WILD, WILD WEST

The 2001 excursion to the western part of the United States proved to be one of the most eventful and exciting trips Brooks and his kids have taken. Focusing on the historical significance that the stops on this trip offered, Brooks and the group visited the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam before heading to the swanky Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles to rest up and change for a night out to dinner at "Reign" - one of the most upscale and popular restaurants in Beverly Hills formerly owned by Brooks' Buccaneers teammate Keyshawn Johnson. Before showing off their "hoop skills" during a pick-up game of basketball at touristy Venice Beach, members of the Brooks' Bunch visited and interacted with other teenagers at the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club. While in San Francisco, the group toured and shopped at Fisherman's Wharf and visited Alcatraz Prison. The next stop was beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada where the group enjoyed a cookout, river rafting, and toured the Ponderosa Ranch and Museum (home of the 1960s-70s popular television series Bonanza). The trip's final destination was Portland Oregon, home of sports apparel giant Nike. During the tour of the spacious Nike campus, members of the Brooks' Bunch shopped, toured the facility, and were exposed to the numerous career opportunities available at the sports apparel giant. The kids also witnessed each phase of how Nike designs and constructs the football shoes Derrick wears each Sunday when he does battle against the NFL's best.

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