The Cactus Cuties boarded a plane for the third time this week and headed to Dallas/Ft. Worth to perform as featured artists for Sky Ball VI 2008, hosted by American Airlines and the Fort Worth Airpower Foundation.  On the morning of Saturday, October 11th, the Cuties had breakfast in the Marriott restaurant, and spent the rest of the morning acting out hilarious skits on the hotel lawn.  They had Blaire’s mom take tons of pictures of them playing, and came up with their own poses.  They reported to Cami’s room for rehearsal at 1:00 pm to prepare for the evening’s performance, and spent the rest of the afternoon rehearsing and primping for the show.  The Cactus Cuties arrived at American’s Alliance Airport Maintenance Hanger at 4:30 pm for sound-check, and their jaws dropped when they saw the enormous airplane hanger they would be singing in.  There were two massive airplanes inside and the hanger was elaborately decorated for the evening’s events.  The Cuties were even more astounded when their escorts informed them that they would actually be performing a portion of the show inside a “Triple Seven!!!!”  The event planners had removed the seats inside a Boeing 777 and completely transformed it into a cocktail party site called, “Party in the Plane.”  After sound-check, the Cuties had just enough time to change into new red dresses and touch up their hair before hurrying to the “Party in the Plane.”  The emcee for the evening, NBC 5 News Anchor Mike Snyder, introduced The Cuties as they entered the plane and alerted the crowd that The Cuties would be performing shortly.  The Cactus Cuties chatted with a few of the guests and nearly fainted when they met the legendary actor, Gary Sinise.  They introduced themselves to him and told him how much they love the movie, “Forrest Gump.”  He was very sweet, and said he was looking forward to hearing them sing.  They took the stage and Mr. Sinise stood in the very front of the crowd to watch their patriotic medley.  They finished the show in “Party on the Plane,” and headed downstairs to prepare for the next performance at the main stage.  Thousands of guests settled into their seats and The Cactus Cuties stepped onto the huge stage to sing The National Anthem.  The audience was extremely supportive and The Cuties were very happy with their performance.  After a few minutes, all of the guests were invited outside to watch a beautifully lit air-show.  Outside, The Cuties were able to explore one of the very first American Airlines airplanes and even got to sit in the cockpit!!  After the air-show, everyone reentered the hanger and sat at their tables for dinner.  The Cactus Cuties later performed “Children of America,” and had the opportunity to meet and visit with country music star, Michael Peterson.  He was so kind to The Cuties and they loved his singing!!  At the very end of the evening, The Cactus Cuties were dancing in front of the stage, and Mr. Snyder called them up on stage and asked if they had anything else they could close the show with.  The Cactus Cuties were surprised since they hadn’t rehearsed anything else, but Cami yelled out, “Battle Hymn,” and they told him they could sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  Michael Peterson’s piano player gave them a C, and they ended the concert with their a capella version of the classic song.  As The Cactus Cuties ended the song and took a bow, the audience roared!!  The Cactus Cuties had another incredible evening on the road, and were so thankful Mr. Mike Snyder had invited them to Sky Ball VI!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were ecstatic to be invited to New Orleans to perform The National Anthem at their very first NFL game, New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings on Monday, October 6th.  The Cactus Cuties arrived in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon and checked into The New Orleans Marriott downtown.  They dropped their luggage off and jumped on a street car/trolley that took them through the heart of the city, where they admired the beautiful buildings and homes in history rich New Orleans.  Then, the Cuties hopped into a gift shop where they laughed and laughed as they tried on ornately decorated feather masks.  Wearing their new masks, they walked around downtown and had dinner in a fabulous seafood restaurant before heading to bed.  The Cuties woke up on Monday morning, did a little shopping, had lunch downtown, and then reported to Cami’s room to rehearse and get dressed for the game.  When they walked into the hotel garage to head to the game, they screamed as they saw a beautiful black limo waiting just for them!!!  The limo was filled with Saints decorations and their excitement began to grow as they rode to The Louisiana Superdome.  They reported to sound-check and giggled as they stood on a 50 yard line for their very first time.  After sound-check, the dome quickly filled with people and The Cuties were all eyes as they met and posed for pics with NFL Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, NBA star and Olympic gold medalist Chris Paul, renowned chef Paul Perdone and country music star Hank Williams Jr.  The Cactus Cuties performed The National Anthem for over 50,000 people, and multiple times the crowd erupted in cheers so loud the Cuties could barely hear their own voices.  They held hands and ran to the sidelines, sharing hugs of happiness in celebration of their performance.  They spent the rest of the night enjoying their very first NFL game and couldn’t thank The Saints enough for the incredible experience they made possible.  The Cactus Cuties would never forget New Orleans and The New Orleans Saints!!!!

