Disneyland 2022

 This Spring Break was one to remember.
We had been talking about for a while and finally made it happen.
Disneyland was our destination -- a family & friend trip!

We had a truly amazing time and were blessed that Grandma 'Son'

joined us for the adventure. She was an absolute trooper. She matched us step-for-step

for 12+ miles a day of trekking from park to park. She went on more rides than I did,

including Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Matterhorn 

and Gaurdians of the Galaxy

(with a 130 foot drop...no thank you).

We explored and experienced both Disneyland and California Adventure.

We had pool time, got our fill of Dole Whip and churros,

enjoyed the sunshine, checked out the new Star Wars attractions

and even managed to make it to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

 (on Grandma's wish list, not so much on ours).

We went hunting for just the right Disney pins for Carmen to trade.

Dried off multiple times form multiple trips down Splash Mountain.

Saw the fireworks show from our hotel room

 and figured out how to use the new Genie+ system to 

minimize our time standing in line for all of the attractions.

We laughed, we smiled, we took everything in.

Best of all, we spent most of it with amazing friends.

It was a dream come true for the kids.

Not only all of their best friends in one place,

but in Disneyland of all places. It was a trip of a lifetime.

Now for photo overload....

Look who we saw at the airport?!

Great way to start the trip.

Disney, here we come!

Our home for the trip.

A warm welcome for Grandma.

Pool time

First moments at the Park

Splash Mountain....

meet up spot for some cooling down.

The boys.

The girls.

The dads.

Here we go....

Classic pics.

The aftermath...

Big Thunder Railroad.

No shortage of treats.

Man-kinis!

Embarrassed by Guston...

Twinning.

Matterhorn ride-goers.

Incredicoaster crew.

Incredicoaster spectators.

Girl time = fun times.

The Big Brookside Crew

(12 kids)

(the boys)

(the girls)

(the moms)

(the dads)

(the adults; feels like prom)

The hunt for the perfect trading pin.

Max was not into a Disney souvenir.

However, he did find joy at the Pele soccer store.

More Disney fun.

Thanks Disneyland.

We had a fabulous trip.

See you next time.

Camp Orkila

Today was the day. 

Carmen has been looking forward to Camp Orkila all year.

With Covid it was postponed but with some hard work 

some amazing Brookside staff made it happen for the kids.

60 5th graders set off to camp on Orcas Island for a two-night stay.
Carmen was thrilled to be in a cabin with her besties.

They get to participate in some really fun activities

(archery, rock climbing, skit night, and a host of other games).

I know this will be a great experience for her

and a memorable one too!

Max is currently loving life as a 'bachelor' 

for two sleeps.

Kids in Medicine

 Today Max's 3rd Grade class had an opportunity 
to see science in action. 

An amazing company, Kids in Medicine,
came in to facilitate a lesson on the heart. 

They learned about this important organ and then got to dissect an actual pig heart.

The session was super informational and full of unique, hands-on learning.
The class did a great job and really was engaged.

Our little doctor was way into it.

Washington Cup Winners

 Max and the Celtic B12 Green team just finished 
a great weekend tournament at the Washington Cup.
They played solid soccer and won all four of their games

 and came away winners in their division.

Here is a peek at one of their victories (11-0 Celtic)

and a hat trick by Max (#27).

Soccer Highlights

All the boys did a fantastic job; it was fun to watch them play as a team.

Next up, SuperCopa!