A note about Dad's

I always find that the obligatory holidays (i.e. Mother's Day/Father's Day) inevitably creep up on me without much notice (yes, even the signs at the Japanese store that tell me to "thank father" pass me by without helpng me really remember. Usually. :)

This year, I was on it. I remembered AND got cards out in the mail to the great father's in our life. (Did you get them yet?) My intentions are always good, but timing being so far away... usually not so good.

Brad and his Dad (Grandfather)

Thank you to all of our Dad's. We are so lucky to have 3 great Dad's (aka Grandfather, Grandpa and Poppi) in our lives. They have been wonderful role models and supporters of Brad and I (and the kiddos) for as long as we can remember.

Alessandra with Grandpa (my Dad)

Alessandra with Poppi (my Ron)

AND from me, a heartfelt Happy Father's Day to Brad. He is a great dad and a wonderful husband. The kids are currently awaiting his arrival in the living room where they will shower him with love. That will make me smile.

Brad meeting Olivia in Hawaii and Brad meeting Alessandra in the hospital. Lucky guy! (or should I say, we are the lucky ones).

 

5th Kyu Green Belt

Okinawa has been a continuous journey of sites, sounds and feasts. One of the greatest joys of our life here on island include our time at The Nix Dojo (Ryukoku Seidokan Karate). Both Olivia and I have invested a lot of time in learning this beautiful martial art from some amazing Sensei's.

This month we were able to participate in another testing session. We both tested for the second stripe on our Green Belts. The Green Belt level is more intermediate than our first belt, the kata's are difficult and the expectations are higher. In my opinion the class has become more fun - because there is so much more to participate in and it all starts to make sense instead of being an overwhelming amount of information.

First up: Kelly. For the second time since we have been here, Brad got to come and check out our skills. We were happy that he was there to watch AND I didn't have to beg someone to take our photos!


Here I am stretching. I was SO nervous this time around!

The kata we performed this time is called Passai. In Sensei's opinion, it is difficult. I couldn't agree more! It was a challenging kata (to say the least) and for the first time I felt very nervous going on stage to perform it. It is a fine balance of strength, power and grace. Not sure I have mastered it yet, but here it is:

After the testing (there were a LOT of adults who tested this time, 5 Black Belts and 2 second degree black belts, always an honor to see that). We await the "certificate"

Bowing to the Sensei's

Happy to say it was a relief to have it over and looking foward to the next step! (With this next level we get to use the bo - a large wood stick in our kata - watch out!)

After a change of clothes, I turn into "Karate Mom" (a quote from my friend Kristal - "Karate moms - sort of like soccer moms, but not")

A fine group of ladies I would say! Kelly, Alyssa, Virna, Kristal and Aviva)

Next up: Olivia Marie!

Here she is performing Passai-kata. She makes a small mistake in the beginning, but recovers quickly!




Standing on stage for the Self-Defense part of the test

Over there on the right...

Standing next to her buddy Emily awaiting certificate. They have both grown SO much!

Getting her certificate from Sensei! SO HAPPY!

Please put that extra stripe on my belt! 2 STRIPES!!

Daddy with his tough girl.

Olivia with Sensei's Akemi and Ron Nix. Love these people!

Pia, Pia, Piano...

Olivia started taking Piano lessons in April. Her outstanding and loving teacher, Melene gave her the choice if she wanted to participate in the end of year recital or not. She didn't want to put any pressure on Olivia.

Olivia decided that she should go ahead and participate in the recital. We were excited and proud that the wanted to do it. Here she is (looking a little nervous) waiting for her turn.

Cheesy younger sister awaiting the main event.

Olivia getting ready at the piano. She is wearing her "Au Dai" from Vietnam. She was the first of the kiddos to go.

Here she is playing her piece "Old MacDonald Had A Mouse" From memory. Great Job, Olivia!

Family Fun Day

Alessandra's preschool traditionally hosts a "Family Fun Day". I am always hesistant to do anything with Alessandra and "school" together. She is super independent when I am not around, but gets uber clingy when I am. the weather was nice - and she was excited so, off we went to the park to meet up with her classmates and friends.

We get there and THIS is what she does.


Yep, she didn't want to participate. She stood, arms crossed for the 1st half of the games. UNTIL they set up an obstacle course, where she ran to the front of the line and told me that "I don't need help, you watch" And proceeded to participate fully for the rest of the day. SO, after a rough start...

Here was the end result of the first part of the day.

