Soccer Madness

 The kids have both played fall soccer this season.   This weekend, both had 3 games each, thankfully all locally.

Alaina's team, the "Dynamite" really gelled in the end of the season, and won all three games this weekend, after a season that was somewhere around 2-5).   They are advancing to a championship game next weekend, and very excited.

Ethan's team, the "Donkeys" was the opposite--they started off quite strong, but fizzled out in the end, with  this weekend resulting in 2 losses and one forfeit for not enough players.

He will probably not play another soccer game since recreational soccer ends in 8th grade.   I have to admit, I felt a little sentimental.

His last game was at a beautiful soccer field, that overlooked Mt. Tam and the bay.   Can't think of a more amazing place to play.   That kid sure is lucky.

Anniversary Celebrations!

Last week, Jason and I took a 15th anniversary trip!   We decided to go to Bali because:

1. I have always wanted to go there, and 

2. Jason has frequent traveler perks that I thought would allow for some upgrades. 

It turns out the first reason luckily was a really good one because my plans for upgrades did not really pan out.   But no worries, it was an amazing trip nevertheless.

We left Friday night for Singapore.   The flight was the longest I have taken--almost 17 hours nonstop.   In Singapore, we had a few hour layover before flying to Bali.   

We arrived in Bali and had a 1.5 hour drive to Ubud for our first 4 nights.   We stayed at the Samaya, which was a small resort with individual villas.   Our villa overlooked the Ayung river and was really beautiful.   By this point it was 5pm, and we had been traveling for close to 30 hours.   But we also needed dinner, so we headed into town to eat.   Unfortunately, it started pouring on our way there.   The streets were loud, and very trafficky.   Major place lag!  We did find a great local place to eat, but barely could keep our eyes open.   

We spent the next 3 days exploring the beautiful interior of Bali.   Hilights included touring a rice field, seeing historical villages and temples, seeing an active volcano, taking a bike tour and hiking to a waterfall.   

 

 

 

We also took a cooking class, which included a tour of a local market.   

In addition, we enjouyed some amazing meals (the food scene is really amazing in Bali) and I enjoyed shopping--so many cute boutiques!

After 4 nights in Ubud, we headed to the coast for some beach time R and R.   We stayed at the St. Regis and were treated like royalty--I have never experienced such great service!  although the water was not too inviting for swimming, we did enjoy lounging by the beach and swimming in the pool.  We ventured out the town of Seminyak one night for sunset cocktails and a fantastic dinner as well.

  

Overall, we had  such a great impression of Bali.   The people were so warm and welcoming, the hotels and food were top notch, and the physical beauty of the island was amazing.   We both agreed we would love to return someday!

Our final night of the trip was spent in Singapore, since we had an early am Sunday flight.   We took advantage of the time visiting the famous Gardens by the Bay and eating at a the Newton Hawker Food Market.   

 

Too soon our trip drew to a close.   We feel so fortunate that we were able to take this trip--thanks to my dad who agreed to watch the kids for 10 days!