Party Like It's 1999!

Texas Bound Again!

Here I am at the airport making my way back to Texas for my final trip of the summer.

On my way to Fort Stockton for my 10 year high school reunion.

Wednesday July 15 I worked a half day and then headed to the airport to fly to Austin. There my best friend from home picked me up. It was almost 11pm by the time I arrived and it was 90 degrees! I'm beginning to understand what Dana means by the hot weather in Austin this summer! :)

The next morning Ashley and I made our way west to Odessa to see Ashley's dad, and my great grandmother.

On our way we stopped in Junction for some good 'ole Texas BBQ.

It was good! Thanks, Ash!

We made it to Odessa Thursday evening around 5:30pm. I went to see Nana and had dinner with her that evening.

Here she is, still on the move, even at 92 years old! :)

Here, Nana is showing me the birdhouses that she likes to decorate. :)

We had a great time chatting and catching up! It had been too long since I had seen her last. Love you Nana!

I spent the night at Ashley's dads house. The next morning we got up and went for a walk, each of us taking a hat. Hats were on parade that morning in Odessa! :)

Here's Mike showing Ashley and I a fountain in his neighborhood. :)

Then Mike took Ash and I to lunch at Rosa's! It's been like 5 years since I've eaten there!
Tex-Mex is SO GOOD!

After lunch we made it to Grandads house in FS. He's so cute! I love my Grandad.


That evening marked the beginning of the reunion events. We met at Stockton Entertainment Plaza, which is a new place in FS that has bowling and a movie theater and an arcade. We mainly just hung out and caught up. It was so great to see everyone!

Ashley with Chris Chavaria

The next morning was the Water Carnival Parade, which our class had a float. Somehow I agreed to be in charge of decorating the float, however, a storm blew in that Friday night and sort of ruined what we put together. The next morning was a rush of activity trying to make that float look presentable. It was still fun, and thanks to everyone who helped!

After the parade we met for a lunch at the small community hall.

It was so fun, to eat, laugh and look at old pictures! It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since high school.

This is Emily and Naomi who planned the reunion. They were wonderful, and had a lot on their shoulders. Thanks Ladies!

The night before we voted on our classmates, and who had changed the most and who had changed the least. Ashley and Sarah tied on the classmates who changed the least. I agree, they look exactly the same! :)

Me with friend Jennie Badley. She's in New Orleans now working as a Tech Vet. I'm so proud of her!

A group of us gathered for a group photo.

Out of 216 people who graduated with us, we had a small turn out. But, it was so great to see everyone who did come!

Ashley, Chris, and Bryana. Not much has changed. :)

The class of '79 had their reunion as well. Moms dear friend Kathy Himes Smith was in town and stopped by with her Mom to chat with me and Grandad. I haven't seen Kathy in a long time and it was so great to catch up and give her big hugs.

That evening we went to the Water Carnival. It was an interesting experience watching it. I have so many fond memories about WC, however, the was sort of disappointing. Maybe I've been working in professional theater too long. Who knows.

You can see how much we were paying attention to the performance. Really we're just standing around and chatting.

One pic that I got of the set.

After the Water Carnival we went back to the Small Community Hall and hung out till it closed.

Ashley laughed the whole night! There were so many fun stories and memories brought up.

The reunion was such a blast, and I was so glad to be able to see everyone who came.

The next morning Ashley and I got up and head back to Austin.

Only in West Texas would a convenient store need to remind their patrons to...

Ha Ha Ha!

Since we were making great time, Ash and I decided to stop and walk around Fredericksburg for a while.

One last pic of me and Ashley; friends since we were 9 years old. Friends for life!

I made it back to Chicago on Monday afternoon worn out and full of memories.

It was a great weekend!