The second part of the games included Tug-Of-War - yes, we are in Okinawa and the Tug of War is a big part of local fesitivities in the summer time.
First - parents vs. parents (of 2 different classrooms). Alessandra took photos.

Our team lost.

One of Alessandra's teachers- Ms.Sabrina.

And then the kids did a tug of war... now THAT is funny.

Alessandra and her friend Emma - not quite sure what is going on.

 

PULL! (their team lost too, and I think Alessandra got a little dragged off her feet. Regardless, she didn't like the Tug of War.)

Daddy is 30 years older than me!

Leave it to the 7 year old in the family to keep track of everyone's ages. She will never forget her dad's age, since he was a stealthy 30 when she was born. Brad hit 37 this year - and we are happy to say he was with us AND we were able to celebrate with him. It doesn't get better than that!


This has got to be one of the best photos EVER. All smiles for daddy and Olivia - and Alessandra being... Alessandra.

Olivia with her Daddy (and the yummy Brownie Sundae's he requested)

Later in the evening - everyone is happy and opening presents! Yippee!
Happy Birthday, Brad!

Birthday's are the best!

So, it has been over a month since our eldest turned 7, however, it is never too late to let you in on the festivities!
Here is the birthday girl (and her little sister) the morning of her birthday. It was a pretty rainy, dreary day, so we sparked up the house with lots of streamers to bring in the sunshine. (also, please note the lovely dress, and Mickey Mouse socks. Fashion.)

I had to throw this one of Alessandra's gigantic eyes in there. Cutie-pie.

There were 3 things Olivia wanted to do for her Birthday this year. The first was cupcakes in her classroom. SO, here is the afternoon of the big event. Her class anxiously awaiting the event ahead...

The birthday girl - cute as a bug.

Now this is the part I didn't know about. First, the birthday "kid" sits in the middle of the classroom and everyone sings. THEN...


Ms. Cornett gives them a choice between "spankin' or kisses" - the 1st graders actually get the choice, the second graders automatically get the "spankin" :) Which did Olivia choose?

Then the birthday kid gets to bring special treats. Olivia chose cupcakes. Yummo.

Passing out the goodies to her friends.

Since we have more plans ahead for the weekend. We decided to lay low on her actual birthday evening and we had cupcakes at home too. In our Jammies of course!

The second thing that Olivia wanted was to go the Aquarium (what, no party, you want to go to the aquarium... I suppose we can make that happen!) Off we went!

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Checking out the Sea Turtles

Kids checking out fish.

I almost forgot! We have asked Olivia to take a photo inside the shark mouth EVERY time we have gone to the aquarium. She always acts scared and wont do it. NOT TODAY, though. Check her out!

The last thing Olivia wanted was to have a "party" with Cooper and Caden. SO, here she is, complete with Ice Cream cake at her birthday celebration (complete with Vodka Sauce and Penne and Cooper and Caden).

Our big 7 Year Old!

I had to add this one, simply because Cooper had the spoon on his nose the entire time.
Happy Birthday Big Girl!

The Village - part 2

Coming down the walkway into the reservior area.

The wet season had not yet started, so it was green and wet, but not flooded.

Walking out into the marshy area. Rice being planted behind where Brad and Alessandra are

And we get onto a boat. Yep, a boat.

Boats - moving people, people moving.

Enjoying the ride

 

How many photos can we take while on a boat? Oh, yes. A lot.

This cute kid.

I think she may have found her calling. Boat kid.

Our boat driver. He was quiet, not sure what he thought really.

Until I saw his hat. Our very own Poppi Ron (aka Ronaldino). Made him smile.

Some local kids out on their canoe

We took a boat out to this small island in the middle of the lake. It had a temple/shrine that was important to the local villages. We got off of the boat and were approached by some guys peddling motorcycle rides (because it was easier than the mile long walk to the temple). SO, what do you do? 2 kids in tow?

You put them on a motorcycle of course! Brad and Olivia en route to the temple. (p.s. please don't call CPS on us). 

Motorcyles riding on sand...

Happy Kid (riding with Brad)

and what would the trip be without mommy and Alessandra on board another motorbike?

I don't want a pickle. I just want to ride on my motorcicle.

Once we arrived at our destination, we were "visited" by a slew of kids who were trying to sell us things. They walked with us all the way around the "island".

leaving the area with all of the kids and the motorcycle standing by.

Aiello's...moving...

Walking back to the boat.