Our Neighbors Have the Coolest Stuff!

Our neighbor has 3 children: 2 teenaged boys and a daughter who is a few years older than Mason. Mason plays at their house on a daily basis. Sometimes he brings home things the two boys have outgrown and sometimes he brings home a crafting project. Sometimes, he bursts through the door and insists I come over to take a look at what's going on outside.

Over the weekend, Mason was excited to show me the hornet's nest in the neighbor's tree. I had to admit I was curious about it, so I went over to check it out. I'd never actually seen one that was still active with hornets – a little creepy.

I was able to get a bird's eye view with the help of a ladder and my trusty zoom lens. Nature never ceases to amaze me! It's hard to believe something so small can create something so large – not to mention that it's really beautiful!

The hornets buzzed around me as I snapped a few photos, but didn't seem alarmed that I was there. Whew! Once the weather cools off, the hornets will leave and the nest can be removed. I'm curious to see where the neighbors will display the nest. It's a real keeper!

Betrothed

I rarely pass up an opportunity to go to the beach. So, when the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone by attending a Taekwondo tournament AND going to the beach arose, I jumped! I was able to swindle a friend from work (and his family) into going with us and splitting the cost of a condo on the beach. Well done. The condo was beautiful, conveniently located and had a fully functional kitchen – which saved this cheapskate a ton of cash! Love it.

Bradford and Heather have a beautiful 3-year old daughter, Amberly, who also enjoys going to the beach. Mason doesn't know it yet, but they are destined for each other. She instantly gravitated toward him and he was incredibly patient with her! This girl knew good genes when she saw them. We'll have to arrange something in about 20 years. Look for that post...

Grand Master Lee's Tournament: Battle on the Beach 2010

Grand Master Lee is the highest belt rank in the ATA organization and hosts his own tournament every year in Panama City, FL: The Battle on the Beach. Given that this will be the last year he hosts this tournament before retirement, Mason and I wanted to check it out.

It's not difficult to find Grand Master Lee in a packed house – just follow the masses of people. Mason and his friend, Solomon, were two of the lucky ones that were able to get their belts signed before they were called to their rings for competition.

Mason was able to get some practice time in beforehand after spotting an empty ring. His form looked as good as it ever has. Look at that middle stance!

Mason placed 2nd in forms and 2nd in sparring! We'll be using those medals for dinner plates.

Grand Master Lee set up shop in the hallway to give autographs and take photos with the competitors. He's incredibly gracious and signed anything you put in front of him. The next Grand Master has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Who says taekwondo is just a bunch of kids hitting and kicking? I couldn't think of a better place to hold a tournament or a better organization to be a part of.