnnnd the weather took a swift turn south, leaving us with frigid temps. Despite these setbacks, we made the most of it and had a blast visiting our good friends in Allen. Things I want to remember:

state-line signs * flat, boring landscapes after leaving AZ * my keycard not working for our motel room in Whites City * CARLSBAD CAVERNS * all the gluten free treats from Unrefined Bakery in Fort Worth on the way to Allen * reuniting with long time friends * Perot science and nature museum * lunch at Company Cafe with AMAZING gluten free fish and chips * going to the wrong Target for a drive up order * my friend's delicious chili * taking a walk along the neighborhood creek * playing "Pooh sticks" at the little bridge * one of my friend's kids pushing the other into said creek * visiting Buc-ee's for some Texas style snacks * eating dinner with our friends at Terry Black's BBQ * letting the boys stay the night with friends * girls night (plus the mr.) doing snow globes, painting crafts, and face masks * me perpetually next to the fireplace when at our Airbnb * going to Fort Worth for the cattle run * shopping at stockyard station * discovering a family member of my biological father was right across the street from me at the cattle run... after the fact (so close!) * visiting Allen High's football stadium (the largest in the nation) where Kyler Murray played * dinner at our friends' house * driving through rain, sleet, and snow to New Mexico * visiting Roswell to kill time before checking into our hotel * waking up to 19° temps * seeing a herd of pronghorn on the side of the highway * taking a different route home for the fun of it