The first week of November was all about TKD. Titus and Jared had their normal classes/work, plus Titus had a prep-class for his Black Belt Test and his Black Belt Test (click here for more on that) and the day before that the boys attended a Sparring Seminar held by Master Kim's Sparing Coach and current coach of the US Olympic team.
Needless to say we were "flying" around a lot the first week but we still managed to squeeze in a Field Trip to Hawk Manor. This was one of my favorite field trips four years ago and the repeat visit did not disappoint. He brought out a Red-tailed Hawk (beautiful and much better choice than falcon), a falcon (loud when not under his cap), an imprinted vulture (quite comical as it hopped around the room) and a cute owl to pet at the end. We learned so much about the habits of these birds, their quirks and features if you will and Chip did it in an incredibly entertaining manner. Chris was very glad he was able to come this time.
Then it was back to Taekwondo. This time the focus was Jared as he successfully completed his Third Tip Test on 11/9.
Then we managed a little decorating for Veteran's Day (I didn't know about putting green lights out till this year) before more TKD.
This time TKD was an all day tournament in which Titus and Jared participated and then assisted in all day on 11/12. This was their first tournament (about 150 participants) and it was great that it was at their dojang. Both boys did well and we look forward to more formal tournaments in 2023.
While we were all busy at the tournament. Lance was busy at home putting the finishing touches on Homer. Homer has been apart in the garage while Lance fixed....Engine mounts, transmission mounts, rear wheel bearings, sliding door rollers both sides, window regulator driver side, passenger side brake light housing, valve cover gaskets, intake gaskets, PCV valve, new brake pads, resurfaced rotors, new front bumper, and new front left quarter panel.(Try to say all that in one breath)
Today he put him all back together. Chris did a nice detail job of the interior and then Lance touched up the engine paint. Now all that is left is to paint the Shark Teeth on the bumper and replace the timing belt when the weather warms.
You'd think a TKD tournament and fixing a car would be enough activity for one day but Lance and Jared thought otherwise. Soon as the tournament was over they cleaned up, picked up four friends and headed out to an English Country Dance; as always, they had a marvelous time.
Okay you say, now is a good time to take a break, at least for Sunday right? Wrong. William stayed over night after the dance and went with us to "Warbirds over Monroe" on Sunday. This is our third year attending this event and this year did not disappoint either.
Lance remembered to be in his seat for the finale this year :-) The heat was very welcome.
In between all the TKD Amber was certainly not left out. She was busy riding twice a week and improving her craft just like the boys. (I just love this photo)
In between all the chaos above we managed to go out for our anniversary. We were originally going to go alone but in the end we really just wanted to be with the kids, together as a family. Therefore, we went to everyone's favorite restaurant Alpaca. It was definitely the right decision.
We finished out the month with a huge Thanksgiving celebration. This year we actually had a friend grow our turkey for us and grow it did, topping out at 27lbs (without the neck and giblets). Cutting took a little longer for Alex and Chris this year but like big little boys they had great fun doing it. This is my favorite holiday of the year and it was wonderful to spend it with so many friends.
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