Nothing inspires excellence like a little incentive or, in this case, a challenge.

After Thea LaBere graduated from high school ahead of schedule, she made a deal with her grandfather, Rod Jacobson, of Bismarck.

Jacobson told LaBere that he would take her to Europe if she graduated early from college, as well.

This spring, after just three years, LaBere graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in audiology and speech pathology.

Now Grandpa will fulfill his promise.

Today, Jacobson, LaBere and 11 other Jacobson grandchildren are flying to Europe for a 17-day tour.

"I'm looking forward to spending time with Grandpa and family, and making new memories," LaBere said.

This will be Jacobson's sixth trip to Europe, but most of his grandchildren have never been overseas.

Twelve of Jacobson's 13 grandchildren are going on the trip. Four are in high school and the rest are college-age or older.

The Jacobson family will land in London, where they will visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Madame Tussaud's wax museum.

After crossing the English Channel into France, the group will travel by bus.

In France, Jacobson plans to share with his grandchildren a bit of the respect he has for the American soldiers who served during World War II.

"I'd like them to see the Normandy landing (site)," Jacobson said. "The (Normandy American) Cemetery, with about 10,000 dead Americans, should give them food for thought. We're free today because they gave their lives."

Jacobson's 21-year-old grandson, Jacob Geiermann, visited Europe as a child. On this trip, he's hoping to better understand the history behind Europe's famous tourist sites.

"I'm quite a bit older now, so I can appreciate some of the historical aspects a lot more," Geiermann said.

The group will also visit the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, and the Bergen-Belson concentration camp, where Frank died in 1945.

The Jacobsons will top off their trip with a visit to their ancestral home in northern Norway.

"I'm very excited for the trip," Jacobson said. "I'm proud of my grandkids. I hope it's an adventure they won't forget."

(Reach reporter Alyssa Schafer at 250-8264 or alyssa.schafer@;bismarcktribune.com.)