Dozin' with the Dinos

We had an amazing time camping out at the Field Museum Friday night. We drove into the city at parked at Soldier Field before heading to check-in at 5:30. Then we were able to select our "campsite" with the dinosaurs. Then we had our first look at Sue. It was very impressive! There was a brief orientation and then we had a behind the scenes tour with one of the scientists that works at the museum. We saw the mammal labs and were able to see a lot of preserved specimens (flying squirrels, giraffe bones, and bats in pickle jars) and learn a bit more about the museum. Then we were free to explore on our own. We started with the Egyptian tomb which was very cool. We actually went through that a few times. At 8pm, we had our snack in one of the cafeterias: half a sandwich, cookie, fruit and juice. Then we walked through the Underground Adventure, the Hall of Gems (Alex liked seeing larger versions of the rocks/gems he has at home), and plants of the world. While we were in the taxidermy area, they turned the exhibit lights off so we got to explore by flashlight. At 11pm, there was story time and then we changed into our PJs to head to bed. We are all pretty tired by that point. In the morning, we packed up our stuff and went downstairs for breakfast (muffins, bagels, cereal, juice and coffee) and then walked through the dinosaur exhibit. We had to leave the museum by 8:30am. We loaded our stuff in the car and then found a parking spot so we could head into the city for a while. We took the El, got coffee in Water Tower, and then had lunch at Eataly before heading home.

Checking In

Sue

Ready for Bed

Our Campsite 

Sue

Sue

Max - he was huge!

Hippo, Rhino, and Giraffe Skulls

Flying Squirrels on the Tour

The Pangolins

Lots of Bats

Underground Adventure

Exploring by Flashlight

Mummies after Dark

Totem Poles in the Atrium

Setting up Camp

We made it!

Small World

While hanging out before the hockey games last weekend, a group of us were chatting about the camps the boys did in the summer. We realized that a few of them did Fishing Camp in the summer... and were actually in the same session together. In both of these pictures, Will is standing next to Samuel who is on his team. Another teammate, Nate, is also in both pictures (in the grey fish shirt and the bright yellow shirt). Will did not remember being in camp with any of them and I didn't remember seeing the parents at drop off/pick up. We are hoping to get them in the same session again this summer!

King's Cup Champions

We had an exciting (and busy) hockey weekend that ended with a trophy presentation for the Broncos. They started off with a game against the Flint Firebirds on Friday. The Broncos won that game 17-0 (Will had a goal). Then on Saturday morning, it was back to Lansing for a game against the Elyria Panthers. Phil and Will drove up for that one while I took Alex to his practice. The Broncos won 22-0. Will had a goal and multiple assists. Every player on their team had a goal and they even switched players from offense to defense but still won in a blow-out. After Alex's practice, we drove up to Lansing for a team lunch at Pizza House. Then we checked into the hotel before heading to Munn for the boys third game. They played Big Rapids and managed to win 4-1. It was fun for the boys to play on MSU ice. After the game, we went back to the hotel for a team dinner in the lobby and Alex was able to swim for a while. It was early to bed because they had a 7am game. In the morning, Phil took Will to the game and Alex and I drove back to Kalamazoo for his practice. They played an Orchard Lake team. It was 0-0 after the first period and then Will stepped up. He got the first three goals for the Broncos (hat trick!). They ended up winning 5-1 which sent them to the championship in the afternoon. There was another Bronco team in the tournament and they made it to the finals as well. It was a very close game but we ended up winning 3-2. We are so proud of how hard the team worked this weekend.

Waiting to take the ice

A Michigan fan, wearing Bronco gear, playing on MSU ice.

Taco Bar!

Team Dinner

Alex was so cute curled up on the trundle bed

Bronco vs Bronco

Victory!

Coach made sure the trophy was safe for the trip home

Birthday Party Fun

Alex had a great birthday party at Airway Lanes today with some of his friends from school and also from our block. We started off with "Glow Bowl" and then the boys played a game of laser tag. After that, we had pizza and cake and Alex opened his gifts. Then the boys were able to use their Airway cards in the arcade. It was a good group of kids and they all had a great time.

Alex, Wesley, Aarav, and Luca (friends from Paso Fino)

Nolan, Freddie, Alex, Yatin, and Hampton (Moorsbridge Buddies)

Laser Tag