Part
1: The Journey to Sacramento
On June 4th at 9:15 a.m., our
neighbor, Scott Faubert, picked us up right from our driveway in his trusty
23-year-old Ford Excursion. June 4th is already a special day in our family
because it is Harper Grace’s birthday—she turned 14 this year! But this year,
the day was even more exciting because it was also the day we were leaving for
Sacramento, California, to celebrate our granddaughter Keelie Christina Thiot’s
high school graduation.
Scott dropped us off at the UTD
Silver Line Station, and once again we were reminded how much we love that
train. It takes passengers directly to the American Airlines terminal at DFW
Airport, making travel so easy. Senior tickets are only $1.50, which saves both
highway tolls and airport parking fees. It has quickly become our favorite way
to get to the airport.
We arrived with plenty of time to
spare, which made going through security completely stress-free. TSA kept
things moving smoothly, and before long we were ready to board. Dick was able
to switch seats so we could sit together, which always makes traveling more
enjoyable.
Traveling with Dick is such a
blessing. He always knows exactly what to do and somehow makes everything feel
easier. He reminds me when I can put my driver’s license safely back in my
wallet and when it’s time to have my boarding pass ready. I never have to worry
because he is always one step ahead. Our flight left right on schedule, and the
calm air made for a smooth and pleasant trip.
When we arrived in Sacramento, we
rented a car and were soon on our way in a comfortable silver Chevy Equinox. It
fit all of our luggage perfectly, and before long we were ready to find some
lunch.
We were both craving hamburgers and
animal-style fries, so we stopped at In-N-Out Burger. What happened next gave
us quite a surprise. Our cousin Carter, who recently moved to Plano with his
wife for her summer internship and works at In-N-Out in Dallas, happened to be
the crew member who took our order! We couldn’t believe it. Of course, we
snapped a picture and immediately sent it to him. It gave us all a good laugh
and made our lunch even more memorable.
After enjoying our meal, we headed
to Charlie and Jen’s house. We arrived with enough time to get settled before
Jen came home from work. Charlie was working from home that day, and it felt
wonderful to be together again. We got
to see Charlie’s Testimony Tee’s room and he made a Fathers Day shirt for Dick
and made me a fun Birthday shirt with 1776-2026 on it. I love it!
Charlie has some very great skills and loves doing it.
That evening, Charlie grilled steaks
for dinner, and we enjoyed delicious mashed potatoes and Caesar salad. It was
one of those simple family dinners that makes you feel right at home. Ewan sat
beside me, which made me especially happy.
Callum wasn’t home that evening, but
we made sure to save him some mashed potatoes. Later, when we delivered
Keelie’s balloon arch for the graduation party, we brought his serving along
with us.
Speaking of the balloon arch—what a
project that was!
I wish you could have seen Lilly and
Jen at work. The two of them spent hours blowing up and arranging hundreds of
balloons, and they made it look easy. I even got to help blow up and tie a few
balloons myself, which was fun.
Once all the balloons were attached
to the frame, we realized we had another challenge ahead of us: transportation.
The arch was so large that we had to separate it into two sections. One tower
went into our car and the other into Lilly’s car.
Then our little caravan set off down
the road.
Charlie and Jen led the way, Dick
and I followed behind, and Lilly and Justin brought up the rear as our caboose.
I loved looking around and realizing that three generations of our family were
traveling together in three separate cars, all headed to celebrate Keelie. It was
one of those moments that made my heart smile.
When we arrived, we helped set up
the balloon arch and had the chance to visit with Mackenzie’s family. We also
got to meet Keelie and Callum’s new little sister, Luna.
She was absolutely adorable.
Every one of us fell in love with
her almost instantly. She seemed pretty fond of Grandpa too. It was fun
watching her personality shine as everyone took turns holding her and making
her smile.
By the time we returned home, we
were tired but happy. We got ready for bed and settled in for the night.
If there is one thing I do
especially well on trips, it is going to bed when the day is done!
The next morning, Charlie and Jen
both had to work, which gave Dick and me a chance to enjoy a slower start to
the day. Dick was able to get some work done, and I was excited because I
finally had the chance to do something I had been looking forward to for quite
a while.
