Theo's Final Hockey Game of 2026

Today we had the last hockey game of the season over at North Commons back in our old Minneapolis neighborhood.

Before Theo's game we got ourselves all packed for our trip to Japan next week.

This is everything I'm bringing in my suitcase. Three outfits, pouch for my phone charger and headphones, my travel hair straightener and toiletries.

Then there are the Japan specific items: plastic bags to carry our garbage since there aren't a ton of public garbage cans, a coin purse to carry all of our coins and a hand towel with paper soap since some public restrooms only have a sink. I will also pack a backpack in my suitcase.

Then extra items in my fanny pack for the plane ride. A blow up neck pillow, eye mask, Delta headphones, ear plugs, wallet, Tokyo guide book, Theo's chopsticks and extra utensils, Kleenex and our passports.

And just like that it was already Theo's last game.

I decided to take a lot more pictures since I thought all the parents would appreciate it.

There's Theo's friend from school, Georgie.

The North Commons kids are always a challenge.

There's Theo in his purple socks he got from Georgie. Most of the gear except for the stick, helmet and skates we could borrow from the Minneapolis Park Board.

Theo trying to get the puck out of the zone.

Our coaches did a great job keeping things fun. This is a no traveling league.

This was a great intro to hockey for Theo. He learned a lot of skills without the pressure of having to win.

It's been fun getting to know some of the kids and their parents. Hopefully we'll see most of them again next year.

Theo's already excited to see them all again.

One of his teammates made water bottles for everyone. I thought that was so sweet.

Later that afternoon Theo and I got dueling haircuts. He wanted his hair still long, but by his ears and no bangs.

I guess my appointment went too long.

Ha. They both came home telling Meadow and I that their hair was cut too short!

It's true, I just wanted a couple inches off and somehow ended up with like 10!

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