More TKD - Worlds 2013

The weekend after we got back from our trip, we drove up to Little Rock, Arkansas so that Tyler could participate in the first (and biggest) tournament of the season--the World Championship.

This was Ty's first time competing in sparring and he did a great job.  He came home with a first place in forms, 2nd's in traditional weapons and sparring, and 3rd in combat sparring.  It was a great experience.

For more pictures, click on the photo above and for all of the video action, click here (our favorite is Sparring Round 2...he's the one in the black gear).

Summer "Road" Trip 2013

Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful (air and road) trip Up North and to Palatine to see the Burke's, Chernesky's, Shripka's, and Granny and Grandpa. We had a great time tubing, swimming, hiking, go-karting, mini golfing, and relaxing. The weather was beautiful, too. 

After our time Up North, the Shripka's were nice enough to drive over to Palatine for a day of fun at Granny and Grandpa's house. It was a perfect ending to another very memorable summer trip. For lots of pictures, click the top photo below.

Giving Friday returns (again)

I finally got organized again and to the kids' delight, we're back into the habit of Giving Friday.  I'm so thankful for the community of support that we have through Big Hearted Families that keeps me motivated when life gets busy.

Last week's project and this week's project are both supporting an organization called Family-to-Family.  Last week, we participated in their Birthday Giving Project in which you put everything that a child would need to celebrate a birthday (including homemade cards, as shown below) in a shoebox and wrap it.  Family-to-Family connects you with a local shelter to which you can deliver your boxes.  We plan to do this once a quarter or so, with our next two times being Sept. and Dec. (special months for the kids; why not celebrate your own birthday by helping someone in need to have fun celebrating theirs?).

We also signed up for a year-long commitment to Family-to-Family's Books for Life project which involves them pairing us up with a child in need to whom we send a book with personal notes each month.  I can't wait to see what the kids put in their notes and look forward to the regular commitment that will help to keep us focused on giving throughout the year.

Fun visit with Granny and Grandpa

A few weeks ago Granny and Grandpa came to visit us and we had a great time visiting the NASA space center, watching Ty at his Taekwondo class, playing golf, eating ice cream, doing a little rock climbing :), and having a Memorial Day BBQ.  We had a lot of fun and were so thankful that they came to spend the long weekend with us.  For more photos, click on the photo above.

Finally made it to Austin!

We've been wanting to visit Austin (beyond the airport, which I visit monthly) since we moved here and finally decided to make a last minute weekend trip.  We loved it!  We explored a roadside BBQ (of course), Reimer's Ranch, the Barton Creek greenbelt, Pedernales State Park, and, of course 6th street and Rainey Street (which we loved).  We also tried to see the bats come out from the Congress St. bridge, but they decided not to come out that night :(.  For more photos, click on the picture below.

Easter 2013

Well, since the Easter season is almost over, I thought I'd finally get around to posting our pictures.  We had a wonderful day with another outdoor egg hunt and a very fun dinner with the Raney's.  Enjoy the pictures by clicking on the photo below.

(Lots) More Taekwondo

Last week was a big week for Tyler in Taekwondo, as he earned his yellow belt and also participated in his first tournament where he earned 3 first place medals.  We love the passion he has for it and his focus and intensity (you'll see what I mean in the photos).

Warning:  These photos are unedited and there are quite few :).

To see all the action in video form, click here.  To see more photos, click here.