My favorite places

I just returned from traveling through Texas and Colorado after seeing Dean graduate from Basic Training. Texas-not one of my favorite places. Humidity (at least in the area we were in) Hot temperatures, Bugs, Cowboys (not a fan), etc. and some interesting family memories. But, Colorado, wow!! I love that state. It's soooo beautiful, there is so much to do and there is actually some culture in the big city of Denver. Not to mention, this was me and Jeff's first real home. He was stationed in Colorado Springs when he was in the army and we had a cute 2- story apartment that I loved. The scenery and tunnels driving from Colorado and back into Utah through Vail, Aspen, Grand Junction, etc. is breathtaking. It's one of my favorite drives and can't help but feel uplifted and grateful as I drive through the mountains and canyons that Heavenly Father created for us to enjoy. Colorado is definitely my favorite state in the U.S. That being said, my favorite city is Chicago, Illinois. I love the diversity, beauty, shopping, culture, entertainment, architecture, the magnificent mile that eventually leads to the city beach, transportation system and...they have a Dunkin Donuts shop on every corner downtown. Can't beat that!! I've visited Chicago about 3-4 times and always find something different to explore. My first trip to the city I booked a city greeter tour. That's a tour where a volunteer city resident actually takes you on a walking tour of the city. I had a blast! An older woman that had lived there most her life and was a retired college professor was my tour guide. We were a great match, she and I loved many of the same things about the city. She was so knowledgeable and had such a love for the city that it was infectious. We walked from one end of the city to the very end where it ends in a public beach, how cool is that!! We then walked back towards downtown through different neighborhoods appreciating the architecture style of the older homes in Chicago. We then stopped by a corner bistro for a drink and a pastry (I told you we loved the same things), and then took the subway back to our starting point. It was one of my favorite afternoons.

Graduation

As Lysette graduates from High School and Dean from his Air Force Basic Training, I've been pondering what life holds for them. I think back to my High School graduation and realize I was so young and naive yet I felt so grown up and ready to go out into the world. Many people ask me how I feel about my two kids "graduating". Sad? Lonely? Nervous? For some reason, most assume I am having difficutly with these transitions when in actuality I'm excited to see what my kiddos will accomplish and how they will go about finding their own way in this world. I encouage them, applaud them and pray that they will make good choices for themselves with guidance from the Holy Ghost. But I have faith in these two young adults Jeff and I have raised. I know this caring, generous, patriotic, sensitive and fun loving young man and this kind, humble, honest, responsible and easy going young lady will make their own way, making mistakes along the way (don't we all), but learning and growing and becoming the people I know they have the potential to be. Signed, their proud mom