Yet another tournament

We headed to Ohio this past weekend for another tournament. Chess tournament of course....haha! Not!

Alexander was up first and won his sparring match. He did well doing his form but missed something on one of the moves so didn't get as many points as he should. He's only 5 and the youngest guy on the team so I'll give him a break I guess!!! We had a great time with our karate family. There's always good food and lots of liquor involved which makes it even better! Well, that and hotel fun of course...the pool, free breakfast, Alexander wearing my shower cap...ha! As dysfunctional as we all are, we have been together for so long as this point that we just overlook it and love each other for who we all are. The parents help with each other's kids, the kids respect them, and we all work together as a family. It's awesome! 

Photographer

Alexander has started to take pics with my phone and experimenting with the different options for color and black and white. I think he is doing a pretty good job! 

Another 1st Place

Last weekend Ricardo hosted his first tournament, Shodan Junior Cup. He had 10 schools from all over the Midwest come and bring 100 students. It was a huge success in many ways. The tournament was refereed by over 20 Pan American and Certified Referees by the USNKF. So, this was the real deal. This was also Alexander's first real tournament. There were 8 kids in his division and who got first in Kata (forms) and second in Kumite (sparring)...ya, Alexander. He did an awesome job and got another trophy. We're so proud if him for all his hard work. He practices his forms at home a lot without being asked. I won't lie, his dad just beams with pride! 

Happy 29th Tia Cha Chi!

Orange Belt

Alexander passed his orange belt test Saturday with flying colors!

Alexander's Dentist Visit

Alexander had his first tooth pulling this week. A per many tooth in the bottom decided to come in so the dentist pulled both bottom ones to make room. He was quite the trooper! And, thanks to his dad, the tooth fairy was quite generous. $2.50/tooth! I think I got like a quarter for mine! Inflation I suppose!! 

Competition season has begun

We officially started competition season the weekend in Illinois. These trips are always challenging and fun at the same time. We're all exhausted but enjoy so much spending time with all of our families. There were 23 students competing including 2 adults. All together there were about 60 with siblings and parents. As time has passed we've made friends with other people at other schools so it's really fun to see them. Alexander got to see Sensei Amy which made his day. We had a great time and always look forward to the next trip. 

Braces be gone!

I have worn invisible braces for over two years now and I am finally braces free!!! I got fitted for my retainer yesterday so all I have to do is wear that at night! I can't believe it's finally over!

Little helper yet again...

Alexander loves helping me when I'm cleaning. Today, his first task was helping me sweep with my new Shark Ricardo got me for Christmas while wearing my old sweatshirt. He moved I later to helping me clean the banister on the stairs. 

Snow birds

Today we had around 7 winter robins in the tree outside our kitchen window. I couldn't believe how big they were. I'm guessing almost as big as pigeons. I guess they don't mind the frozen tundra that is our back yard!

Alexander LOVES animals. If he doesn't find a profession working in the field I'll be surprised. He especially loves his best friend Sonny. Lately he's become quite attached and spends lots of time playing games with him and chasing him around the house. Poor dog is always covered up or getting trucks driven at him. Today, they're perched in front of the fire together while I rearrange our living room shelves. 

Snow, snow, snow