At our last family reunion, I made
Grammy’s tacos. Ewan paid me one of the nicest compliments I have ever received
when he told me they were the best tacos he had ever eaten.
I have been waiting ever since for
another opportunity to make them for him.
This was my chance.
Dick and I made a quick trip to
Walmart to gather everything we needed: crispy taco shells, ground beef, taco
seasoning, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa. When lunchtime
arrived, I happily went to work in the kitchen making Grammy’s tacos.
They turned out pretty well, and
best of all, everyone enjoyed them. Watching Ewan dig into those tacos made all
the effort worthwhile.
Part
2: The Graduation Party and Graduation Day
Friday night was Keelie’s graduation
party, held at her mom’s home, and what a wonderful evening it turned out to
be.
The minute we arrived, you could
feel the excitement in the air. Family and friends were gathering, laughter
filled the yard, and everyone was eager to celebrate Keelie and all she had
accomplished.
Andy, Mackenzie’s husband, prepared
delicious street tacos that were a huge hit. The party had a fun Taco Bell
theme since it happens to be one of Keelie’s favorite places. The decorations
were creative, colorful, and absolutely perfect for her personality. Everywhere
you looked there was something fun to see.
We contributed a large assortment of
fresh fruit, including watermelon, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and
grapes. It was a refreshing addition to all the wonderful food.
Aunt Kelzie and Holland had arranged
for a special cake made by a talented friend who had once lived near them in
Houston. It was not only beautiful but absolutely delicious. Every bite was
worth savoring.
Charlie brought an assortment of
drinks along with flavored syrups and mix-ins so guests could create their own
dirty sodas. With the cups, lids, colorful straws, and all the flavor options,
it felt like we had our own little Swig shop right there at the party. It was a
huge success and everyone seemed to enjoy creating their own favorite
combinations.
One of my favorite parts of the
evening was simply getting to visit with everyone. So many of Keelie’s friends
came to celebrate with her, and it was a joy to meet them and see how much they
cared about her. Watching them laugh together and enjoy the evening made it
clear just how loved she is.
Keelie also had the cutest cardboard
Chewbacca display dressed in a cap and gown. It was clever, funny, and
perfectly suited to the occasion. Everyone seemed to get a kick out of it.
On our drive home that night, Dick
took us past Birks Lane.
That simple drive brought back so
many sweet memories. My aunt and uncle once lived at the end of Birks Lane, and
every time we are nearby, I feel a special connection to that place. Knowing
that members of my grandfather’s family lived there always fills me with warm
memories and gratitude for the family heritage that connects us all.
Before long it was time to head back
to Charlie and Jen’s house for the night. Graduation morning would come early,
and we wanted to be rested and ready for the big day.
Saturday morning arrived with plenty
of excitement.
Graduation was held on the football
field, which made for a beautiful setting. Chairs had been arranged on the
field for parents and siblings, while the rest of us sat in the bleachers. The
setup worked perfectly.
We were especially grateful to Mackenzie’s
parents, who arrived early and saved seats for us. Thanks to them, we had a
wonderful view of everything.
Soon the graduates began marching
in.
They looked so impressive in their
blue caps and gowns. There were nearly 300 graduates, so the procession took
quite a while. By the time everyone had entered, I think we had heard the
graduation march more times than any of us could count!
The ROTC presented the colors, and
the school choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Both were beautifully done
and helped make the ceremony feel special and meaningful.
Next, the principal addressed the
graduates. It was his first year serving as principal, and he did a wonderful
job. His remarks were thoughtful and encouraging, setting a positive tone for
the ceremony.
Two student speakers followed,
sharing messages about friendship, growth, and the future. Then came the moment
everyone had been waiting for—the presentation of diplomas.
One by one, each graduate crossed
the stage.
It took some time, but no one seemed
to mind. Every student represented years of hard work and determination, and
every family was eager to celebrate their graduate’s moment.
When Keelie’s name was finally
called, our hearts swelled with pride. We cheered as loudly as we could as she
walked across the stage and received her diploma.
That single moment made the entire
trip worthwhile.
I was so grateful we could be there
to witness it.
After the ceremony ended, everyone
gathered for photographs. Smiles were everywhere. Graduates hugged friends, families
posed for pictures, and cameras clicked nonstop.
