Another year in the books

It started back in 2018. I was pregnant with my third and my sister wanted to do the Cowboy trail. My dad asked me to research things to do up near O'Neill so on to Google I went. I came across this NE Passport thing and told him about it. We ended up getting a few stops as we accompanied my sister by car. That first year Shamrock Nursery was on the list. I remember thinking I wished we lived closer because I'd practically live there! Since we didn't get started till July that year and baby was due in August we only managed a few stops. That was all it took to get the bug.

Fast-forward six years (and two kids later) we have officially finished our 5th year of getting all 70 stops! This year was a difficult, but special one since we had our youngest passport participant along. Liam joined us for stops both while I was still pregnant and after he was born. This year my favorite stop was Special Scoops in Hastings. The owner was very friendly and the ice cream was really good! They even had little tables and chairs for my daughter to sit at while we enjoyed lunch and dessert.

The most important part of the stops is not the beautiful views of Western Nebraska or the many historical markers we see along the way. It's not the variety of stops or the amazing people we get to meet. It's the quality time I get to spend with my dad and the adventures I'm able to share with my children. "It's not the destination, it's the journey." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks for providing so many opportunities for amazing memories as we get to truly enjoy our state and one another!