Welcome Home Jason Castro!!

Today, May 29, 2008 was Jason Castro Day in Rockwall, TX. We had a parade and a mini-concert at the Harbor. I was ready as soon as the kids got home from school today and as soon as our friends the Braddock's arrived we headed out! Now, mind you none of the festivities started until 6:30 this evening! Yes, we were there a bit early, but we had snacks, playdoh and lots of things to color. Of course, it was hot enough to melt the crayons!

My friend Jane was in charge of selling his t-shirts. Yes, we all have one! The back says, "I shot the Tambourine Man!" If you watched AI and Jason's last week, you'll know what that means.

When we arrived for the concert 3 hours early, the crowd already looked like this...

I can't even begin to explain what it looked like by 6:30. It was INSANE!! Jason was given a key to the city from the mayor and a flag from Congressman Ralph Hall. A friend had pulled us and the kids right down front in the little roped off VIP section. It was still jam-packed, but the kids managed to worm their way to the front...The pictures of them watching are not great because we couldn't get in front of them and trust me, they weren't giving up one inch of space! After all the presentations, he gave a mini-concert. He sang, "Daydream," one of his original songs, "Somewhere over the Rainbow," and "Deep in the Heart of Texas!" You know me...If I hadn't already been a fan this would have sent me right over the edge!

One of the pastors from church spoke about Jason and how people from all over had contacted the church about Jason because they saw something different about him. He talked about Jason's mission trips to Russia and commissioned him. When the Fox reporter asked him how he handled all the stress, fame, attention etc....he answered, "I'm just really grounded in my faith." WoW.

At the end we were all tired, hungry, sweaty and most likely stinky, but a great time was had by all!

OH....and Grace wants everyone to know that she TOUCHED Jason Castro. Apparently after I took Thomas and some of the other kids back to gather up our stuff, a friend of ours who was working the event grabbed Grace and pushed her close enough that she got to TOUCH him. It is impossible to capture in words just how excited that little girl was tonight. While talking to my mom on the phone about the evening, she was walking in circles! I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get her to sleep tonight!

Making memories...

Blessings,

Leslie