Early Summer Family Fun

The highlight of this post is my handsome and very talented grandson. He is 10 years old (9 at the time of his test), and he tested for his 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Getting his Black Belt is no easy feat. It is a lot of work, dedication, commitment, self-discipline, and perseverance!

Physical requirements such as sparring, self-defense against multiple different holds, and the ability to break a 3″ board along with classes 3 days a week and occasional all day week-end commitment are just part of what it takes to reach Black Belt status.

He also had to earn 10 other belts before testing for his Black Belt. Each belt requires a time commitment with his last belt before this test requiring 162 hours (about 9 months).

In addition, Tylor has to have a working knowledge of the history of martial arts, and he had to write an essay.  There is so much that goes on in the classes, but one of the things that I think is so important is learning to have respect for yourself and others which is taught and reinforced in every class.

We are all so proud of him!!!

I was so glad to be here to celebrate Tylor’s accomplishments, but soon after I was on my way to NC and TN to visit family.

My Mother and I headed to TN for Memorial Day weekend at my sister’s house. My sister, Teresa, had invited family from all over and most everyone was able to come. We had some pretty nice weather, but what was super nice to experience was the lightening and thunderstorm that came up while we were all sitting out on the porch. I don’t get to experience that here in Alaska so I really enjoyed it. Plus, it was still warm enough to sit outside! I really miss the warmer weather sometimes.

I had not seen my brother in a while and it was so good to see him and his family. His oldest son is going off to college this year which just blows my mind. Time just flies by…..

My nephews in this picture have just grown up so fast and so has my nephew and niece in this next photo. I couldn’t believe the change in them from just a year ago! STOP GROWING!

I have other nieces and nephews that I got to spend time with, but for some reason I have no photos. I was sure I had taken a picture with them 🙁

I was happy to see everybody including my sisters and their husbands and my brother Kevin and his wife (not pictured), but it was too short of a visit. Mom and I headed back to NC, and then, it was time for me to head back to Alaska. I always hate leaving. Miss my family so much!!!

Mom and I did keep tabs on some baby birds that were in a nest that was made in a fake flower basket. So cute! Mom said the birds got pretty big before they even left the nest.

Back in Alaska, we soon had visitors ourselves. Scott’s brother Rob and sister-in-law Krista came to visit for a couple of days. They had a trip planned in Ketchikan and stopped over in Anchorage for a couple of days.  We went on a hike, had a nice dinner out, and basically just hung out at the house together. There wasn’t a whole lot of time, but the time we did have was absolutely awesome! Love these guys!

Krista sent a picture of Rob having dinner in Ketchikan. Looks so good!

And even though I wasn’t available for this event,I have to post pictures of my beautiful daughter.  Sonja went to New York for her friend’s wedding. She was so busy with getting the wedding set up and together that she barely had time to get herself ready. She literally was down to the wire and just had enough time to get dressed or miss everything.

So beautiful!! Love her!

She is amazing!

I feel like I have left Miss Madeline and Matt out, but there will be more in my next post that includes them. I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with the grandkids this summer and most of that time was spent camping. Stay tuned….plus an update on my running!

Love my life!