All About Aunt Lori

This post is all about Aunt Lori!

My sister is not one who enjoys being the center of attention. I think that's why we've always made a good team. When we were little, we were constantly creating dance and synchronized swimming routines, music videos, recitals, plays, etc. I was always the one with no shame. I'd get out in front, be silly, and make a fool of myself. Lori, on the other hand, was always the mastermind behind the scenes. Sometimes, I could convince her to join me, but she was much more comfortable with a smaller "side job." But in this post, she's getting all the attention, like it or not! Because she deserves the recognition!

When she was 13, she moved to White Hall with my parents. Away from me. I was in college so I stayed in Magnolia, but she was just in Jr. High and had no choice in the matter. Until she moved, we had always been close. We shared clothes, shoes, make-up and hair supplies, etc. We even moved my bed into her room so we could turn my old room into our very own "walk-in closet!" So when she moved, it was hard. But I know she had it a lot harder than I did. She had to start a brand new school, make all new friends... basically start from scratch. I've always admired her for being able to do that.

Then she graduated from High School with honors and started college at UCA. Without a doubt, she has excelled in all her classes. I always pick on her for being so dedicated to her studies, but clearly I should've been more like her in college! :) I changed my major 3 times, while she has always been the girl with a plan. She's known from day one what she wanted to do and has followed that plan exactly.

She had an interview last Thursday at Baptist in Little Rock in hopes of getting into the Medical Technology program there. We helped her pick out a new cute, but very business-like, outfit just for the interview, and she even studied all 25 possible interview questions so she'd be prepared. When she left, they told her she might know something by the next week. The very next morning I got a text from her that said Baptist had already called her back, and she got accepted! I never had a doubt in my mind because when she sets out to do something, she will practice and prepare for it until she has it down-right perfect. Obviously, it didn't take them long to decide that their Med Tech program needed a smart, dedicated, hard working student like Lori Monk. We are so thrilled for her! Now we get to relax on the beach in June before she starts school in July!

The last several months have not been easy for her, but her faith in the Lord has never wavered! She's such a great role model for my sweet Olivia, and I am so proud to call her my sister!

Here are a few pictures from our celebration supper Friday night:

And here are just some random pictures of my beautiful sister:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did I mention she cut off her hair to donate it to Locks of Love?

 

...and she ran a HALF MARATHON!!!

 

 

 We love you so much, Aunt Lori!!!!

Spring Break

Last week we were on Spring Break... ok, ok, so our whole life is basically Spring Break (just perks of being a stay at home mom!) But we did pretend we were actually on Spring Break! On Monday, we made plans with Julie and the kids to go to the Little Rock Zoo. Livy and I were going to ride with them and then get in the car with my mom after the Zoo since we were spending a couple of days with her afterwards. Well, that didn't exactly pan out. Walker and Tatum lost their car keys that morning right before we were supposed to leave town. Micah had the spare, but he was out of town. And since all 3 car seats were too bulky to fit in the back of my truck, we had to leave without them! :(

Before I begin the rest of the story, let me just add that according to my weather app, it was supposed to be around 70 degrees that week, so I packed only shorts and t-shirts. Thankfully I stuck a couple of jackets in the truck last minute because when we got to Little Rock, the temp had dropped 20 degrees and was freezing!

We met up with Gran and Aunt Lori and enjoyed lunch at All Aboard. None of us had ever been before, so we were amazed! The train chugged along around the restaurant, by a track near the ceiling, and would magically drop your food off at your table. It was awesome!

 

Then we went on to the zoo... still freezing, by the way. We had a blast, took lots of pictures, and had lots of laughs. I think Livy is the only kid who would rather spend the entire time at the zoo looking for the animal tracks in the concrete. Then she insisted upon counting each paw print. She also had a few followers with her... she has enough imagination for a whole village! Let's see, I believe I remember a little baby tiger (with cute pajamas and a bow), a little baby hippo, and 2 crocodiles tagged along behind her. She would look behind her and say,
"Come on kids!"

She said she was "tiiiiired"

Here she is counting the paw prints again. I'm pretty sure that was her favorite part!

 

After spending the night in White Hall, we headed out Tuesday for Lake DeGray. We had a picnic lunch down at the swimming hole... still freezing, by the way. We played on the playgrounds and hiked a trail. Livy said,
"This yooks yike a jungle!"

Then it was time to check into the lodge. I had made great plans to participate in some of the activities that Lake DeGray had to offer. But long story short, the sunset cruise, animal safari on the golf course, and horseback riding were all booked up! :(
That night we ate at the Lodge Restaurant. Sometimes when we're out and about, Livy likes to point at people and ask me who they are. I always tell her it's not nice to point. So that night at the restaurant, Gran pointed to the ketchup bottle and asked Livy what that was. Livy looked at me and said,
"Gran not apposed to point! It not nice!"
We all had a good laugh! She tattled on her Gran!

Throwing rocks in the water with Gran

This was our hike through the jungle

She was so pooped, she actually fell asleep on Gran's back!

 

We spend Wednesday shopping in Hot Springs and ate lunch at Fisherman's Wharf. We had a great time with lots of pictures to prove it!

She loved feeding the ducks