Party Like It's 1999

A couple of weekends ago, I spent literally thirty-six hours in Minneapolis for the occasion of my twenty year high school reunion!  I flew in late Friday evening. Melissa and Adam picked me up, and we headed to Matt's for a Juicy Lucy and a Nordeast. Delicious!  Saturday morning, Melissa, Expo, and I went downtown to walk the Stone Arch Bridge. It was a beautiful day.

 We stopped for a beverage at Aster Cafe, where I got to relish the fact that I was, indeed, back in MN: they served my bloody mary with a chaser without even asking if I wanted one. MN does it right. We headed back across the bridge and then stopped for lunch at Psycho Suzie's before going back to Melissa's for a *nap* (!). It was the best.

 That evening, Melissa dropped me off to meet my girlfriends for a pre-reunion gathering. They all see each other much more often than I see them, and I so appreciate that they just let me back in where we left off. I'm so thankful for these long-distance yet lasting friendships that have spanned decades.

Our reunion was at Excelsior Brewing Co. It was super well attended, and everyone had a great time. It was casual, easy, and just so much fun.

I was so glad I made it home for the weekend. My flight left early Sunday morning, which I regretted a bit (although I did beat terrible storms that came through DFW later in the day, so it was for the best that I took the early flight).

 The reunion left me feeling so thankful for my K-12 education in one community. Even though I graduated with a large class, I knew so many people having worked my way in and out of various groups and activities over the years. We all enjoyed a fun night of celebration with some of the people we've known the longest.  Even if we don't look like we did in '99, we sure could still party like it. My soul needed those thirty-six hours.

Sweet Summertime!

The last week of school - and the first week of summer - have already come and gone for 2018-2019! The weekend before school let out, I took Sara and a friend to a birthday party for one of Sara's very best friends, Jaxon. It was just at his house, but both girls dressed up for it. I wish I would have taken a picture because they looked so cute and grown-up all at once. When I dropped them off, they asked me not to even get out of the car. Meanwhile, Steve, Emma, and I went out to dinner where Emma proudly wore her new glittery rainbow shoes. There's still a little girl in this crowd!

During the last week, the kids had various events at school. On one of the days, the 4th graders got to go read to other kids in the building. Sara's teacher sent me this picture of Sara reading to Emma. It arrived in my email on a night I was at work late, and it was just what I needed!

Last day of school - ready for 5th and 1st! Tired but excited!

 The last day is always a half day, so the girls walked home at noon and then went out to lunch and for ice cream with Steve. By the time I got home, they were in the pool in full summer mode!

 Last weekend we had beautiful weather so we spent a couple of hours hiking around Arbor Hills. Good sweaty fun for all!

Nature in the heart of our big city - I love Plano's dedication to parks and rec.

 I'm still working through the end of June, and this week was busy gearing up for summer school, which starts Monday. Meanwhile, the girls are living the good life. They went to see "Shazam" ... I hadn't even heard of it but apparently they thought it was amazing.

 One of my teachers gave me a set of four wine glasses wrapped in silicone - great for outdoor use. The girls thought they were super cool, so we all used them the other night (cream soda in two of the glasses).

 Sara decided that she is going to start a business this summer to make some money, and she landed on dog walking. She first wanted to have a website, but I told her we'd start with a flyer. So she designed a flyer and we made thirty copies. She and Emma got on their bikes one morning this past week and delivered the flyers around our neighborhood. She's disappointed because she hasn't had any takers for her service, but one neighbor did text her with the message below, which I thought was very kind and affirming. I'm so proud of this smart girl!

 Last night Emma had her first sleepover with a friend. Originally it was going to be at Greyson's house, but Emma wasn't so sure about that so we moved it here. The sweet girls have been soccer friends for over three years!

 It's another beautiful day today (before more rain tomorrow), so we're headed out and about. Happy Saturday, Happy Summer!