HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

The time has come for Domonic and I to end our official Big Brothers Big Sisters match. While this is a sad day for me, I know Domonic will have new and wonderful experiences and learn so many things with his next mentor. Domonic and his family have been amazing over the last five years and I am so happy to have had the privilege of being part of your lives! You are truly like a second family.

My passion and career are taking me to our nation's capitol, Washington, DC, so I will be learning new things as well!

Although Domonic and I will no longer be officially matched, you better believe I will be keeping up with Domonic and all of his milestones including his thirteenth birthday - today!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I can't wait to hear all about how things go this summer and the 8th grade next year and beyond! Domonic is a great kid and I expect great things.

Congratulations to whomever gets to be his next Big. I am truly jealous and you are one of the luckiest folks around!

All of the very best and future success,
Debby

Snow Cones and Golf

Peter Pan Mini-Golf is one of the most awesome things that Domonic and I get to do together. Whenever I ask Domonic to pick an activity for the week, it's always top of the list. So for your last outing together, that's just what we did!! A couple of delicious snow cones (one blueberry and one grape) + mini-golf + a sunny day = the best summer day ever!

Swimming in Fun!

Barton Springs is a the perfect summer dip. It's so cold you just have to jump in feet first, no testing the water or you are sure to chicken out! So here goes!

Before:

After:

Best way to cool off on a hot summer day ever!!

Mango Fever

Domonic and I cooked up a storm this weekend in preparation for the Rising Mango Star Video Contest. We tested out several original recipes and Domonic chose his favorite which he will demonstrate via YouTube in just a few weeks. Get ready to be amazed; he is quite the chef!

Update: The event where was Domonic was to film his celebrity chef debut was cancelled, but we had a great time making out recipes anyway!

Camp Mabry for American Heroes Day

Camp Mabry is so cool! Domonic and I saw some really neat stuff on American Heroes Day. Planes were parked all around us and helicopters took off as we watched. We saw a re-enactment of the Revolutionary War, artifacts from the war in Vietnam and even rode in a Vietnam-era military vehicle. The search and rescue dogs did their stuff sniffing out humans and contraband too. We were going to dig a foxhole, but permission was denied, soldier!

Domonic & Debby Visit Whoville

The wonderful children's book turned feature film Horton Hears a Who was on our agenda this week. It was pretty great for both Domonic and me. I would love to see my two favorite Dr. Seuss books, If I Ran the Circus and Horton Hatches an Egg, make it to the big screen!

Domonic, being the library book aficionado that he is wowed me all the way home with factoids about the real life of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the real Dr. Seuss. What a kid!

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

This week, Domonic and I rode a sugar high all the way home from one of Austin's most delicious festivals, the 3rd annual Austin Chocolate Festival. We tried truffles, chocolate veggie dip, hot chocolate, chocolate mole sauce, German chocolate cake, chocolate gelato... the list goes on. We left with a box full of delights and smiles on our faces. Thank you Austin Chocolate Festival!!

The Wizard!

This weekend Domonic and I were lucky enough to attend probably the most supremely awesome film screening of all time: The Wizard presented by the Alamo Downtown. The Wizard was one of my favorite movies as a kid and avid Nintendo player so I was thrilled to be able to relive and share the love of the Power Glove with Domonic! We were also priviledged to get to meet in person two of the film's stars, Fred Savage and Luke Edwards. Director Todd Holland was also present to answer questions and finally explain that complicated back-story. Mario and Luigi themselves even made an appearance. Domonic asked Fred what his favorite game is and it turns out he digs Guitar Hero 3. It's no Super Mario 3, but a fine game nonetheless!

We Love Dominoes!

Monopoly Night

Last night proved to be an epic battle for financial dominance. Domonic (the top hat) and I (the thimble) played a friendly but fierce game of Monopoly with our friends and hosts for the evening, Mary Anne (the shoe) and Jason (the wheel barrow, banker and auctioneer).

Domonic started the game off by quickly aquiring the North Carolina monopoly. Good move! Mary Anne gathered all of the railroads which many players rode frequently to our detriment. Jason gained the Oriental Avenue monopoly, but in the end, it was my Ventor Avenue monopoly (improved with hotels) that helped me gain the advantage and pull out a win.

A lovely time and chips and queso were had by all.