Karate kick-off tournament & banquet

We had a nice weekend away although I spent a lot of it sick.  We left early, but it still took forever to get there between the morning snow and plows on the road.  Noah got changed and was ready to go.  They started with the girls  & under forms in his ring...1 girl.  Then they call the 6 & under boys...ummm yeah...16 of them!!!  That is the largest we have ever seen in his group.  When it is that big they split them into 2 groups of 8.  Noah was in the second group and was 2nd to last to go.  He did a great job and was able to beat out all his competitors to take 1st place!!  Then it was a quick change into sparring gear and right back in the ring.  They broke them into the 2 groups again and this time his group was first.  He won his first match, but lost the 2nd.  This left him with one final match to determine if he would get 3rd or 4th.  I think the loss got him a little mad because be was a little more motivate and won.  So he finished 3rd for sparring....still a great job! 

We finished up around 11:30, ate some lunch and then headed to the indoor waterpark.  The kids and Jason played around for a couple hours and then we were able to check into the room.  We let the kids unwind a little with some TV then they went to the arcade with Daddy for a little bit before the banquet.  Once we were all ready we headed down.  Both kids were being all shy as usual and wanted to sit with us rather than the kids.  Eventually Kylie did go over to the "kid" table to hang out with some of the girls.  Dinner was ok and then it was time for awards...which went on for quite awhile, but Noah was super excited to get his "2011 Double Crown Champion in the Boys 6 & Under Division" award.  He brought it back to the table and wouldn't let it off his lap.  At one point we looked over and he was just sitting there hugging it:

Once all the awards were done all the Excel members went into the hallway to get a group shot.  We grabbed Master D'Amato after that so Noah could get an individual shot with him:

Right after they turned the lights down and started the dancing.  Kylie was out on the dance floor with some girls and Noah was begging to go to bed..go figure!  So I ended up bringing him to the room since I wasn't feeling that great anyway and Jason stayed at the party with her.  I think they were out until around 11.  This morning we got up, had a quick breakfast, checked out and headed for the water park for a little bit before driving home.  I'll try to load up a couple water park pictures later.  Now we are just recouping a little...waiting for the Giants game later.  Hoping I shake this cold quick and that the rest of the family stays clear of it.  Next weekend it's the normal run around + UCONN basketball game on Sunday...can't wait!  Have a great week all!!