One of my favorite moments came when
the graduates tossed their caps into the air. For a few seconds, blue caps
filled the sky. Then everyone scrambled to find their own cap again, which
created plenty of laughter and excitement.
The happiness on those young faces
was contagious.
It was clear that a chapter had
ended and a new one was about to begin, and it was a privilege to be there to
celebrate with them.
As we gathered together afterward, I
couldn't help but feel thankful—for family, for milestones worth celebrating,
and especially for our sweet Keelie. We were so proud of the young woman she
has become and excited to see what adventures lie ahead for her.
Part
3: Family Time, the Lake, and Sweet Surprises
After graduation, Keelie had one
more request.
She asked Jen and Charlie if she
could invite her entire family over for lunch. She was hoping for hamburgers
and hot dogs grilled just the way her dad makes them. Thankfully, everyone was
happy to make it happen.
Before long, Charlie was at the
grill, filling the air with the wonderful smell of burgers and hot dogs. We
prepared potato salad, chips, and all the fixings to go along with them. It was
a simple meal, but somehow those are often the very best kind when shared with
family.
One thing that made the gathering
especially meaningful was having so many generations together in one place.
Keelie had three of her four grandmothers there to celebrate with her. Although
her fourth grandmother wasn't able to attend, she found a beautiful way to be
part of the occasion.
She sent Keelie a t-shirt quilt she
had lovingly made from many of Keelie’s favorite shirts from growing up.
What a treasure that quilt turned
out to be.
The back was made from deep purple
minky fabric that was unbelievably soft. As Keelie showed it to me, she pointed
out shirt after shirt and shared memories connected to each one. Several of
them brought back memories for me too. It was such a thoughtful gift and such a
beautiful way to preserve pieces of her childhood.
After lunch, some of the family
decided to head to the lake for an afternoon adventure.
Charlie, Callum, and Dick got busy
inflating paddleboards and organizing everything they would need for the
outing. Even Winnie, the beloved family dog, was eager to join in the fun. She
has her own life jacket and wears it with such pride that it always makes me
smile.
Aunt Kelzie and her daughter Holland
decided to come along as well.
As for me, I made a different
choice.
I stayed home and enjoyed a little
quiet time.
I have learned that one of my
talents is recognizing when a good nap sounds better than a paddleboard! While
everyone else was off having adventures on the water, I relaxed, rested, and
did a bit of light cleanup around the house.
It was peaceful, and honestly, it
was exactly what I needed.
What made me happiest, though, was
simply seeing everyone together. I was grateful that Keelie had suggested the
family lunch and that Charlie and Jen were willing to host such a large gathering
on short notice. It turned out to be so much more enjoyable than trying to
squeeze everyone into a crowded restaurant.
While the lake crew was away, Luna
provided plenty of entertainment all on her own.
She absolutely loved the trampoline.
Watching her bounce, laugh, and play
brought smiles to everyone around her. She had a wonderful way of keeping all
of us entertained without even trying. Every new expression and every little
laugh seemed to capture everyone's attention.
One of the greatest joys of family
gatherings is watching the youngest generation grow and seeing their unique
personalities begin to shine. Luna certainly did that.
By the time everyone returned from
the lake, there were plenty of stories to share and lots of happy, tired faces.
It had been a full day, but it was exactly the kind of day that reminds you how
precious family time really is.
As wonderful as the graduation
celebration had been, one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip was
still waiting for us.
That evening, we prepared for a very
special visit to the Sacramento Temple.
Part 4: The Temple, Tender Moments, and the Journey Home
Saturday evening brought one of my
favorite experiences of the entire trip.
After a busy day celebrating Keelie’s
graduation, we cleaned up and headed to the Sacramento Temple together. The
temple is only about fifteen minutes from Charlie and Jen’s home, making it
easy to visit. It is beautiful both inside and out, and every time I see it, I
feel a sense of peace.
As we approached the temple, I found
myself thinking about Lilly and Justin’s sealing there last fall. It brought
back such sweet memories.
Everyone we met was kind and
welcoming, helping us know exactly where to go. I had brought my own temple
packet, and they kindly provided a lovely temple dress for me to borrow.
