Stop # 16 on our 2013 Summer Tour was a special family event. Our niece Anna, the daughter of Bruce's sister Joyce, graduated from eighth grade on June 3 of this year while we were in Peoria. I don't know if her school planned the date so it would fit into our travel schedule but it was great to be able to celebrate this achievement with her and her mother.
She is a very bright and talented young lady. She has earned good grades, received state recognition in art competitions, and gained awards on both the regional and state levels with her science project this year, a research study of what type of dog food was preferred by her canine subjects.
She performed with the Peoria Ballet Company's "Nutcracker" for several years, took lessons on both violin and clarinet and enjoys helping her mother garden by expressing her own creativity.
Preparing for her up-coming passage into high school, her mother had a little party for her and several friends. Of course there was food.
We were so pleased and proud to be able to be part of this special occasion.
Anna's mother is giving her a very special graduation present: a month-long trip to France! They leave tomorrow. Bon Voyage!