photographer: The Associated Press & Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were happy to receive pictures from photographer Scott Mann of their show, “The Cactus Cuties in Concert” at the Cactus Theater on August 8th and 9th, 2008.  The Cuties are thrilled with the photos and wanted to share a few of them with their incredible fans!!!  They also wanted to share a few photos of playtime in “Cutie Pie Cafe” before they were given their official “Cutie Pie Cafe” uniforms from Uncle Donnie and Aunt Terri.  The Cactus Cuties would like to thank all of you for joining them on this amazing adventure!!

photographer: Scott Mann

The Cactus Cuties returned to Lubbock from Midland, TX on Friday, September 19th and headed for the Lubbock International Airport to catch a flight to Las Vegas, NV.  They had been invited to perform at the Conservative Leadership Conference at The Venetian Resort Hotel-Casino on Saturday, September 20th.  The Venetian was absolutely stunning, and The Cuties were honored to be performing there.  The Cactus Cuties enjoyed water in fancy glasses at the event’s cocktail party preceding the gala banquet and loved visiting with the sweet people involved in the conference.  After the cocktail party, The Cuties were seated at a beautifully decorated table and served an elegant meal.  The Cuties performed The National Anthem, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Think, Amazing Grace, Children of America, and a medley of patriotic classics.  The sweet people attending the gala banquet gave The Cactus Cuties a standing ovation, and The Cuties were extremely happy with their performance.   They spent the duration of the evening signing autographs and finally said goodbye to their friends with the Conservative Leadership Conference and headed for home.  The Cactus Cuties journaled all about the exciting life on the road, as they flew home from Vegas for the second time in the month of September!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were pleased to be invited to Midland, Texas to perform at the Save The Girls luncheon during the Commemorative Air Force Airshow 2008.  The Cuties arrived at the Midland Airpower Museum on Friday, September 19th at 10:00 am for sound-check for the event.  After a smooth sound-check, The Cuties headed to the dressing room to change clothes and get ready for the gig.  While they were primping, they heard some amazing voices harmonizing.  They ran into the performance room and saw a male quartet beautifully mastering an a capella number.  After the quartet finished their sound-check, The Cuties ran up to them and introduced themselves.  They discovered the quartet was named Acoustix, and they were so sweet to The Cuties!!  After chatting for a few minutes, The Cuties excused themselves to finish preparing for their show.  They hit the stage at noon, and performed a medley of patriotic tunes, “Think”, “Amazing Grace”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and “Children of America.”  The crowd was enthusiastic and gave The Cactus Cuties three standing ovations!  After their performance, the Cuties listened to the incredible Acoustix and were thoroughly impressed.  At the close of the concert, The Cuties and Acoustix reported to their merchandise tables to sign autographs.  The fans were super supportive, and The Cuties were thrilled to sell a large amount of their new books to the great people in Midland!!  Before leaving, they exchanged merch with Acoustix and bid their talented new friends goodbye.  The Cactus Cuties jammed out to Acoustix all the way home!!! 

photographer: Leanna Elbert