APRIL 2023
Retirement festivities really took off in this busy month, but first we had basketball, Easter, and a spring game in Austin to attend.
April 1: Dallas
The Women's Final Four was back in Dallas, and I was thrilled to get to volunteer. Volunteering through the Dallas Sports Commission never gets me into the actual games, but it's a blast to be part of the hoopla with these big events.
April 7: Dallas
Brett's work friend shared his amazing Mavericks seats with us, so we had a blast seeing the players up close.
April 9: North Richland Hills
After celebrating Easter at church, we had a fun afternoon playing basketball with the fam at Nana's house.
April 12: Hurst
Brett saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie with his work friends, but he went again to see it with me and Ryan.
April 15: Austin
Ryan joined me for the Longhorns' spring game in Austin. While in town, we toured the LBJ Library.
April 21: Hurst
Retirement festivities began with the school district's employee banquet.
April 22: Fort Worth
We continued our tradition and took the train downtown for the annual Main Street Arts Festival.
April 22: Dallas
Later that night, I helped chaperone the Bell prom. I loved seeing my friends and my students all gussied up for prom.
April 27: Hurst
The Bell retirement reception was a wonderful event. I was grateful to have Brett, Ryan, Nana, Kelly, and Mike there, as well as lots of current and former Bell teachers. We had a great turnout to celebrate the five of us who retired from Bell in 2023.
April 30: Watauga
Better late than never, we finally managed to get Daisy's bluebonnet picture for the year.
MAY 2023
The month got off to a rough start, but it ended with a bang!
May 6: Home
A mean ol' stray dog bit Daisy, which led to a long night at the emergency vet. So thankful our Punkin recovered so nicely!
May 11: Fort Worth
The "Texas Fight Tour" once again paid a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards. It was fun to hear from coaches and spirit groups and celebrate everything burnt orange with the faithful.
May 14: Fort Worth
Ryan treated me to lunch at my beloved Chuy's for Mother's Day.
May 18: Hurst
When Katie got into town later that week, she brought me lunch at school.
May 19: Roanoke
Ryan won his school choir's "Students' Choice" award, so we tagged along for the concert/presentation.
May 21: Haslet
My sweet family threw a great retirement party for me. I was blessed to have friends from school and church join us for the party. We had an abundance of food and decorations, but having so many wonderful people from my life all in one place made it an absolute joy.
May 26: Hurst
And just like that, the school year ended. After tossing gallons of trash and moving tons of boxes home, I had to say goodbye to N-24, my home away from home. In the parking lot, my work bestie Cindy and I grabbed one last selfie on our last day.
May 28: Fort Worth
It took 32 commencement ceremonies, but I finally graduated from L.D. Bell.
