Karate Tech Tournament

On Saturday, October 22nd, the boys and I had a karate tournament.  This is the first one I have been able to participate it.  We had a busy Saturday because both boys had games as well.  Thankfully David was there to help because I was at the tournament all day judging and couldn't leave.

Michael was up first in karate and AJ was out at football.  Michael was waiting until his group was called.

The one problem with me judging during the tournament is that I can't get very many pictures.  Michael getting ready to stretch out.

Michael doing his forms.  I was up on stage to give awards so I was able to snap a picture.

He didn't place, but he did well.  I was proud of him for doing it because at first he didn't want to.

Sparing time for Michael.  As soon as Michael was done with sparring he had to change quick into football gear and head towards his game.  AJ came back and switched into his gi.

AJ's turn to spar.  Neither boy placed this year, but they were out there and trying.

Next up was my turn.  Unfortunately I didn't start far enough forward so I slipped on a table cloth and messed up my flow.  But a lesson learned.

I took third place in forms.

Next was sparring, there was only one other adult female so that is who I sparred.  She was a tank!  When she got moving it was hard to stop here.

But I did beat her in the end 2 out of 3.  It was great to be able to participate in a tournament after having watched my boys the past three years.

Sensei Dunya and myself after the tournament.  She is my inspiration and is fabulous!  I have learned a lot from her.

Here is the crew - myself, Master Jay, Sensei Dunya - had a great day!  It was a LONG day on my feet and judging, but it was good.  I went back the next day and did it again for the little ones ages 4-6.  They were cute, but again it was tiring.

Three Doors Down concert

One really nice thing about living overseas is they have some cool free stuff.  Down in Weisbaden they had a free Three Doors Down concert on October 15th.  We started out with football in the morning and then headed to a BBQ at our friend's house.

After a fabulous dinner, the ladies and kids went early to get our spot for the concert.  We brought chairs and then ended up standing most of the time.

The stage was set inside a hanger so the sound would project.  I think it projected an hour away to Kaiserslautern it was so loud.  LOL

The concert started out with just the drummer coming on stage and he was really good.

This guy was fabulous and great on stage!

Then the whole band was there and it started to really rocking!

This is where we were.  Michael wanted to go to the front for a little while, but then when the music started he said it was too loud.  LOL

The men folk enjoying the concert with a good beer!

The lead singer playing to the crowd!!  The really put on quite a show!

AJ standing there makes me think of him as way older than he is, he looks way to mature for his own age. 

This isn't the first concert or was it their last concert here in Germany.  They touched down and basically started getting ready to sing.  It was really a great concert and show!!

Of course since there was cotton candy we had to get some.  The only problem is that the line was long and it took FOREVER.  But AJ was all smiles when we did get it!!!  It was worth it and we were a little off to the side so the music wasn't so loud.  It was a great evening with friends and a fire pit after the concert.  We were very glad we were invited down!

Kaiserslautern Fest Time

It is that time of year again - the fest is in town!!!!  So of course we had to go the first day on Friday, October 14th.

Michael taking the high road as per usual! LOL

AJ's friend Joseph came along with us.  I love watching the boys interact and talk.  It is so very interesting.

Michael inside the mirror maze.  It was so funny watching him bump into the glass!

AJ bumped into the glass as well.  It took them awhile to get out of there.  It was hilarious!

As they exited they were blasted with air and it took them by surprise!

Coming down the home stretch!!  They finally made it out!

I think the boys were trying to get ahead of me so I wouldn't embarrass them.  Just joking, thankfully they still like being with their mom!

AJ and Joseph on the bumper cars!!  They sure do love them!!!

Michael talked me into going on the bumper cars with him.  I am not sure how, because I am not a big fan of the bumper cars - it hurts.  LOL

The boys posing for me!

They were a little dirty, so I sent them through the people wash.  :-)

Here you can see how empty it is.  This was the streets early on.  We always arrive when it opens because it does get busy and crazy later at night.

Michael trying to get through, luckily he made it!!!

AJ just chilling, riding up moving side walk.

The hamster wheel, I was going to ask if I could just keep the boys in there for awhile longer.  :-)

Time for a little dinner.  All the boys wanted pizza.

Of course where do the boys always want to go at every fest?!?!  The cranes.  They love this game!!

Thankfully all the boys won at least one stuffed animal!  I am sure glad because I was running out of euros.  LOL

You can see here behind AJ how much busier it is and it isn't even 8 pm.

AJ and Michael wanted to try knocking down the pyramid of cans.  Unfortunately they didn't get them all, but they had fun trying!

The gentleman running the booth gave all three boys vampire teeth - don't they look scary?!?  It was such a fun night!!!  I do love going to the fest with my boys and I am sad that this will be the last one we go to in Germany.  I am glad we went out on a good one!

Michael's birthday

We have big birthday parties for the boys every other year.  This year was our quiet year with family.

Michael wanted to bring a treat for his class, he asked me to make birthday cake popcorn.  So of course I did!!!

Michael and I in his class.  They sang him happy birthday and it is quite a song in Ms. Babcock's class.  They have to do exercises and she extends the song A LOT.  Their arms were getting really tired at the end.  It was great!

Then we had our family celebration at home.  Michael decided he wanted me to cook for his birthday instead of going out. 

Instead of cake, he wanted brownies and brownies is what he had!!!

Even though it was just  us, Michael said he had a great birthday!!!  I can't believe he is 9 already.  They are growing up way too fast!!!  I keep telling them to stop growing and slow down, but it is not working. LOL