A Quick Thanks
My Aunt Molly took Madeline and I on a tour of Europe with her own money out of the kindness of her heart. I wanted to say thank you and make this website to show her how much fun I had and how much the trip meant to me. Below, Aunt Molly explains why she decided to take my sister and I. She is one of the kindest, most giving people I know, and even though I will never be able to fully repay her for the ways she has impacted my life, this website is my way of saying thank you, danke, merci, and grazie.
Aunt Molly
"I was there when Molly and Madeline were born. I was there for tea parties, trick or treating, playing in the park, dinner-and-a-movie nights – all the things that aunts do. But I’m not related by blood. I’m an honorary Thomas and an honorary aunt, a role earned by love and showing up for life’s little moments as well as the “important” times.
I told the girls when they were about 8 years old that I would take them to see Paris when they turned 13. Thirteen is a magical age, a time when I knew they would be excited by all that life was revealing to them and an age when they would still be happy about spending time with their aunt.
As the years flew by, it became clear that a visit to Paris would be wonderful, but a trip through Europe would be awesome! I selected a Rick Steves tour because I had taken my nephew on a Rick Steves tour years earlier and I knew I could count on it to be fantastic. I picked the London to Florence trip because it included the major sites the girls wanted to see. It was dumb luck that it was a family tour. I didn’t realize how important that would be until I was actually in London with the group. The friendships the girls made on that trip have endured and those friendships made the trip that much more special for them and for me."
I told the girls when they were about 8 years old that I would take them to see Paris when they turned 13. Thirteen is a magical age, a time when I knew they would be excited by all that life was revealing to them and an age when they would still be happy about spending time with their aunt.
As the years flew by, it became clear that a visit to Paris would be wonderful, but a trip through Europe would be awesome! I selected a Rick Steves tour because I had taken my nephew on a Rick Steves tour years earlier and I knew I could count on it to be fantastic. I picked the London to Florence trip because it included the major sites the girls wanted to see. It was dumb luck that it was a family tour. I didn’t realize how important that would be until I was actually in London with the group. The friendships the girls made on that trip have endured and those friendships made the trip that much more special for them and for me."
Mom
"I sent two naïve teen girls to Europe with their aunt, and two weeks later a pair of worldly young women returned. I knew that their international experience would change them, but I was unprepared for the incredible ways that their spirits had been shaped. They came back from Europe with a new way of looking at the world and a great appreciation for different cultures. Throughout their adventure I was thrilled to receive their texts, emails and occasional FaceTime communications. It offered me a tiny glimpse of their explorations and the new bonds they were forming on the tour. With each contact I witnessed them coming out of their shell—trying new foods; engaging in unfamiliar activities; creating new friendships; and questioning their surroundings in a more sophisticated way.
The Rick Steve’s tour was perfect for their first taste of Europe. I had my own Rick Steve’s adventure in 1990 when I traveled there as a college student. I faithfully followed the recommendations in his guidebook for unforgettable accommodations, food, and sightseeing. The London to Florence tour that the girls experienced combined fun, inspiration and education into a memorable journey. I am grateful that they were able to grow in their understanding of art and history and become more culturally aware in such a supportive environment."
The Rick Steve’s tour was perfect for their first taste of Europe. I had my own Rick Steve’s adventure in 1990 when I traveled there as a college student. I faithfully followed the recommendations in his guidebook for unforgettable accommodations, food, and sightseeing. The London to Florence tour that the girls experienced combined fun, inspiration and education into a memorable journey. I am grateful that they were able to grow in their understanding of art and history and become more culturally aware in such a supportive environment."