June was a month full of both solemn moments and joyful experiences for our family. We made new memories with friends, honored our loved ones, and embraced opportunities for learning and adventure.
A Month of Friendship and Fun
Josh and I had the pleasure of enjoying some fun times with friends. We had a fantastic night playing Pinochle with Jason and Paige, filled with laughter, stories, and friendly competition. Our time with them continued as we hit the greens at Moon Valley Country Club for a relaxing round of golf. The lush fairways and challenging holes provided the perfect backdrop for deepening our friendships and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. It's always a joy to spend quality time with good friends, and these moments are a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such wonderful people in our lives.
Brophy College Preparatory’s Summer Enrichment Program
Madilyn and Aiden spent their June mornings attending Brophy College Preparatory’s Summer Enrichment program. This program offers a variety of classes aimed at enriching students' educational experiences during the summer. Each kid took five classes. Madilyn embraced a diverse range of subjects, including yoga, a high school prep test course, theater, cooking, and GarageBand, which allowed her to explore her creative side and prepare for the upcoming school year. Aiden, on the other hand, focused on building his skills and knowledge in speed and strength, engineering, robotics, chess, and speech and debate. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and excited about their classes, making new friends and learning new skills along the way. Aiden also had the opportunity to enroll in the BCP lacrosse summer training camp.
Honoring Micky's Memory
On Monday, June 12th, we laid our beloved Micky to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, where her husband, Kenneth, is also buried. The gathering was small but beautiful, filled with heartfelt tributes and shared memories. The serene setting of the cemetery, with its meticulously maintained grounds and respectful atmosphere, provided a fitting final resting place for Micky. While it was a solemn occasion, it brought us peace to see her laid to rest in such a serene and honorable place. The service was a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the enduring bonds that connect us across generations.
Giving Back to the Community
Madilyn and I participated in our first community volunteering event as members of the Moon Valley NCL chapter. We spent time at JoyBus, a wonderful organization that provides meals for those in need. Our tasks included preparing and packaging meals, and Madilyn was thrilled that the organization also feeds volunteers; she particularly loved the shakshuka. It was heartwarming to see her enthusiasm and dedication to helping others. This experience was a meaningful reminder of the importance of giving back to our community, and we look forward to more opportunities to volunteer together in the future.
A Conference in the Big Easy
I attended NABIP’s Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, this month. It was an enlightening experience where I learned about transforming health care for our community. The sessions were informative and inspiring, providing valuable insights and ideas to bring back home. The conference also gave me a chance to explore the vibrant city of New Orleans. I visited the famous Café Du Monde with Charlene and Pete, enjoying their world-renowned beignets and coffee. The lively sounds of brass bands and jazz on Bourbon Street were a feast for the senses, and shopping in the charming Garden District with Jennifer and Becky was a delightful experience. One of the highlights was sailing on the Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, taking in the historic sights and sounds of this iconic waterway. The city’s rich culture and history were truly captivating, and I left with a deeper appreciation for New Orleans' unique charm.
Aiden's Lacrosse Adventures
Aiden had an exciting month playing in the Adrenaline World Lacrosse Festival with his Hot Sauce Lacrosse travel team. This tournament was exceptional, coinciding with the World Lacrosse Championship. The youth tournament’s format allowed the kids to attend the World Lacrosse Championships, which was an incredible experience. Watching the professional athletes compete was inspiring for the young players, giving them a glimpse of what they could achieve with dedication and hard work. As a family, we watched the United States versus Israel playoff game on Wednesday, June 28th. Although Israel was defeated, we were happy to cheer for them and enjoy the thrilling match. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, filled with passionate fans and exciting gameplay.
The tournament's schedule also gave us time to vacation a bit. We visited Belmont Park at Mission Beach, where we enjoyed the classic amusement park rides, played games, and soaked up the sun. Exploring the beautiful tide pools at La Jolla Beach was another highlight, as we discovered fascinating marine life and marveled at the natural beauty of the coastline. It was a perfect blend of sports and relaxation, making it one of the best travel tournaments we've ever participated in. These moments of exploration and discovery added an extra layer of enjoyment to our trip, creating memories we will cherish for years to come.
As we reflect on June, we feel grateful for the time spent with friends, the new experiences, and the opportunities to honor and remember our loved ones. Here's to cherishing these memories and looking forward to many more adventures together.
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