Ring, ring, ring …

It was my mom calling on a typical Tuesday morning.

“Would you like to go see the train on Thursday?” She asked.

“Train, what train? Did I miss something?” I replied.

She was so excited.

“You know, the Big Boy train! The one that’s traveling to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!”

With a shrug and some apprehension, I replied, "Oh... umm... sure."

Naturally, I had to see what all the hype was about. That evening, I checked the usual sources, but I still didn't feel anything.

Wednesday came, and the train made a local stop. Sure enough, my mom was there.

Ding, ding, ding …

My phone again.

This time, she was sending pictures of the conductor dressed in the coolest Americana outfit - overalls, a vertically striped engineer's shirt with an American flag patch on the shoulder, and a bandana tied around his neck, meeting with people full of excitement.

I was starting to understand the hype.

Then came pictures of the train.

This enormous, beautifully crafted locomotive. Its wheels towered over the people standing beside it. Mounted on the front was a bronze eagle, and along the top of this Union Pacific 4014 was the name “Big Boy” handwritten.

As the story goes, these locomotives were built on an immense scale, producing tremendous horsepower. Their articulated design allowed them to navigate curves despite their incredible size. Legend has it that a worker wrote "Big Boy" in chalk on one of the first engines, and the nickname stuck.

My excitement sparked like the engine’s coal.

I couldn't wait to see it in person.

Thursday morning, my daughter and I headed to the railroad track to meet family. The day had finally arrived!

Much to my surprise, at least a hundred cars were already lined up along the route. People from every walk of life had gathered to watch Big Boy's celebratory ride.

There we stood, about 20 feet from where the train would steam by us.

Around 10:25, we heard the distant roar and by 10:30, it appeared.

There it was.

Rolling down railroad tracks built by hardworking Americans, more than a million pounds of black steel moved toward us.

I was terrifyingly close, yet I stood there with great anticipation.

What happened next, I never could have expected.

As the Big Boy steamed by, the rush of wind hit with such intensity that it felt both powerful and freeing. My eyes filled with tears.

With shock my sister asked, “Are you crying?”

It was majestic.

I was in complete awe.

So … maybe just a little.

In that moment, I imagined the countless workers who laid these railroads - laboring tirelessly, one railroad tie at a time, helping connect a growing nation.

I thought about the craftsmen who built this magnificent locomotive and the brilliant engineers whose vision brought a masterpiece to life.

As steam billowed from the smokestack and the unmistakable whistle echoed through the air, I whispered,

"Happy Birthday America"

I felt an even deeper appreciation for this country, for the hardworking men and women who helped shape it, and for the values that set everything in motion.

A few minutes later, the train was gone.

The experience, however, will stay with me forever.

As we mark this milestone anniversary of our nation, may we all take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we cherish, the strong foundations upon which we stand, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead!

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

You truly are the land of opportunity.

what we've been up to

The last few months have been full of memorable moments, milestones, and plenty of adventures. We've spent time celebrating holidays, making memories together, and enjoying some much-needed outdoor time as the weather finally warmed up!

Dance season kept us busy with competitions, performances, and lots of exciting moments along the way. Girl Scouts also brought plenty to celebrate, from troop activities and special events to an especially meaningful Bridging Ceremony marking the start of a new chapter!!

We also took an unforgettable trip to California, creating new memories and enjoying time together exploring somewhere new. One of our biggest highlights was attending the 2026 Canva Create Conference, where creativity, inspiration, and fresh ideas were around every corner. It was an incredible experience and left us feeling energized and excited for what's ahead.

If there’s one theme tying all of these moments together, it’s gratitude. Busy schedules can sometimes feel overwhelming, but looking back reminds us how full life really is. We’re thankful for every adventure, every celebration, every milestone, and every memory made along the way!

Here’s to even more moments worth celebrating!

With gratitude,

The AVA Wealth Advisors Team