Paris

Since I was in 5th grade, I have wanted to go to Paris, France and see the Eiffel Tower.  I drew France for my school project and fell in love with it.

In high school, my dream grew to include being KISSED under the Eiffel Tower.

Enter Travis Jones...at 17 years old...the love of my life.

I told him of my dream.  A few days later, he took this little figurine of the Eiffel Tower that I stole from my brother (our late Uncle Tim traveled to Paris ALL the time for work and brought the gift back for Matt) and held it over our heads and kissed me.  So romantic.  But no dice, honey.  I want to GO TO Paris.

That summer, he took me to Paris, Idaho and kissed me under that figurine.  He is so sweet, huh?  Let me be more specific.  We are getting on a plane.  Then we are flying over the grand ocean and landing on a different continent, Europe...going to the country of France... and then to the city of Paris.

Since then I have dreamed and planned and made my list.  I'm super grateful I haven't gone yet.  There is much to learn in the realm of international travel.

Fast forward 20 years and to an evening in Stevensville, MT.

Travis:  "Hey honey!  Watch this!"  And he plays this commercial on TV.

"Paris is a state of mind, honey.  Your dream just came true."

Yep.  He's STILL the ever romantic.   But no.  That still doesn't count.

(However, I've pondered this much since then.  It really is a state of mind...I feel like I've been there because of all of the photos, art, books, TV, movies, etc. that have exposed me to the beauty of that city!)