Life, Love & Serendipity: July 2012

For a couple months now Brian has been in Tae Kwon Do, and is loving it. I'm loving that he's loving it. There is such an emphasis on respect of adults and parents (its actually part of their creed they say at the beginning of each class - Respect for teachers and parents) and also wonderfully - "Respect of the National Flag". All amazing things. Sitting quiet and listening for a group of 4-6 year olds is pretty impressive and most classes go really well. Well two weeks ago Brian tested for his White Belt with the Master of the Dojang (and owner) and it was pretty cool. I was extremely proud of him, although he was totally bummed out that it wasn't his teacher - that concept just didn't compute. He didn't care if this guy was Master of Chocolate, he wasn't his teacher and he definitely, totally asked who he was. LOL! Anyway, here's some pics to share.

High Block

Front Snap Kick

Learning proper sportsmanship and congratulating fellow classmates

Acknowledging high ranking belts

Getting his belt

Official White Belt!

With the Master

His teacher - Mr. Carlos

I can't believe I'm writing this and it's already July. We've been here six months. Whoa. It's been crazy, almost all my boxes are unpacked, almost all the furniture and storage items have been purchased, we're figuring out the closets and we have patio furniture. It's been crazy. Our first 4th of July has come and gone and while it wasn't anything to necessarily write home about, I guess I am kinda still. Christopher worked, but we have been blessed with some amazing neighbors. Probably the most amazing neighbors ever. They've taken us in and on holidays like this when the hubbs is working I don't have to be alone with the kids. I'm really really really hoping that next year Christopher will be off and we'll get to experience 4th of July in the City!! This year, the kids and I (and my awesome neighbor Katie and her boy) went to the town of Fairfax for a parade. If you know me and my family then you know we are crazy about parades. I was happy to find this one. I didn't know how early we should show up, I didn't really know anything and didn't have time to do any typical Doane family Parade recon (LOL). We showed up and happened to find a teeny piece of shade for Phillip and some grass for the kids. It was boiling at 9:30am. There was so many people, which made it so fun. Fairfax is this amazing old, totally typical in your head historical town. So much appreciation of the military in the parade. Everyone stood when the flags would go by, and the military - which a lot of people don't know or know about. It was cool. Afterwards we bbq (I made the burgers all by myself - whoop)..and Daddy arrived just in time to witness some amazing, welcome to the East Coast fireworks. It was like a professional show in your backyard. The fireworks are ridiculous here. They are about half the price of West Coast fireworks because they aren't worked by a charity here. The fireworks are also better. Like the same ones we have in Cali are better here - bigger, brighter, more color, better. It is crazy!!!So here's so pics and thanks for stopping by

Seriously, could Brian be any cuter?!

Look at this rockin' Veteran!

Holding his bud AL

Balloons at a little neighborhood parade. amazing right?

Ami, helping me make our house festive!!!

Making 4th of July Oreo Pops

The sparklers were also amazing and awesome here...lasted way longer, and changed through out..did some popping, smoking, colors...all sorts of crazy stuff.