The Cactus Cuties were incredibly honored to receive an invitation to The White House in Washington D.C. to entertain at a Holiday Brunch hosted by President and Mrs. Bush on Saturday, December 13th.  The Cuties had often dreamt of performing at The White House, but never imagined that dream would come true so quickly!!!  They arrived in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 12th and checked into the Capitol Hilton.  They enjoyed a tasty Italian dinner together, rehearsed their set, and then hurried off to bed to rest before their dream day at The White House.  They woke up early on Saturday morning, were transported to The White House in presidential vans, and were standing at the gates of the beautiful White House by 9:00 am.  Once inside, they were escorted to the stunning “Map Room” which would serve as their dressing room.  The Cuties were also informed that two Secret Service men would be guarding their room for the entirity of their stay and would get them anything they desired.  The Cactus Cuties were wide-eyed as they introduced themselves to their very own Secret Service Men!!!!  They Cuties were then escorted to sound-check in the Grand Foyer of The White House.  The Christmas decorations were stunning, and The Cactus Cuties were in awe!  Sound-check went flawlessly well and after levels were set, The Cuties returned to the Map Room to eat breakfast.  Shortly after returning to their holding room, Rear Admiral Steven Rochon entered the room to meet The Cuties.  Admiral Rochon is Chief Usher of The White House and The Cuties fell in love with him immediately!!!  He was extremely complimentary of The Cuties’ singing and presented them with his personal Coin and presidential M&M’s.  He asked the Cuties if they had met Barney and Miss Beazley, and when he discovered they had not, he excused himself and quickly returned with the adorable Scottish Terriers.  The Cactus Cuties were ecstatic to pose for pics with Barney and could hardly believe they were meeting the Presidential puppies!!!!  After bidding goodbye to Barney and Miss Beazley, the Cuties said a prayer and were escorted upstairs to meet President and Mrs. Bush.  President Bush was very sweet to the Cuties, saying he could hardly believe he was meeting The Cactus Cuties!!!  The Cuties introduced themselves with, “Hi, I’m Baylee, I’m Blaire, I’m Andi, and I’m Madeline,” and President Bush responded with, “And I’m George!!!”  The Cuties giggled and surrounded him in a giant West Texas hug!!!  After meeting President and Mrs. Bush, The Cuties immediately began their show.  Guests of the Holiday Brunch gathered in the Grand Foyer and First Lady Laura Bush sat on the floor with all of the children to wach The Cactus Cuties perform!!  The show was a complete success and The Cactus Cuties were walking on air as they floated back to the Map Room.  The Cuties met many of the guests, signed numerous photos, and posed for pictures with many of the children.  Admiral Rochon returned to visit The Cactus Cuties and offered to give The Cactus Cuties and their entourage a personal tour of The White House.  The Cuties screamed and hugged Admiral Rochon and spent the following two hours exploring the history rich White House, consumed in the many secrets Admiral Rochon shared with them.  During the tour, the Cuties saw First Lady Laura Bush and she was very complimentary of them.  She posed for pictures with the Cactus Cuties and their mommas and the Cuties thanked her for the unbelievable opportunity.  After the tour, The Cactus Cuties reluctantly said goodbye to their dear friend Admiral Rochon and climbed into the Presidential Vans.  As they drove away, they knew they would never, ever forget their time at The White House and their absolutely perfect day!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties adore the month of December at the Cactus Theater in their hometown of Lubbock, TX.  Their favorite show of the year is the Cactus Family Christmas show, featuring many Cactus Theater stars and the incredible band, The Lubbock Texas Rhythmn Machine.  This year The Cactus Cuties performed two songs on the show, Joy to the World and The Twelve Country Days of Christmas.  Here are a few pics of The Cactus Cuties on set at The Cactus Theater on Friday, December 5th.

photographer: Leanna Elbert

The Cactus Cuties were beyond excited to perform the National Anthem at the NCAA Big Twelve College Football Game, for their very own Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears on Saturday, November 29th.  They are all Texas Tech fans and were thrilled to step on the field at Jones Stadium in their hometown of Lubbock, Texas for the very first time.  The stadium was huge, seating over 50,000 people!!!  It was only 38 degrees during sound-check, and though The Cuties were freezing, they had so much fun playing on the field together.  After sound-check, The Cactus Cuties raced to “Raider Ally” a pre-game concert hosted by Don Caldwell outside of the stadium.  They performed Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and their original song “Follow Me” for the Tech fans.  By game-time, the weather had warmed up a bit and The Cuties shed their gloves and walked out to the 50 yard line.  They performed well and were proud to sing for their very favorite college football team, The Texas Tech Red Raiders!!!!!  Go Tech!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert