Everything really is bigger in Texas…including Dreams!
We landed in Texas and were greeted with the warmest southern hospitality at Live By Loews – Arlington, TX. The staff made it feel like home — gracious, genuine, and full of heart.
One of the most unforgettable moments? LSU Gymnastics super fan, Aly got to meet the legendary former LSU Gymnastics Coach D-D Breaux! Her presence is as powerful off the floor as it is on it — she was so kind, took photos with Aly, and shared some truly inspiring words.
And in true Texas style, Aly was gifted her own pair of Ariat boots, just like the gymnasts! Thanks to our amazing friends with the NCAA, Aly was also given gifts from Nikki Smith Designs, Drunk Elephant Skin Care, True Brvnd, and Tart By Taylor!
Day two started off with some surprisingly intense (and very competitive) pickleball at Chicken N Pickle—a true team bonding moment! Then it was off to the iconic Dickies Arena for an epic behind-the-scenes tour of the NCAA Gymnastics Championship. We got a glimpse of the athlete locker rooms, scored some sweet NCAA swag, and even watched Aly live out her gymnastics dreams by playing on the official NCAA equipment and holding the finals trophy!
But that was just the beginning…The afternoon was pure Texas: exploring the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards, cowboy hats and all. Aly picked up some new boots, conquered her first rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, and sat on a real-life longhorn. A true Lone Star rite of passage! We ended the night dancing our boots off at Billy Bob’s Texas—the WORLD’S largest Honky Tonk—with a live Chase Rice concert. Loud music, good people, and that wild Texas energy sealed the deal on an unforgettable day.
Our final day was all about recharging and celebrating. We kicked things off with some blissful relaxation at the Loews Hotels Arlington spa (heaven, honestly), then made our way back to Dickies Arena for the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Finals. The arena was electric as four powerhouse teams left it all on the floor, and OU tumbled their way to the National Championship title! We wrapped up this whirlwind adventure at the airport—one last meal, lots of laughs, and promises to keep in touch. Three days full of car sing-alongs, Texas charm, and unforgettable NCAA moments. What a ride.
