Today’s post is one I first started writing a month ago when we first got back from our road trip. Figured it was time to finish it up and get it published.
My youngest daughter was not supposed to still be living in Texas …
4 years ago, the plan was for both my daughters to move to Arizona and spend their high school years living with me. Jaiden came at the beginning of 2023, and the change of scenery was really good for her.
Her younger sister Joey was supposed also move at the end of that school year.
But she has a move active social life than her sister, and was starting to get very involved with cheerleading, including traveling and competitions.
In the end, it was decided that she would stay in Texas.
I have no regrets. She’s thriving. Currently in her third year as varsity cheerleader, ranked #3 in a class of almost 600 students, and on track to graduate high school in 2028 with not only a diploma, but a college associate’s degree.
Unfortunately, for her dad (me) this means that instead of seeing her 3-4 days a week (as I did when I worked in San Antonio), I now only see her in person 2 or 3 times a year.
Our daily Snapchat streak pictures we send to each other just don’t quite hit the same way as in person conversations or watching a movie on living room couch.
She’s come here to Arizona about once or twice a year, and I’ve made it back to Texas about the same. This year the two visits were just a couple of months apart. Work sent me for a week in July, then my son, daughter and granddaughter all jumped in the car to attend the homecoming football game back on October 2nd.
When I was initially planning this trip, I wasn’t even aware that October 2nd was the homecoming came. As a 35 year weather forecaster, I had just made the call that early October would be a perfect time to visit central Texas.
Unfortunately, super El Nino, and the remnants of Hurricane Polo had other ideas. It rained the whole week we were there.
But we did still get a few pictures at the football game, before the homecoming dance, and just hanging out with her sisters.
Haven’t decided yet when the next Texas trip will happen. I’m not a fan of the 900 mile drives. But I am a fan of spending time with Joey … so it will likely be sooner, rather than later.
In the meantime, our 3+ year snap streak continues.
Til Next time,
Memories:
(A look back at post from around this time one year ago):
