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My fondness for Nebraska has grown more since I don't live there. I love California but, I am very proud to be "from Nebraska". Maybe it is because I think it is cool to be from an "uncool" place. Now, don't be offended fellow Nebraska-ians. We know it is a cool state but, the majority of America wonder what is in Nebraksa and where is Nebraska. No joke, I have had several people ask me where it is and although I am slightly shocked, I remind them that it is smack dab in the middle of the country. Hence the name Heartland.
Hailing from Nebraska also holds a little humor for a person named Sunshine. At least weekly I get a "oh, what a great California name" or a "your parents must have been hippies" comment. It is fun to see the confusion when I let them in on the whole midwest thing and sometimes, just for fun, I tell them my maiden name. Sunshine Black raises a few eyebrows.
Once a year I make a trip back to Nebraska. Traditionally, it is around the 4th of July. First off, it is my mom's birthday and secondly the liberty of shooting off massive amounts of artillery sweeten the deal. Needless to say, the lure of fireworks heightens the excitement for my kids. And, I need all the help I can get.
Let me explain. People often ask, "What is Nebraska like?" or "What do you do there?" My answer is, "Nebraska is kind of boring", which usually followed by another eyebrow raise. Then I add, "And, that is the beauty of it."
I am always telling my husband that my kids can't handle "boredom". They like to have plans. They like to always move and go and do. And, as much a I am into going and doing, I have no problem doing nothing. So, Nebraska is an exercise in slowing down. To quote my dad, "we are never in any hurry." He says this as he drives 5 miles under the speed limit on wide open interstate lined with knee high corn.
Our last trip to Nebraska was particularly uneventful. My parents live in a beautiful home on the Missouri river. But, there was a lot of rain which made for a lot of debris in the river. Large trees, to be precise. Slightly dangerous for going out on the boat. So, aside from one short, cold ride we had to entertain ourselves with other Nebraska traditions.
A trip to my grandma's house to see her new furniture:
A stop at Taco John's for super nachos and potato ole's:
Painting ponies with cousin Ava after a trip to Wal-Mart:
Sitting on the deck with the family:
Swimming at a local swimming pool on a cloudy day:
Playing with cousin Mason on the floor:
Fireworks!
Ava's 3rd birthday party:
I got the most special piece of cake. My sister (Ava's mom) and I shared a room when we were little. The theme of the room was Strawberry Shortcake. But, my sister wrote her name on EVERYTHING. Literally. She wrote on the wall, she wrote on the dresser, and she wrote in all of our books. This was her peace offering:
And, we played alot of cards:
The irony of the trip is that amidst the very basic things in life there is a lot of life to be lived. Eating together, shopping, playing games and celebrating are the things you remember forever.
One last photo. My goodbye:
