Update from Italy ....

I spoke with Tika on Tuesday. She is doing very well in Italy. She said she was still sore from competing on Sunday and I am not surprised since she competed in five events over a VERY long day. She said they started early in the AM and did not finish until almost 11 PM. She did phenomenally well winning a Silver Medal in Short Weapons and a Bronze in Kumite. She also placed in the top 5 in Kata, Mandatory Kata and long weapons. I had a message from Sensei Liz, one of Tika's instructors, and she said that Tika had very tough competition from some girls that came in from the US West Coast and also from Italy and Spain.

So now Tika is enjoying Italy. Monday she was hiking near the area where they are staying. Tuesday was spent at the Vatican. Tika of course was enthralled with the artwork - the sculptures, paintings, tapestries as well as the architecture. She could not stop talking about it - which was great. Yesterday they were to your the Colosseum. She has 3 more days in Italy and I know she will enjoy them. I am anxious for her to get back so I can hear all about the trip and the competition.

.... cu

Good Grades and Good Luck .....

The girls got their report cards this week ---- they did very well as usual. Sam had 2 A+'s, 3 A's and 3 B+'s. Kris had 3 A+'s, 3 A's and a B+. Tika is following her Dad with with her worst grade in English, a C, but outside of that an A+, 4 A's and a B (in French - also not one of my strongest subjects). Now I will say that a C in Loudoun County is an 80. I was very proud of all of them especially since all of them are doing at least 2 and in most cases 3 advanced or honor courses. Kris was thrilled to see a current year GPA of over 4.

On the "Good Luck" side --- Tika leaves tomorrow afternoon for Italy. She will be there until next Sunday. This weekend she will be competing in an International Karate tournament. "Good Luck" really does not do her justice as she has trained hard to get ready for this and after this years National title I am confident she will be a tough competitor. This will be the first time she has travelled overseas without me so I am anxious about that - but I know she has good people with her. I know she will have fun and will come back with lots of stories and pictures and I expect a medal.

I will post info and pics as soon as I get any

cu .....

West Virginia Karate Tournament ......

Yesterday Sam and Tika traveled to St. Albans, West Virginia for a NKF (National Karate-do Federation) Tournament. It was quite a drive for them, almost 360 miles. They left VERY early Saturday morning, 4 AM, and did not get back home until 2:30 this morning. Neither of them felt that the tournament was run very well (Sam's quote - "It was horrible") but they did well none the less. Sam placed 2nd Kobudo and 4th in Kata. Tika placed 1st in Kata.
Now Tika is getting ready to leave for her tournament in Italy. She leaves Thursday for 10 days. Of course I am very proud of her but nervous to send her to Italy without being there. I know she will do well though. I will post updates as I get them.

Have a great weekend - btw it is 65 degrees here now :-)

.... cu