The Big 16!

Ten years ago Melissa, my oldest, was quickly approaching her 16 birthday.
I found myself watching my little girl grow into a young lady all too quickly.
I knew my time with her as a resident in the same house with us was limited.
I wanted more time with her. I needed more time with her.
There was a big world out there and I believed there was still so much to guide her through before she ventured out to explore her own life outside of the security of our family.

Ten years ago we lived in a small town. (Kearney is small town to me, anyway.)
I wanted my children to experience the world that you can't find in a small town. I wanted them to know how to get through airport security, transfer from plane to plane without getting lost; what it is like to get around in a new place; how to get from airport, to hotel, to museum, whether it be by plane, train or bus. And I wanted them to do this safely.

Ten years ago on an ordinary morning while taking my morning shower I had simple idea, a simple vision that has turned out to be an absolutely extraordinarily brilliant idea.

For Melissa's birthday I would take her to a big city. Surprise her with a trip where she could site see and explore all she wanted to see. She had all the tour books, maps and guidance, but it was up to her to plan the activities and figure out what, how, where, and when.
And this would give us the much needed one on one time together.

We had a wonderful time in San Francisco!

We have continued this tradition with all the kids as they have reached 16.

Jeff and Brad in Washington DC,
Jeff and Aimee in San Francisco,
me and Lindsey in San Francisco,
And now...
me and Alex in Chicago!

Each one of the kids have embraced this one-on-one time with mom or dad. At 15 or so they begin asking where we are taking them, trying to lobby for Hawaii or Disney World. (We don't let them choose the city.)

So here I am at the end of my first day with Alex in Chicago.
We left Salem at 4:45am.
Non-stop flight from Portland to Chicago.
Orange Train from MidWay airport.
Transfer to Red Line Train.
Exit at Grand.
Our Hotel is right here.
Just a few blocks away from the Hard Rock Cafe,
Pizzaria Uno
and
Gino's East.

The Cubbies won tonight against the Brewers.
Our seats were AMAZING!



Alex has crashed!. I think I wore him out.

I am excited for tomorrow and to find out where he is going to lead me!

Ten years ago...
Thank you God for ordinary days, and quiet thoughts that turn out to be such blessings!