Tyler's 22nd Birthday
Monday, June 23, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Actually, Tyler's 22nd Birthday was kind of celebrated on two days. You see, the day before his birthday, Sunday, June 22nd, Jordyn took him to see the Valkyries play the
Connecticut Sun as an early birthday present. The timing of this game was fortuitous because Kaitlyn Chen, one of Tyler's favorite players,
was re-signed a week before when many of the European players took a leave of absence to participate in the FIBA Women's EuroBasketball tournament.
Chen was chosen in the third round by the Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA draft. A fan favorite, she played in both pre-season games against the
L.A. Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts and her popularity among the fans she was waived. However, when
the Valkyries needed players to step in and substitute for players playing overseas, Chen was one of the first to be re-signed.
Interestingly, back when the pre-season was in full swing, Kaitlyn Chen jerseys were the sixth best selling jerseys in the league, and hers was the best selling jersey on the team! Now that she was back,
jersey sales began ramping up again. Guess what Tyler was to receive as a gift for his birthday? You guessed it, a Kaitlyn Chen Valkyries jersey. We gave it to him early so he could wear it to the game, and
it must have been a good omen because this was the first game Chen played in since being re-signed. She didn't disappoint either. She scored 5 point and had one assist!
Early gift. |
What a surprise! |
Kaitlyn Chen #2. |
Chen playing D. |
Pizza for dinner. |
Monday, June 23, 2025
On Monday morning Tyler was awakened by a call from Grandma and Grandpa Higa to wish him a Happy Birthday. Later, when both Jordyn and Mom got off work everyone went to Sizzling Lunch for Tyler's dinner.
We're never disappointed by the food here, and I guess that's why it's Tyler's favorite. After dinner we returned home for cake (Baskin-Robbins Oreo Cookie Polar Pizza) and gifts. Later in the evening he met
with a bunch of friends and they celebrated his birthday by going bowling.
Sizzling Lunch!
From Grandpa & Grandma Sato. |
More Lego. |
Stuff I got. |
Polar Pizza. |
What a surprise! |
Blowing out the candle. |