Florida Like a Tourist

May was a whirlwind! A week after school concluded, I hopped on a plan alone and headed to Florida! What I didn't know then was that I had three more Florida visits coming my way later that summer.

I had quite the welcoming committee when I arrived! These littles have done a lot of Auntie airport runs lately!

When I touched down, I hit the road running...literally!

From the airport to Tijuana Flats (priorities)...

Still my favorite Tex Mex

...to visit my Papa...

I didn't know then that this trip would be our last visit this side of Heaven. This silly selfie is so special to me!

...to a wedding and face time with so many good friends.

And that was only the first day!

Unfortunately, I had to leave my better half and our wild Weim at home. Ty kept me supplied with plenty of goofy Brook photos to ease the separation. :)

Yeah, she didn't miss me at all. :)

Each new day brought more reunions and hugs! This trip was a reminder of just how loved we are! Everyone asked about Ty and Texas and genuinely engaged in our lives. I felt like a celebrity!

My friend and SMU classmate, Mary Anna, joined the party on Sunday night, and my focus turned more to hosting and showing off my beautiful home state.

First stop, Wekiva Springs State Park! 

My favorite non-touristy attraction!

That evening, Mary Anna and I gave a joint recital at a local Steinway Galleries. We both played solo repertoire, and then we collaborated with some four hands, two pianos, and even six hands rep! There were about fifty people there, and I was once again blown away by the avid support of my family and friends!

We were privileged to play on one of Van Cliburn's pianos!

Even Erin joined the fun for some six-hand Rachmaninov!

After the recital, many of our friends returned to my parents' home, where we enjoyed snacks and great conversation. This recital provided an opportunity to see so many wonderful people at once!

Post-recital shenanigans, the tour of Central Florida began. Next stop? St. Pete Beach and Anna Maria Island. Beach + lesson with my former teacher = win!

We didn't stay the night as originally planned, but we did catch a gorgeous sunset! And we may have taken advantage of Taco Tuesday and hit up Tijuana Flats. I mean, we couldn't let MA miss out on that experience!

Wednesday was a lazy day -- the first one both MA and I had since finals. We sat out on the patio most of the day, just enjoying Florida living and storing up energy for our big day ahead at The Magic Kingdom!

Obligatory Castle photo!

When Disney World first came up in conversation, MA said something to the effect of, "Is that like Six Flags?" You can imagine my response. Ever since that day, I determined to show her the wonders of Walt Disney World.

My parents spent the majority of the day with us, and then my in-laws finished out the evening with us for the parade and fireworks show. We even had some time with my SIL and the Littles, too! Overall, we did eighteen attractions, so I'd say we had a productive day. 

Favorite part? Dining at Be Our Guest for lunch. It was a first for everyone in our party except for me. (My fifth time, I think?) This is hands-down my favorite quick-service in all WDW. It has free refills, an easy allergy-friendly ordering kiosk, servers who deliver your food, and the best decor ever!

After lunch we talked mom and dad into riding Splash Mountain with us. I didn't tell Mom about the drop. ;)

It never gets old! And my parents are the greatest!

Dumbo with Caleb!

Dad and I are considering going into pirate modeling.

We hit up the traditional Dole Whip stand, my favorites Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder, and even some attractions I hadn't done in forever, like Tiki Room and Hall of Presidents. We even closed out the night with a ride on Mine Train after the fireworks show. It was a packed day, but I think we successfully gave MA the WDW experience. She called her brother on FaceTime during the fireworks show, so he could experience the magic of Wishes, too.

One park down, three to go!

Mary Anna left the following day, and I snagged some sister time with these two! An evening of great food and even greater company. Family. Family style Asian food. Asian food. Enough said.

I flew back to Dallas on Saturday evening, so the morning was spent patio lounging and swimming. Like a true Floridian.

Other notables include: morning coffee with my mom, a trip to Track Shack (love, love, love my Glycerins!!!), running through my parents' neighborhood, and a date with Gabe and Sophie.

Just Keep Swimming...

That's right, I'm just trying to keep my head above water over here. Ty is racing in his first triathlon next weekend, so he's been doing a lot of that in the literal sense. But I digress...

My recital came and went. Ty's birthday came and went. Everything was wonderful. We were having too good a time to remember to snap any video or photos. I've included a copy of the program, mostly so I have a record. I loved being on stage and sharing my hard work with others. It's so rewarding to get out of the practice room and finally perform.

Thanks to Dr. L for snapping this photo!

On Sunday, we were just plain wiped out. After I played our church service, Ty and I snuck away for a lunch date at a new restaurant. My beet salad and poblano pepper soup were phenomenal. My date was even better.

Fear not, Mamas, the photo and video documentation will henceforth commence a hundred fold.

We purchased a GoPro! Did I mention we're taking a family trip to Colorado this summer?

(How could you not purchase one, when you're staying here??!)

We've been joking about how everything will now be EXTREME. (Extreme teeth brushing, extreme lounging, extreme piano, etc, etc.)

Our first trial video (aside from the teeth brushing) was at the school pool. We've also filmed an 11-mile cycling trip, and I've tried out some still shots on the run.



This might be the coolest toy I've ever owned. Did you know it can be controlled from an app? It has video, continuous photo, single photo, and photo burst settings. It is virtually indestructible. (And if it does break, ours is covered by Best Buy!)

