A Good Life: A Surprise Colorado Weekend

If there's one thing you need to know about my cousin Brook: she is BLUNT. Straight-up, forward, says it like it is, over the top, blunt. And I love her for it. As open and honest as she is though, she can definitely keep a secret! She has surprised me twice - flying in for my 8th grade and high school graduation! Both times I was so sure that it would just be my parents, brother and myself. But low and behold, Aunt Diane and Brook flew in and gave me the greatest graduation present I could ask for: them!

Now, Brook is the same age as my brother, so it's always been difficult to get out for her graduations...until college. Brook's and my brother's graduations are a week apart this year, so I KNEW I had to pull a "Brook" (and an "Aunt Diane") and surprise Brookie for her graduation from CU Boulder! I somehow managed to pull it off...

(Although she is taller than me, she's wearing heels and I'm not - so no need to think she's a giant or I'm a midget) ;)

There was a lovely dinner with the family, followed with some Boulder-style partying (which we only took the following picture, sadly)

And then of course, there was plenty of soaking up time with this little guy:

He just melts my heart!!

There was lots of laughter, good food, great talks, girl time, hugs, and celebrating. I adore my Colorado family, especially my brutally honest and loud cousin, Brookie. I'm so happy I was able to surprise her! She makes me laugh, and I know I can talk to her about anything without judgement. I'm so proud of you, Brookie, for graduating and finishing this big step in your life! Congrats!

Hopefully, I'll get to see the Colorado Olivieri/Mencini/Johnston/Ribrody family again soon!