2nd Day of 15th Grade

Taylor amused me with a "2nd day of 15th grade" picture!  She knows me too well.  I know she is sad that she is already halfway done at KU, but thought it was funny that her advisor told her she could finish a semester early and she said, "No thanks, I love it here"!  KU has been so good to her!

Another Jayhawk?

I don't think so...but congratulations to Allison for being accepted to the University of Kansas!  She still has her heart set on KWU and I see why, but she has KU as a "backup" just in case anything changes.  So proud of you for getting accepted!

Allison is a SENIOR!

Her Senior parking spot is painted,

 her Red Wave gear is all washed and ready to go

 and this girl is ready to get Senior year underway!

 I know it will be a year full of wonderful friendships

and great memories, but I am full of mixed emotions.  Hard to believe she is already a 12th grader and on to bigger and better things next year, but I couldn't be more proud of you Allison!

Here's the 2nd day of school pic in her cute new dress and shoes.  Have the best year yet!

There's No Place Like Home (Away from Home)

We arrived at Taylor's adorable house just in time for the IKEA delivery on Tuesday.  Unfortunately, all doors were locked and we were stuck on the porch with all of the boxes, blazing heat, hungry bellies and grumpy attitudes.

 After a few hours at the hotel, the landlord was able to have maintenance unlock the door and we were back in business.  A story we can laugh at now, but that was a rough start!

When we were let in, we were so excited to see all of the cute stuff her roommates had already moved in...newly upholstered couches,

 their very own bar with personalized cups printed with their address

 and coffee mugs with each girls' initials!

 After a few days of assembling furniture and lots of shopping trips, Taylor's room was complete!

 She loves having two closets, a ceiling fan, her own desk and just space to call her own.

Large kitchen with tons of storage

 Really pretty staircase and entry

Multiple entrances, a cute patio, parking for each of the 5 girls and a quick walk to town and campus. Enjoy it Taylor!!

Kansas or Bust Day #3

We left New Mexico this morning, crossed into Texas,

had to pass several semi trucks on this very long 2-lane road, saw lots of containers just like these

 and spotted this crazy cowboy as we passed into the panhandle of Oklahoma.

Not much to see here either and only stopped long enough for a bathroom break.  We arrived in Liberal, Kansas for the night...only to run from a thunderstorm and spot several cockroaches (or water bugs as the hotel referred to them) in our hotel.  We couldn't get out of there fast enough and didn't even feel like the stop was photo worthy!

Kansas or Bust Day #2

We left Scottsdale after breakfast with Karla and Andrew.  We drove through Payson, AZ and watched the landscape change from cacti, to pine trees to red rock mesas as we made our way into New Mexico.

After a 6 1/2 hour drive we made it to the Sandia Resort in Albuquerque, NM for the night.

It was a beautiful casino/hotel right along the golf course.

We drove down to Old Town Albuquerque for dinner and to stretch our legs a bit.

 Prickly Pear Margaritas 

 and Carnitas Nachos on the back patio for an authentic New Mexican meal

 at Backstreet Grill!

We did a quick drive through the campus of University of New Mexico

and got comfy back in the room before getting a good night's sleep.

Kansas or Bust Day #1

Taylor and I took off early this morning for the 1500 mile drive to Lawrence, KS.

Hugs goodbye to Matt and Allie and then on our way to Arizona with a packed car.

We stopped for lunch to see the Raissle's (forgot to get a picture)

and then spent our first evening in Scottsdale with Karla and Andrew.  We stayed at her new house and had a delicious Italian dinner at North in Kierland Commons.  

It was nice seeing several familiar faces today and breaking up the drive!

Lindsey and Taylor

Tonight we celebrated the marriage of Lindsey and Taylor at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

It was a lovely outdoor ceremony on the lawn

 and they both looked great and so happy!

 Parents of the groom and our sweet friends, Tim and Stacy

The groom's side of the family.

After a outdoor cocktail hour, we moved inside for the reception...a wonderful dinner and dancing and cotton candy for dessert.  Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Joyce!  

22 Years

We celebrated 22 years with dinner at 1909!

 Smoked Wild Boar with veggies and a Mac's Mule

Matt got me flowers, donuts and candy and I got him copper (traditional theme for 22 years) Moscow Mule cups and the ingredients to make them.  Cheers to 22 years!