While we were getting ready, I
noticed Jen’s beautiful temple apron. It had been made by her great-grandmother
and was truly one of the loveliest aprons I have ever seen. What a treasure to
have something so meaningful passed down through generations. I thought of my
own mother’s apron, which I cherish for the very same reason.
Jen had prepared many family names
for us to take to the temple that evening. The sealer had served his mission in
France and pronounced our family names beautifully. I loved hearing those names
spoken as families were united together.
As I listened, I thought about many
of the women whose temple work I had been privileged to help with. Keelie and
Lilly had completed baptisms and confirmations years earlier, while Jen, Lilly,
and Robynn had participated in the endowment work. There is something deeply
meaningful about family history and temple service. It connects generations in
a way that is difficult to describe.
The spirit in that sealing room was
beautiful.
I felt so grateful to be there with
Charlie and Jen, sharing such a sacred experience together. At one point,
someone referred to us as the “young Brother and Sister Thiot” and the “old
Brother and Sister Thiot.” We all laughed, and I secretly loved it.
It was a wonderful evening and one I
will always remember.
The next morning was Fast Sunday.
We woke up early enough to join our
own ward’s testimony meeting through Zoom before attending church with Charlie
and Jen. Our ward begins at 9:00 a.m., while theirs starts at 10:30, so we were
able to participate in both meetings.
One of the highlights of the morning
was hearing Jen bear her testimony.
She spoke about temple work and
shared some of the tender experiences we had enjoyed the night before. She also
talked about helping a friend of the missionaries who had been searching for
family connections for more than forty years.
Family history has always been one
of Jen’s gifts. It was touching to hear how grateful she was to help someone
find answers he had been seeking for so long. Watching her use her talents to
bless others filled me with gratitude and admiration.
Before we knew it, our time in
Sacramento had come to an end.
Monday morning arrived very early.
At 3:45 a.m., we were up, packed,
and heading to the airport. We returned our rental car and boarded the shuttle.
Once again, I found myself grateful for Dick’s calm confidence and excellent
sense of direction. No matter where we travel, he always seems to know exactly
how to get us where we need to go.
While waiting to board our flight, I
witnessed one of the sweetest moments of the entire trip.
Two little boys, perhaps three and
four years old, were sitting nearby and crying. They seemed tired and unhappy
as they waited for their flight.
A mother carrying a toddler happened
to walk by. She gently set her little crawling baby on the floor, and the baby
immediately crawled straight toward the two upset boys.
Something wonderful happened.
The boys stopped crying.
They simply watched the little
crawler making his way toward them, completely fascinated. Within moments,
their tears were forgotten.
It was such a tender scene.
As I watched, I couldn't help
thinking about how naturally children comfort one another. It felt like a
little reminder that we are all Heavenly Father's children and that sometimes
the simplest acts can brighten someone's day.
Our flight home was smooth and right
on schedule.
When we landed, however, we faced
what may have been the trickiest part of the entire trip.
We arrived at Terminal D, but the
Silver Line station is located at Terminal B. Once again, Dick calmly figured
everything out. He found the correct shuttle, and after waiting patiently for
one with enough seats available, we climbed aboard and made our way to the
station.
Not long after arriving, our train
pulled in and we settled into our seats for the ride home toward Plano.
Then came the surprise that none of
us saw coming.
About fifteen minutes into the ride,
I happened to look up—and I literally screamed!
There, standing on our train, were
Elinor and Skyler.
What are the chances?
Of all the trains, at all the
stations, on all the days, they happened to board the very train we were
riding.
It felt like the perfect ending to
our adventure.
We laughed, visited, and enjoyed the
unexpected time together until they reached the Addison Station. There we said
our goodbyes as they transferred to another train for the next leg of their
journey.
What a delightful surprise.
It was truly one of those moments
that makes you smile every time you think about it.
Soon afterward, we reached our own
destination.
Brother Downard kindly picked us up
and drove us home, bringing our journey full circle.
And just like that, our adventure
was complete.
We had traveled by cars, trains, and
airplanes. We had celebrated a remarkable young woman, spent precious time with
family, shared meals and memories, attended the temple, witnessed tender
moments, and made memories that will stay with us for years to come.
Most of all, we were reminded once
again of how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family.
What a beautiful adventure it was.
