We had a fun-filled week in Salt Lake. June 13th was Brooklyn's seventeenth birthday. She was excited to be in Salt Lake where she could see some captioned movies. She chose to see The Avengers. After the movie, we headed over to Red Robin where we enjoyed a late dinner and a humongous piece of cake.
The next day was also an exciting one. Brandon was graduating from the Police Academy as a Sandy City Police Officer. I am so proud of him. Once he married Amber he recognized the importance of getting a career and supporting his little family. When he was younger he wanted to be a firefighter, then he wanted to be an entrepreneur - opening a store/concert venue for local artists. Eventually he decided he wanted to be a detective. Becoming a police officer is the first step on that road. He began taking classes at University of Phoenix. He also applied for the police academy. Their were 167 applicants and openings for only six. His character, his mission experience, his bilingual abilities and his skills all brought him to the point that he became one of the six. After a grueling few months of learning, growth and testing he got to this graduation ceremony. He received a certificate for Superior Physical Fitness as well as his diploma. I am his mama so I can say he still looks like my little boy dressing up in a Halloween costume...but I know he is now a man and will be serving and protecting many people in our home community. I love you Brandon and I am so proud of you!
After the ceremony we had a quick lunch at Rumbi Grill.
This might be a good place to add that I am so thankful for Amber. She is beautiful, funny, smart and caring. She makes Brandon a better man. I know they will go through life having fun no matter what they are doing - this picture is proof of that!
Later that evening, I took Brandon and Brooklyn to his favorite restaurant, The Dodo (by Sugarhouse Park), for another congratulatory meal. Amber was at home getting his surprise party ready. As we drove up to the gated community, there was a sign letting the world know we now had an Officer in our midst. When he entered the Adamson's home he found many family and friends there. He was so excited to see Adam, Dano and Greg, his good friends since childhood. The Adamsons also had a great cake, donuts and some peaches (the Fuzz). It was a fun time. Many thanks to Sandy and Greg for taking such good care of my boy.
The night before we left, Brandon suggested we go to a baseball game. I love the view from the Spring Mobile Ballpark Stadium. A night of hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy and relaxation does a body good. It was Christmas in June so wreathes were hanging around and Santa Claus was on the prowl. He was looking to give a candy cane to any soul willing to do a dance. Brandon and Amber were looking for a good time, so they made spectacles of themselves. I love those two. And then it was time to head back home.
I am so grateful we were able to stay at Wendy's Bed and Breakfast. The late night talks, yummy breakfasts and never-ending tears made it a memorable time. It was so comfortable and I am blessed to have friends like her. Included in the trip was a visit to see Skip and Jenn Morgan, Rodworks and Fongs with Kim and Wendy, Andrea and Brooklyn had a U-Swirl date, and we were able to visit Laura and family and see her new baby. It is also nice to have Ginger living at the halfway point so we can stop for a fun and much needed break. The trip was wonderful and we had a really nice time!
This was the first time since leaving Sandy that I didn't feel sorrow and regret for leaving my home. It was a testament to me that I am okay and that La Verkin is now where I consider home. A great milestone for me!
