Last day of summer break

Today is Alexander and his pals last day of summer break. We spent the afternoon at the park with all of them having fun and getting some of that summer energy out. I didn't get pics of all the kids because honestly they barely stood still long enough to get what I did. So thankful for our friends and all the fun we have together. 

Kindergarten Orientation

Tonight was Alexander's kindergarten orientation. He got to meet his teacher, his classmates, and see his classroom. He did a great job listening and following directions this evening but then again, do we expect anything less...uh no! He is the second tallest kid in his class which is crazy. He's going to be the size of a 13 year old if he keeps this up. Although I'll be shocked if he catches up to a boy in another kindergarten class that might very well only be a few inches shorter than me...not kidding! So, our journey to regular school has begun. Thankfully Alexander has fine to school since he was nearly 3 years old so this is nothing new to him. 

After dinner

Ignore the fact I'm hugging a bottle of wine!

A Reno View

Does this look anything like me???

Silly Emmi 

Day one in Reno

Pics from the road...

Ft. Lauderdale last week and Reno this week...crossing the country by car and plane! Looking forward to some down time after the Reno trip. But, in the meantime we're going to enjoy it!!!

Room with a view

Ricardo booked our room where we stayed on our honeymoon. Super nice resort right on the marina. We're dreaming about our yacht that we'll have one day! 

Day at the beach

I realize I have a lot of posts called 'day at the beach' but it's seriously one of our all time favorite things to do EVER! Who doesn't love relaxing by the ocean under an umbrella with a cold beer in hand? I mean come on! We did work out before hand though and walked the marina and the Ft Lauderdale bridge which is a vertical climb because it's a bridge that goes up and down for boats. Huge! And yes I said workout...you know I'm not going to miss working out for a week. Come on people!!!!

Our road trip begins...

You go crazy and start eating Doritos when your stuck in traffic for 2 hours!!!!!

Sunday night fun

Eating apple pie and catching lightening bugs...can't get more American than that on a Sunday night!

Karate b-day turned pool fun

Our friend's son had his 8th bday this weekend. He opted for a karate themed party of which resulted in them renting his sensei (aka Ricardo) for 2 hours on Saturday. April did an amazing job with the cake and decorations all of which she made herself. Ya, she made the headbands even! After the party her and her kids headed to our pool for the rest of the day to hang out and relax. Her husband joined us later at our house and we ended the day with burgers and dogs on the grill. I'm sure it's hard to tell but my kid is the brownest one in the pictures! Ha!

Husband, Father, Friend

The other day Ricardo was getting ready to leave for a meeting with another Sensei. He was wearing one of my favorite shirts that he has and jeans. The shirt is a light blue fitted polo that most men probably couldn’t pull off but with his ever tan skin, it looks amazing on him! As he was getting ready to leave, grabbing all of his man items needed for the day, I glanced over and saw him as he was finishing putting on his bracelet and grabbing his wedding ring to put it on. I wished at that moment I could have taken a picture of him putting on his ring. I’m not sure why it made me a take a double glance…maybe it was how he looked or maybe it was the ring he was putting on. Regardless, it was one of those moments that is almost imprinted in your brain forever. I think God lets us see things sometimes with fresh eyes to bring us back to a place that reminds us of the blessings we have. As Father’s Day approaches I’m reminded of the father he is to Alexander, the wonderful husband he is to me, and the friend he is not only to me but to countless others. Our time together has brought many happy times, many trials, and many years of learning how to be a Godly couple that is inner twined in family and friends. I’m thankful God listened to my prayers 8 years ago and knew my heart was for a real man that would love not only me but our child without conditions. Our meeting all those years ago was and always has been a beautiful surprise for me. As we continue to grow as a couple and watch our son grow into a young man, I can always look back to that day and forever be grateful for that surprise which was really a gift beyond measure. Happy Father’s Day to my husband and friend!

Last tournament

This past weekend we headed to Tennessee for our last regular season tournament. The kids did great, including Alexander. He got 3rd in forms and sparring out of 6 or 7 kids. One of the little boys he sparred against didn't win anything and was really sad. So, Ricardo talked to Alexander and asked him if he could give one of his medals to the other boy and without blinking an eye he agreed. The little boy was so excited! He hung on to it through the rest of the day and then his parents gave it back with much appreciation towards the sentiment. Of course, Alexander being his honest self said, why did they give it back anyway...then rolled his eyes. LOL!

Always a fun time hanging with our karate pals, eating at crazy restaurants, and having a good laugh!