So I’m pleased to post his contribution to the blog this week:
From Jeff: “I was trying to come up with a good memory of either my mom's birthday and one of ours that involved her. I decided on one that actually didn't occur on anyone's birthday, but was related to a birthday. It was basically my birthday gift from my mom. This was two years ago when my mother took me to Germany for my first time (first time in Europe actually). I don't remember the exact details that led up to this, but for some reason Mike wasn't going to be able to go (at least not for the whole time). For whatever reason, my mom decided she would ask me to join her there for the whole week and basically just transfer Mike's ticket to me. This was a very nice offer by itself, but she went even farther than that. She said that I wouldn't have to pay for my plane ticket or any of the hotels or rental car there. She told me that we would just consider all that my birthday gift (the trip was in September and my birthday is the end of August). This was an amazingly kind gesture and I could not pass it up. Oktoberfest in Germany, who could turn that down?! I was able to get the days off of work and it was a done deal. Also joining us on the vacation would be my aunt Katy and cousin Chelsey, which made it even more enjoyable. It was such a special amazing trip and something I will forever be grateful to my mother for giving me the opportunity to experience. I've had many incredible vacations with our entire family but this one was unique in that it was just the 4 of us there. It also provided me with a lot of alone time just with my mother and I that was very special. There were so many wonderful experiences on this week long trip (along with at least one not so wonderful but we won't mention any more about that, lol). Thanks to the three much more experienced with German language and culture women I was with, I really got to experience so much more about Germany than I ever could have in another setting. I could go into so much more detail about this wonderful trip because there are just so many memories and experiences that I had that will never be forgotten. But I also don't want to leave you with a whole book to write. The main thing is just that I'm so thankful that my mom decided to offer me this opportunity. By her offering it as my birthday president, I was able to enjoy this wonderful trip that I otherwise would probably not have been able to afford on my own at that time.”
Let me just add, even though it goes into what Jeff described as “at least one not so wonderful…” I was never so happy as I was when all of you finally got home!
Love Sylvia
PS Yes, Stacey and Jake, I cropped you out of the picture. Sorry, OK ;-)