As many of you know, I moved to Chicago from Los Angeles last summer. I haven’t had the chance to go back for a visit since I moved so surprising my niece for her graduation has been on my mind for a while. Various obligations here in Chicago conspired against planning my trip in advance but on Monday the stars aligned, I bought a ticket, and flew out the next day. The adults were told but the kiddos were left to be surprised, and boy were they! Just as I’d envisioned, I strolled into my sister’s house, casual as can be, and saw my two nephews playing video games in the front living room. I nonchalantly said, “Hey guys” to which they distractedly replied, “Hi Kelly.” There was a split-second pause and then a shout of, “Kelly?!” They were so used to my dropping by when I lived there that it took them a moment to realize that I now live in another state and my appearance was unexpected. My niece came bolting out of her bedroom shouting, “Kelly’s here?!”
I love a great surprise!
The graduate in all her 14-year old glory. My niece made me an Aunt, a title that I love and take very seriously. I realize that every adult says this, but I cannot believe that she is growing up so quickly! I’m proud of her for being not only beautiful, intelligent and a fantastic soccer player, but also for being an overall great girl. I have no doubt that she will become an amazing woman.
Suffice to say it was a busy 36 hours until obligations back in Chicago demanded I return home, but it was great to see my family, whom I love and miss. While I was there, I forced my sister and her family to gather deliberately so I could snap a few photos of them. As pictures will show, my attempts to direct them into pleasing arrangements were generally thwarted by wrestling, running around and rolling of eyes. Oy, family! What they don’t yet know is that I plan to try again when we meet up in Oregon this August. (So shape up! 
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by Kelly Ry
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