All for Lauren - Stand Up and Holler

On Saturday we went to the UT vs. Kansas State men's basketball game. It was me, Aaron, Aaris, Titus and my dad (it was his birthday). (Thanks mom and Hattie for keeping Skylyn.) We really wanted to go to this game because Aaris had been wanting to see Lauren Farmer cheer. Lauren is a household name around our house. Aaris has been infatuated with her since she met her almost a year ago at a UT men's basketball game. Lauren is a very gracious and kind hearted UT Longhorn cheerleader. She has been so kind to befriend our little girl. We have her cheer squad picture up in Aaris's closet above all her purses and she looks at her every day. On Saturday Aaris watched Lauren the whole game. She looked at her through our binoculars and watched for her on the big jumbo-tron. Aaris took the pom-poms Lauren gave her and cheered for the basketball players. Aaris really enjoyed the cotton candy and popcorn but didn't like that we went into overtime because she had to wait longer to meet Lauren. After the game Lauren so kindly hung around so that we could see her and Aaris could hug her. Lauren was just so loving. Aaris gave her a picture she had drawn for her. Lauren took pictures with Aaris, talked to her for a long time, and even took her out on the basketball court to jump around. Aaris just about couldn't contain herself with excitement. After the game she was sad to leave, but can't stop talking about it. Today Aaris has wanted to pretend to be a cheerleader all day. She makes me pretend to be Aaris while she is Lauren and I have to watch her cheer and then come and talk to her. Aaron and Titus got to participate in the pretend play this evening by shooting baskets on Titus's little goal and being the UT basketball team. We want to send out a huge THANK YOU to Lauren and her family. You all are a true gift to my little girl.