Everything That I've Got is Just What I've Got On

It's been awhile so here's a marathon blog for you. :)

I spent this weekend with my fabulous cousin in none other than Panhandle, TX!

Nikki's finishing up P.A. school this year and is currently finishing her rotation in Plainview. Since there is little to be seen in Plainview (although Nik would argue...she has a new appreciation for Smalltown, West TX*) and Nikki's living in a hospital bed (housing options for a P.A. student in Smalltown, West TX), I flew in to Amarillo where we resided for the weekend.

Although we originally intended to spend Saturday at Palo Duro Canyon, the weather had other plans. I thought I'd give you readers a little photo journal of our grandiose weekend! I hope you enjoy.

I flew into Rick Husband International Airport, which has special significance to me. Rick Husband was the commander of the space shuttle Columbia that went down in February of 2002. Rick was a good friend of my families growing up. I had spent time in his home babysitting his two kids. It was neat to see his hometown give him such a neat memorial. We came across so many special Rick Husband tributes throughout the weekend.

Friday night we ate at Acapulco on Amarillo's main drag. It's a different cookie than Austin, let me tell you. After driving around town for quite awhile, I was sure we had missed it. For some reason I thought Amarillo was a tad bigger than it is.

Saturday morning (when I say morning I mean 11am - it was so great to sleep) we woke up to rain. We didn't let that stop our fun. No way...plans changed from hiking to shopping. What else can you do on a rainy Saturday in Amarillo?

While at Westgate Mall we came across this brilliant display for breast cancer awareness. It was fascinating to say the least. Breast cancer survivors and friends made this possible. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

After our shopping extravaganza, Nikki and I couldn't help but enjoy a pedicure at the suprising Deluxe Nails. Now I feel like I'm pretty well pedicure experienced (thanks, mom!). So I didn't expect a few outstanding new things that we found at good 'ol Deluxe.

First of all, Deluxe had male manicurists (that a word?). That's right a twenty-something guy did our nails. If that wasn't enough. The pedicures were incredible. They even wrapped my freshly cleaned and massaged foot in WARM wet towels and did a few ankle stretches. Seriously...incredible! Nikki especially enjoyed it.

Also, Deluxe Nails had small massage, pedicure chairs for kids. SO cool. I can't tell you how many times I've taken a little girl to get her nails done and she misses out on half the experience because the massage chair is just too big for her. Here the kids had animal chairs and DVD players at each seat. What!?

While I don't have a photo for this. I can't go without mentioning the 10 year old boy who nearly ran Deluxe Nails. He got our chairs all situated for us, he asked if we wanted anything to drink and he even took our money when all was said and done. Well done, Deluxe! If I lived in Amarillo I would visit you more.

Next big stop, The Big Texan - a FAMOUS Amarillo Steak House. Only in Texas, folks.

We super enjoyed this country place. It was so well decorated and themed for visitors. Apparently if we had felt up for the challenge we could have consumed a 72 oz. steak in one hour for free, on display for the entire restaurant (and what appeared the entire city of Amarillo) to see. No thanks. We resorted to eating limes and making ridiculous faces.

After dinner we enjoyed something neither of us had experienced before. Arguably our favorite part of the trip was an incredible experience that took us back to movies like Grease and Twister. It made me feel like I was sitting in the middle of Dillon, TX on Friday Night Lights. If any of you have never done this before, you've got to get out and enjoy a Drive-in theater!

Nikki and I watched a double header. It was a late night, but totally worth it. Concessions, good cool weather and an amazingly comfortable movie watching experience.

All in all, an awesome weekend with my cousin! Love you, Nik.

P.S. I have one last terribly unrelated thing to mention. There is this awesome conference I've got to give a shout out to. For any ladies interested in photography or starting a photography business The Love Affair Workshop promises to be incredible. I've heard great things and would love to attend this year! I've followed a couple of the hostesses' blogs for a couple of years now and am fascinated at their talent. Each of them run fabulous wedding photography business. I would LOVE to learn from them. Click here to read more, and sign up.