And we’re off! 2014 O’Brien Family Adventure has begun!

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We have arrived!!

We left Sunday night and arrived today in London!  The boys were great on the flight and mostly slept.  Bren actually fell asleep on the way to the airport.

There was a bit of confusion about getting picked up at the airport but eventually we settled in to our apartment (flat) in Soho where we will be for the next week and a half.  It a very cool place and their neighborhood is pretty neat too.

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We unpacked, found a general store to buy some groceries and made our plans for getting around on the tube.

In appreciation for the boys cooperation we had a special lunch- McDonalds.  But promised that it won’t be something regular!  Dinner was a favorite- peanut butter sandwiches!

End of the school year

Some days it feels like Brendan has been at the Condon for years. It’s hard to believe he is only finishing his first year. He had such a great year- better than we could have anticipated. And in every respect. He did well academically and loved learning. He got along well with his friends. He held on to his creativity and independence. He was a princess at Halloween and a fashion stylist in May. And his friends and teachers loved him. The capstone of the year was the Alice Casey Award.

For Aidan school has always come easy. He had a great year too. He had such a great experience with City Dance and did well on his Advanced Work test and is looking forward to that experience.

The end of the year was tougher on Aidan. He will miss friends who will not be in his class. Though he will see his best friend at recess another good friend is changing schools. He’s a bit nervous about the fall but excited too.

We often say how happy we are with their school. That comes right from the principal. This year Mrs. Garofalo retired. We got to be part of the Flag Day Flashmob and I got to attend her retirement party. She is a remarkable school leader for all she has done at the Condon and will be dearly missed.

So another year is in the books. Lots learned in and out of the classroom. They are older and wiser, bigger and ready for a fun and relaxing summer!!

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Brendan is 7

IMG_0200Brendan is 7!  How did that happen?!  Time certainly flies!  Bren requested a Frozen Birthday Party at our house to celebrate.  He invited his whole class as well as friends from Walnut Park and other family and friends.  He also invited his friend Jerry who is in the Developmental Disabilities Class and has lunch with him and his friends several days a week.  The party was mostly girls (there were a few boys) and most fun for Bren was that his friend Jerry came!

IMG_0424What Bren did not know was that two other special guests were invited as a surprise- Elsa and Ana.  He was so excited!  Of course there was a costume change in the middle of the party!  Ana and Elsa sang, read a story, painted nails (highlight for Bren), had a red carpet walk and had cake.  It was a highlight!!