What A Day!! Talk About Memories!!!

Well our baby girl just turned 7, on the 7th and we were informed that this is the "Golden Birthday" which is the most special one of them all. So Grandma, Grandma Great, Aunt Nana, Jonathan and I made her the perfect breakfast of strawberries, whip cream and waffles. Not a bad way to start the day. We tried to put it off until tomorrow when her party is actually scheduled but she felt (being the princess and all) that some extra special measures needed to be taken on the actual day and all of its splendor.

Our family also had plans to attend a promotional BBQ for Jonathan's Judo club. We went last year and it is always a great time to be with the great friends we have formed throughout the two years we have been involved. Usually, we eat, chat, laugh and then some of the kids get promoted to a higher rank. Jonathan was indeed promoted to a yellow belt from a white/yellow and we were/are so proud of him. Teila was also promoted to a yellow/orange belt from a yellow and we were/are very proud of her. After the belts were awarded, the Sensei's gave out special awards for the judoka (Special word for judo student-see I am learning!) that have shown great achievements throughout the year. Teila was given an award for having the best Judo spirit and we were/are all very excited and pleased with that. Then, there is a BIG trophy that is housed at our Dojo and is given each year to the judoka that displays the best sportsmanship. It is a HUGE honor and is usually given to an older student that has been in Judo for a while. The Sensei gave a little speech about the student earning the award this year and how he shows what Judo is all about, on and off the mat, that he is kind, caring, helpful and is eager to learn all he can. Well, this year, that judoka is our son, Jonathan. Can I tell you how proud I was/am of him? I was all full of pride and then I saw his Dad (who has won this award twice in the past) and you could tell he was even more excited than myself. Now, we all know that Jonathan is a great kid and a hard worker but to have two Sensei's see it and boast about him in front of everyone, that is a moment that any parent will cherish forever. Jonathan hasn't quit smiling and I am almost positive that his Dad hasn't either.