Can't wait to take this 1.4 ounce baby to Colorado!!

And now to finish that paper before church.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Monthly Musings: March

Seems like I posted a lot about our March happenings.
I'd like to do something slightly different by remembering last March.

Here is something I shared this week on Instagram:

One year ago today, I was anxiously awaiting audition results and struggling to trust that God had a good plan for my family. His plan has been infinitely superior to my wildest schemes and dreams. (And I'm a planner!) We are beyond blessed.Celebrating ten months of adventure with Tyler, and sending hugs to the Sunshine State.
(Photo: http://www.michellebill.com/)

I don't mean to say that our lives are perfect now, or that we're happy just because God granted our wish. No, more than ever I'm aware of our dependence upon Him. I'm thankful, because I know none of this has been accomplished by our hands. Last year, I clung desperately to this verse: 

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Today I want to remember. I want to give thanks. It's been a hard week. I've been under the weather, I've had to be when I've wanted to do, and my recital is tomorrow. Still, He is Good
He has given us the ultimate Goodness by sending his Son. I love this Psalm for many reasons, but it seemed especially appropriate as we remember Jesus's death and resurrection this weekend.
May these words bring rest to your souls.

Psalm 118

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Glad songs of salvation are in the tens of the righteous:

"The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"

I shall note die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.

The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we pray, O LORD!

O LORD, we pray, give us success!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD!

The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.

Bind the rental sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

The Serious Post

By now, some of you know that Tyler and I are considering the possibility of relocating, at least for a time. This has been a topic of conversation around our home for about a year now. I've applied to three schools for graduate studies in piano. One audition is down. Two more are just around the corner.

"Auditions? Sounds exhausting..."

We aren't any closer to making a decision - that's not really the point here -  but we are excited to be walking one step at a time by faith and with the support of our families and close friends. A huge part of my silence on this issue (including our wonderful survey trip last year) was due to the fact that I didn't want to post my plans when I was unsure of the outcome. But you know what? I'm not afraid of "failing." By Grace, my perspective is changing from that unhealthy pass/fail goal mentality. We want to be where God wants us in every season, wherever that may be and whatever that may mean.

That said, my mom and I had a super fun, 48-hour trip to Texas last weekend.

Highlights included fresh tacos, gluten-free goodies, a run in 20-degree weather (this Florida girl has tougher skin than we thought!), and seeing Frozen for the first time. 

(Side note: I've jumped on the bandwagon: Frozen exceeded all my expectations. I can't stop listening to the soundtrack; it's been my non-stop packing/getting ready music. I purchased the Deluxe Edition just in time for our upcoming road trip! Sorry, Ty!)

Mom experienced Taco Joint for the first time!

I could survive on tacos.

Tu-Lu's = Gluten Free Heaven

Mallow Bar? Yes, please.

I should probably purchase a pair of running leggings. I really couldn't feel my legs at the end of this run.

Beautiful winter!

Freezing at Frozen! This was the perfect pre-audition activity!

Post-audition DQ.

Of course there was practicing and the actual audition, but that was truly a small part of our quick trip. It's ironic how so many hours go into such a short event. It meant so much to me that my mom came along. Without her, I may have just moped around nervously. Instead, we had a blast exploring together!

Brooklyn says, "Piano is overrated."

Don't worry, Brooklyn. After the long drive, there will be plenty of outside time in beautiful Texas for you.

"That's a promise, right?"

We leave tonight! Your prayers are appreciated.

With that, I leave you with some non-Frozen words that have been looping in my mind.

~

"For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield."

-Psalm 5:12

"But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary..."

-Isaiah 8:13-14a

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

-Job 42:2

"The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so it shall be, and as I have purposed so it shall stand.'"

-Isaiah 14:24

"For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind."

-Job. 23:14

"God is unchanging in His person, purposes, and promises; and yet He feels emotions and interacts responsively with His creation." - Randy Pope

"Most people, if they really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise...if I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -C.S. Lewis

Halloween Musicale and...Ballerina Dog!

I'm recovering from my third (yes, third) bout of illness in eight weeks. I am literally tired from spending entire days in bed and canceling work. I'm over the fevers and congestion and vomiting. Yuk! May I please just get back to life? As you can see, I make a poor patient. I'm demanding and downright dangerous when I have too much time on my hands. (Thank you for loving me, family!)

Thankfully I am on the mend, because tonight I hosted the much-anticipated 5th Annual Halloween Musicale! In case you don't know, the Halloween Musicale is a most brilliant combination of piano recital and Halloween party; my teacher from high school and I put this on together each year. It's a favorite with our students. Yes, the students play in costume. And then we eat spooky snacks and play ghoulish games. I bet you want to take piano lessons now, huh?

Notice that furry student on the far right with Wendy?

Why, that's BALLERINA DOG!

Favorite!

(Don't judge. You'd take glamour shots of her, too, if you had the chance!)

Ballerina Dog was a great hostess and greeted each costumed guest. (Which was truly helpful, since I have not recovered my voice!) I am thankful we had the time to socialize her so much as a young pup, because there's very little that frightens her (vacuum is on the bad list still). She stayed with me most of the evening and tolerated her tutu gracefully. May I just say I love my dog? Or was that already obvious?

Happy Halloween week! Have fun and stay safe!