My Green Belt Test

After a long hiatus away from Karate (because I have too many hobbies) I finally decided to go back to school. Kenpo Karate school, that is.
I had gotten my Blue Belt years ago and after things settled down after our wedding I found a great school (Bob White's Karate studio http://www.bwkenpo.com/)

Eight or so months later I was up to test for my Green Belt. This is my buddy Keith and I waiting for the test to begin. (He was going up for first Brown).

Mr. White taking us thru a series of drills and running us thru all our self defense techniques.




It is an honor to receive this belt at this school. Mr. White is amazing and I feel blessed to have found such a great Kenpo family here.

Dan's 40th Bday Island Bash

Dan's birthday island bash was such a wonderful time! So many of his/our friends gathered at the Secret Garden room in what is now called "Don the beachcomber." It was a great celebration.

All the guests were lei'd as they walked thru the door...
Miss Heather and I
The Birthday boy got the best lei

Oh yes.

The show was fabulous, the dancers were so good and energetic. Happy Birthday Dan!
I planned a little dance for my birthday boy too. I had not danced nor been on a stage in 6 years but wanted to do something special for him. So I put together a sweet Hawaiian dance, called Hanalei Moon. (He loved it ;)
Amber and I. Lovely as usual.
The island girls by the Tiki waterfall
Dan enjoying his friends
Enjoying them a lot.
Dana and I. Thanks Dana for taking all the great pictures!
Marlon Monroe and I
Marlon and his girl, Coral

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, haaaaapy biiiiiirthday, dear, Daaaaaaan, Happy birthday to you!
Happy Birthday baby! You are the best man in the whole world!

(I have all the pictures from the party -there were hundreds- on Shutterfly so if I missed sending them to you and you would like them, pls just let me know)

Dan and Les' bday celebration at the Beachcomber in Crystal Cove

The start of Dan's bday celebration (there were many celebrations and ways in which it was celebrated) was with us and his family at The Beachcomber in Crystal Cove. This has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants and spots to celebrate anything. The food is amazing the ambiance is relaxed and you can't beat the sound of the waves and sunset!


Happy Birthday Dan and Leslie!

Eppo and Marlon's birthday celebration

This one started a string of birthday celebrations to kick off the spring. This was our friend Eppo's bday and he lumped Marlon in too as his bday is also this Spring.
As usual Marlon was NO fun...
And so was Locke
Good times with good friends, oh and good food and drinks!
My sweetheart is always up for a party
Marlon and Coral

The girls give Locke some attention

Mas Tequila, por favor!!!

Jawbone Canyon and Dove Springs

Just another day outing to put the bikes in the dirt. Here we are, Marlon, Dan and I, planning our day...
I just finished gliding over a specially sandy (and slippery!) section. It was so beautiful out!
Marlon, Dan and I on top of a hill

About to peel out and off into the horizon!
Marlon and his dangerous tree hugging.

Weekend in San Clemente

We got to spend the weekend at our friends' house in San Clemente. It felt like we were on vacation. They wake up to this view every day! Wow.

Marlon and Coral
Marlon and... Locke?
How much had Locke had to drink?


The party went on after the sun went down
The next day we spent it on the beach. Here are some shots of the guys surfing (and walking with their boards looking cool)
Dan caught a lot of waves...
Dan ripping it up (in freezing cold water, by the way)