There is only one thing better than having an Aunt who is a teacher, having an aunt who is a teacher AND from Southern California.

Tina called one day and while chatting, we decided it would be great to have her come out for a visit. Her fiance, Will, could not make it but she was free until late August. I had not seen her since Thane’s first Christmas, so it had been quite some time. We were well overdue.

Scheduling was challenging, but in the end I am glad I told her to just book it because my travel plans fell through.

She arrived on a Friday and we had a full calendar for her. In the car ride, she asked what the kids would call her and we both agreed that Aunt Tina sounded right and laughed that we had no idea what first cousin, once removed meant after all!

Friday night we cooked at home and spent time talking and letting the kids get to know her. Saturday she came with us to hockey and soccer. Then she and I went out while everyone napped. Then it was off to girls’ night out, Nash Trash style. We met the girls for dinner then did a few of the Honky Tonk bars, even seeing someone being arrested.

Tina’s suggestion Sunday was better than I could have ever thought myself. She and her grandmother (my great-aunt) often cooked Greek-style together. Instead of dinner out, she suggested a full Greek dinner. We invited another family over and then spent the rest of the days shopping. It was so nice to cook with someone else, family, in the kitchen, making giagia’s recipes. I think gia would have been proud, I know Pappou and Aunt Helen were happy to hear what we had done.

At dinner that night, Tina got to read stories to 4 enchanted children. They loved to follow her around and she had such a way with them, I am so glad she found her way to teaching.

Furthering her cool aunt status, Aunt Tina also bought the kids some new clothes. Thane got a Super Hero shirt, with a 70s look to it, and he said it was “Soo Cool” and he would wear it to school the next day. Mara got a Hello Kitty nightshirt and matching head band. As soon as she got them, she had to put them on, with her matching rain boots. Both kiddos love their Aunt Tina.

When it was time for her to head back, all too soon, Thane said he was very sad to see her go. Me too. It was good to have family. Felt even more like home.

Thanks for coming, Teen!

Thane started Karate lessons back in March and last week he earned his 3rd stripe on his white belt. I never knew there were varying degrees of belts. I thought it was just white, yellow, something else, something else, black. Thane and Wikipedia have taught me a thing or two. If he works very hard, he might even test for his yellow belt in a couple of weeks.

Thane is really enjoying both karate and his Senseis at Family First Martial Arts. He is having fun, which is fantastic, but he is also learning things I never anticipated. He tells me that he must focus 3 things: Eyes, Mind, Body. In class, we watch him lose his fidgeting and stand in line (most times!). He pays attention and is focused. He says loud, “Hi-yas!” He is also praised for being a good leader.

It helps at home too. We remind him what Sensei Larry says about looking at our eyes or listening the first time. We hope it also helps him in school and hockey and soccer.

We will let you know if he does test for yellow in September.

We celebrated the 4th of July on the 3rd of July.

We headed over to our friend’s house for a kid-approved Fourth of July celebration. Thane and Mara arrived already in their swimsuits and ready to go. When we arrived, the chairs were already out front for prime viewing of the fireworks display.

In the pool, Thane showed us his adventurous side, jumping in off of the slide.

We were hoping that would continue into the fireworks display. Not so much.

I took him to where the boys were, pretty close to the display. Probably not the brightest idea mommy had. He was brave at first and then done. Jay took him inside for most of the rest of the display.

Teen Queen was fine. She loved the fireworks and I had to keep her closer to me and not on top of the action. She also loved the sparklers and asked for one after another. She watched all of the displays with great interest and loved every minute of it.

This morning, we headed out bright and early for our first race, the Firecracker 5k and Kids Fun Run.

In late July, both kids are going to do a duathlon (bike and run) and when we heard of the fun run, we thought it was a good chance for Thane to see what it was like. After getting home after 11 pm, we had a little of a late start but Thane was excited for his race. I was able to go with him and so Jay decided to walk with Mara, too.

The race was a mile. The start line was right next to the singer/emcee so we had a very loud wait for the start. Once we started to line up though, Thane was loving it and big smile went across his face.

And we were off.

Thane and I ran, hand in hand. We paced ourselves but were going fast. About 1/4 mile down, Thane looked at me and said, “Run faster, mommy!” Really? We kept going. Shortly after, I was nearing my peak. So was Thane. We walked a little, ran a little. Then we saw the racers at the lead coming back towards us. Thane was confused and then got a cramp in his leg. We walked the rest of the way and eventually Jay and Mara caught up with us. Mara walked the entire mile on her own. We were so proud of her.

After the race and picking up the t-shirts, we headed to Cracker Barrel for a celebratory lunch. Thane, upon exiting the car, threw up all the water he had taken in after the race. The heat and the distance had gotten to him. He smiled immediately after though and told us he was ok and ready for pancakes.

That night, we headed to Brentwood to watch the fireworks from Shab’s front lawn and spend some time with the new baby. Thane even held the sparklers this time, so it was a success.