Steppin' Out with DWNTWN: 10/9/11

We all evolve from year to year whether we recognize it or not.

What makes it easier for me to see how I change or my kids change is reflecting back, to reminisce, old photographs, or by reading old journals or blogs.
I came across an old "Jacquie quote" last night that illustrates my point.

What's a "Jacquie quote" you might ask?
Well sometimes my kids say things that I make note of, or quote of, for myself or for them to recall at a future date.)
Sometimes the quotes are funny, sometimes sentimental, sometimes just to illustrate or mark their passing of age. Such is the case with this particular quote (a Jacquie Quote)
I re-found last night.

Here's an exchange between Jacquie and I that took place a year ago in October of 2010.

Jax: When I get my permit, I get the Jimmy since caroline is going through this stupid no driving stage.
Its in the Lower 40's and I'm still walking to school? This is ridiculous!!!!!

Me: I love you!

Jax: Caroline doesn't love me mom! When you get back and I get my permit, like seriously can I start driving to school? Not all of us are immune to getting hypothermia!!!

Me: Hang in there!

Jax: I'll try, but not all of us have jackets that match every outfit so there are two possible solutions;
we go shopping, or I start driving!

Me: Both options are possible in the near future!

Jax: Then I better get the jimmy and SOON cause I'm to young to die.

;-)

Fast forward a year ...
as Jacquie & I chill in our very 'sketch' hotel room in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco I stumble across this old note as I transferred them to my new phone.

I took the time to read to her what she had said a year ago.
Jacquie laughed out loud her wonderful boisterous laugh and said,
"That sounds so much like me! And I remember that day! Hahaha,
I was so overly dramatic then."

I simply said with a smile,
"yes you were."

Milestones occur frequently when you have 8 children.
Starting school, graduating from school, first job.
Learning to drive, first cars, even a first car wreck.

Sometimes the milestones come with great joy like first child, first home, and first grandchild.
Sometimes the milestones come with great worry, like first court appearance, first missed curfew, first move away from home.

I often wonder what is the best way to mark such milestones?

But one milestone that I know I mark quite well is that of 'the 16th birthday'.
15 years ago I had an idea. It was a simple idea that came to me while showering one morning. I do my best thinking when alone and back in 1996 the only time I was alone was when in the shower. I had 7 children under the age of 16 at the time and There was seldom ever alone time.
That is why I believe this 1 simple idea was brilliant! And a bit of a miracle.
My idea, take each child on a trip somewhere for a week with just 1 parent. One on one, undivided, individual, quantity AND quality time together.
The purpose was 2 fold; teach the 16 year old how to travel safely, and wisely, navigating and exploring in a big city, and to enhance the parent/child relationship.
And so the idea was first implemented with my oldest daughter, Melissa, In January of 1997. Since this was a brand new idea, making all the arrangements, packing her bags, creating a story, and surprising Melissa was easy. With the kids that followed, the surprise wasn't part of the 16th birthday trip, but I don't think that has lessened the experience.
In fact, taking out the 'surprise' piece has perhaps made it better.
(The oldest always has to be the Guinea Pig. Sorry Melissa)

There are a few rules that go along with the 16th birthday trip idea...
1.) I/we the parents decide WHERE to go.
2.) The 16 year old determines what sights will be seen and what they want to experience.
3.) Transportation within the destination will be Mass transit (or walking)
No rental car will be used unless deemed necessary by the parent.

Here's the breakdown of the Brown 16th Birthday Trips so far:
Melissa and mom: San Francisco
Brad and dad: Washington DC
Aimee and dad: San Francisco
Lindsey and mom: San Francisco
Alex and mom: Chicago
Caroline and dad: San Francisco
And now!
Jacquie and mom: San Francisco
In 2013...
Laura and ?: San Francisco

I imagine you picked up on the trend that all the girls went to San Francisco.
And yes, so will the youngest Laura.
I didn't set out to make San Francisco the destination for all the girls, it just turned out to be the best choice with the first 4 girls in terms of value, climate, and community experience.
Because the first 4 went to San Francisco I wanted to continue with this destination as a common thread that can bind the girls together in the years ahead as they reminisce and remember this milestone in their lives.

There are lots of stories to tell about each one of the kids 16th birthday trip,
But for now, this will have to do.
Watch for more stories and updates as Jacquie and I explore and experience San Francisco through her eyes.