Rocky Point...it's been too long!

So I'm asking myself, "Why, why, why, have we waited so long to go back to Rocky Point?" Well, I know why, but it was a long overdue get away! After having a PACKED month, and all the drama life brings, it was a needed treat! The weather was PERFECT, the Tides were low, and the beach and resort was full of families for the kids to play with. Sophia was at an enjoyable age, loving everything, even down to the wave runners, and looking for sea life during the low tide. What amazing family memories made!

We started our trip Sunday morning. We didn't have the most pleasant start, as Ben hurt his back as he was putting a suitcase in the car. (It wasn't heavy, he just stretched the wrong way!) I ordered him to lie down, while I got everything else organized and packed in the car. I drove to Gila Bend, so he could relax and ice his back. We got to Rocky Point around 3 (an hour before check in) but they gave us the key anyway. We unloaded and got situated first (as always) before we headed out for fun. I was much happier with this condo, and think it's a keeper from now on.

The boys were happy to have their own room and quickly unpacked and organized (boys after my own heart!). They were so excited to show me their work!

Aubrie claimed her own spot!

We headed down to the beach first, enjoying a cool breeze and watching the tide recede.

The kids running out to the sand bar that popped up when the tide was low. It was so much fun to go so far out!

After a few hours on the beach we headed to the pool for a bit of hot tubing and time on the slide. I headed up early to get dinner started. After dinner, we headed into town for some Thrifty ice cream, our favorite treat there! Sophia was going on and on about ice cream, and fell asleep on the way there, but had no problem waking up once we go there! Boston got his Cotton Candy (blah), and Ethan and Aubrie got Oreo (Yum). I got my Coco Crunch (Double Yum!) and Butter Pecan. Ben got Mint Chip, that ended up being Sophia's, so I ended up sharing mine with Ben! After ice cream we headed back for movies and a game of Clue before bed. We definitely made the most out of day 1!

Happy 6TH Birthday EThan!

Ethan had a great birthday. It started with him waking up to streamers on his bedroom door, and opening presents before school. We got him what he asked for, "roller skates with 2 wheels on each side (for wheelers lol), and big boy underwear". He didn't want the character underwear anymore, because "those are for babies". He was most excited when he opened the underwear.

Boston gave him his box of treasures which included all his bouncy balls and magnets. (Ethan used the stuff to make surprise bags for Aubrie, Boston and Ethan later that night...so sweet).

He also got some Tilly's clothes from my Mom. (Boston's suggestion of course).

Later that morning I brought donuts to his class and they all sang Happy Birthday. His teacher made it really fun. He got to pass them all out, and when the sang they waved their donut in the air, and they couldn't eat them until Ethan said they could. Field Day was going on, and Aubrie and Boston saw us outside and got to take part.

After school he had a birthday party which included pizza, a bounce house, pin the nose on the clown, and lots of boys playing on the basketball court, tether ball court, teeter totter, swings, soccer course, etc. It's amazing we only had two minor injuries. Ethan got tonz of Lego's and Transformer gifts to keep him busy for days. It was a great party and a great day for Ethan! He was very happy and said he had a great birthday!

Gotta love when one of the kids asks, "Do we all have to share that cake?" They were actually falling for it when I said "yes", and that would all get a small piece. They were happy when we brought out the ice cream bars! BTW that is Ethan under that hat!
It's really hard to believe that my Ethan is six! I'm not sure if it's because I was barely pregnant with him when we moved here, so that means we have almost been here 7 years, or if it's just because my baby has grown up so fast! So far Ethan has seemed to grow up quicker than the rest. I'm sure I'll be changing my tune when I send Sophia to her first day of school. But for now, I feel like it was yesterday that he was my little 18 month shoveling ice cream in his face in the early hours of the morning, before we came downstairs and caught him. He was the reason we started storing ice cream in our garage freezer!

He was an AMAZING baby, and has been such a GREAT kid! He is always wanting to serve, give gifts, and wanting to do his very best. He is my little crafty, creative boy, with an imagination that squashes mine. While we all think his calling lies in being an amazing architect, he currently thinks being a policeman would be really cool. Ethan's eyes light up when he smiles, and his laugh is contagious. He is a great student in all venues, and though it may seem like he isn't listening to anything you are saying at times, as he drifts off into his own world, he really takes in more than you realize. He is a boy of many emotions, quick to anger and tears and then laughing within the same minute. Most of the time he doesn't like attention, unless he is purposefully commanding it. You know when those times come, as he is usually doing a funny dance, or something of the sort. He is a good brother, and a blessing to have as a son! Here's to 6 great years with an amazing boy, and looking forward to an eternity!

Going Yellow

Ethan tested for his yellow belt the night before his birthday. He did very well, and we were all impressed with all the things he has learned in such a short period of time. He started in August in the little kicks class (for 3 to 5 year olds) and they moved him up in January with the older boys. His Sensei said he is a fast learner and they absolutely love him. It will be fun to see him in action at a tournament one of these days! (When soccer or dance isn't interfering!)

When we first got there they took Ethan back to the Dojo and closed the curtains (they were super serious) as they did some pretesting. Then they let family in and we waited as they prepared for the second part of the test. Ethan just sat on the mat, center of attention, while we were waiting to start. Can't take the goofiness completely out of him. I LOVE that about him!

His Sensei began by asking him questions, such as what do particular Japanese words mean, proper Dojo etiquette, etc.
Then he called out particular moves that Ethan had to demonstrate with exactness.

Then Ethan had to demonstrate the first 4 Kata's, which also had to be done with exactness. It's like choreography for Karate.
Then his Sensei tested him on his defense moves for several attacks. Several of the defense moves included a knee to the groin. He got those one's down very well! (I hope his teacher was protected! Ouch)
Last, he quizzed him on some moral issues, such as stealing, using his Karate improperly, etc.
After his test was complete, his Sensie and his assistants left to grade his test. They left for several minutes, and then came back with the results. He is allowed 2 major and 4 minor to pass. He only had one minor mistake. He told Ethan that is was tradition to get your belt off the wall. You can see a few of them hanging above the mirror. He told Ethan he couldn't touch the mirror and that he had to figure out a way to get it. Ethan was taking him seriously, and even took the offer for a boost. When the teacher realized he was really trying to find a way to do this, he then also offered him the one behind his back. Ethan finally got the joke. It was a fun way to end such a serious event.

The belt ceremony!

Way to go ETHAN!!!!!!