June 20th, To Alivia -It was the best trip ever. (sung to Sponge Bob Squarepant's song "best day ever")

Dear Alivia -

Let me be the 10th one to welcome you to Utah. and yes it is a state and their are no leprechauns.

I have been planning this trip for over two years now and i honestly at one point wasn't sure it was going to happen. You were so understanding when I had to cancel last year, but then again you have always been gracious and mature beyond your tender years.

I just want you to know that i would not have wanted to have made this trip with anyone but you. The fact that you are teaching yourself Japanese and want to experience the world and are open to so many different and unique experiences makes you a wonderful traveling companion. It also delights me that you enjoy the things I do and that you are not living in fear and being sedentary. Nothing can stop you with that attitude. You will go very far and don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't or let them stand in your way. This world is yours for the taking.

I want you to know that I am so glad that I could be the first one to take you on your first international trip. I am so glad that we experienced Japan for the first time together! It was an amazing and life altering trip for me. (It is by far, hands down, the best trip I have ever taken)

I know this trip won't be the last time either one of us goes to Japan and i also know this won't be the last time we take on the world together. I look forward in great anticipation to what either of us will do next, either in tandem, or separately and sharing what unfolded.

As my wise iPod Mahjong game says (yes it list 72 asian proverbs, how funny that inspiration comes from that)

--Chinese proverb - a dog won't forsake his master because of his poverty: a son never deserts his mother for her homely appearance.

Oh wait, that is the wrong one :-). Here they are -

- GREAT SOULS HAVE WILLS. FEEBLE ONES HAVE ONLY WISHES.
- BE CALM AND TRANQUIL IN YOUR PURSUIT OF THE FINEST THINGS.

You can do anything ONCE you set your mind to do it, even if you have to do it by yourself... don't ever let anyone say you can't or get in your way. no one.

Where to next? I can't wait to find out!
I love you
Tori