Van Cliburn

My recent ventures took me to the press room at the Van Cliburn piano competition here in Fort Worth. I volunteered in the press room for a few "slots," keeping the place tidy, searching the newspapers for any coverage, stocking the food, etc. It was so great to learn more about this prestigious event Fort Worth is honored to host every four years. This is just another reason I'm starting to love Fort Worth so much; it has a lot to offer in the arts and hospitality. The finals are this weekend; be sure to find out who wins!

cliburn.org

My, How Your Garden Grows

Thanks to a little rain and plenty o' sunshine, our vegetable and flower garden is growing nicely. Zucchini was our first veggie to pick and eat. We've picked five in all, one cucumber, and one tiny tomato so far! And I've attached pics of the new landscaping along the back of the yard.

New Haircut

I'm a little shaky with the camera; thus, the blurry pics. But hey--you get the idea.

Fun Times With Friends

What's tiny, energetic, too-cute-for-words, and obsessed with her best friend Joel? Amelia, who came to visit her Aunt Em and Uncle Bryan just a few days ago. Of course, Jennifer and Francis tagged along too (but we know the REAL star of the show!). 

Although Bryan was working most of the weekend, the girls had a great visit. We went to the zoo (the same day every public school in Texas decided on a field trip), shopped til we dropped, and got lost on various occasions. I'm still learning the Texas roadways--ahem.

Thankfully, I experienced no medical mishaps this time, as I have been prone to do during the Morgan visits. I'm thinking Colby is the unlucky member of this equation . . . .

Mother's Day Memories

Right . . . Mother's Day was a few weeks back, but I am just now getting to the blog. It's called too many projects for May!

We traveled to Oklahoma City to meet up with Bryan's family for Mother's Day weekend. We went up a day early to visit the OU campus, where Bryan earned his undergraduate degree. It was really fun to walk the campus, see his old dormitory, and munch at an old college restaurant. And did I mention I learned the meaning of an Oklahoma sudden "shower." I believe I screamed, "Ruuuuunnnn."

The rest of the weekend we spent with the Youree family. This was the first time all the Youree kids and spouses were together since I have joined the family, which, of course, made for a great time! While there, we ate too much food, played in the hotel pool, watched OU and OSU baseball game (literally a view to die for from our room), endured a haunted house (NEVER AGAIN!), laughed at the grandkids' antics, and--the highlight of the weekend--saw the Lion King stage show. 

For me, it was great to see the dynamics of my new family. I chuckled a bit as I could see everyone fitting into their "roles" when they get together. Grown adults become mom and dad's pride and joy still soaking up the love and attention they provide, and the memories from years past fuel laughter and bonds. So great.

The pics are: the Yourees, the Thompsons, the Raineys, kiddos in the hot tub, the view from our room, and Mr. Hoops.

The Med School Scoop--Houston Reunion

Last weekend, we found ourselves in Houston for Bryan's medical school reunion at Baylor College of Medicine. Although the turnout numbers were low for his class, we had a really great time. It was so fun to see his old stomping grounds--class room buildings, hospitals where he did his clinicals, his apartments, favorite restaurants, etc. The opening mixer was fun (amazing to see those celebrating their 50th med school reunion!); we bumped into classmates and an old professor or two. They had lots of food, sweets, and a bubbling bar--and who could forget the photo booth and caricature artist . . . right. The next day we enjoyed a class breakfast, followed by some time shopping and drowning. Yeah, it rained 5 inches in 48 hours; we got "caught" in some troubling water, which prompted us to return to the hotel. Unfortunately, the rain hindered some of the festivities, such as the campus tour being canceled. The reunion weekend was topped off by a class dinner at a great mexican restaurant. So fun and interesting to hear the "old" stories of med school glory days.  Aside from the humidity, I had a great time and Bryan did too! I'm just happy to have a badge with my name on it that says, "Baylor College of Medicine." I'm so going to attach it my work bag . . . "Yes, that's Dr. Emily Youree. . . ."

An Easter to Remember

For Palm Sunday, we celebrated in Nashville with Tina and fam. Kristen and Kullen gave us the sweetest card and cute Easter baskets filled with candy--princesses for me and Superman for Bryan. Our Easter week was off to a great start--fun surprises and time with family! 

Easter day was low-key with our friend Andy coming over for lunch. Ah yes, lunch; that's an interesting story. Going against logic, prior experience, and the entirety of my cook book collection, I stuffed (literally) a l-a-r-g-e roast into the crock pot. Next, in genius fashion, I slid a few potatoes and carrots down the sides, hoping to fit them. With the lid barely on, I switched the "on-high" knob. I remember telling Bryan, "This is going to be all over the counter when we get back, and I bet it won't be cooked." Sure enough, I was right. After a panicky clean-up and hurried problem-solving, Bryan put the roast in the oven and headed to Albertson's to purchase chicken. I quickly peeled potatoes and steamed some broccoli. Thank goodness Andy was easy-to-please and not too offended! 

Easter 2010? Can we say "brunch reservations"?