Category: Life

 

We are back from annual MILLENNIUM CUP International Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational competition our daughter participated. What a gorgeous competition venue (even if enough cold because of ice-hockey rink ;o)). We enjoined outstanding performances, incredibly talented and beautiful participants. Such memories!!

 

This time our coach decided to challenge the girls a bit and moved them to compete with gymnasts 2 levels advanced (from 6th level to 8th). I loved that our girls felt pretty comfy to compete even if with “big” girls ;o) Our daughter got 4th place in floor routine (and 6th all around) in group of 6 participants, including our new team gymnast – an amazing Angela (level 8). She got gold in all around!!!! YAY!!!

 

 

Below are Floor and Hoop routines videos. And here are links to Ball routine.

 

Well, we are so glad back to home, and absolutely don’t mind that completion season is over ;o)

 

A wonderful week anyone!! Can’t wait to share some exciting news pretty soon!!

I know, I probably surprise you by two posts a day, but I just can’t resist to share that…

…yesterday we went to Sakura-Con 2014 event. This time we took kids of our friends with us, because it is so really cool event that we wanted to share it!

And.. we realized this one became our family annual event – for 3 years in a row!! To look, to buy some funny stuff and some art, so make pictures, to look for crazy interesting and creative people who make stuff and who express themselves in a funny way and .. to have a day of fun! This event is “a bit” different from “normal” day-to-day life that it can be counted as one of these “out of the box” moments that move you and raise you and give you some space to fill with … with creativity and, may be, some kind of reset of mind ;o)

I’d like to say “let pictures talk”.. But I realize that in event with 5000 people I was not even prepared to capture feeling of insane ;o) I tried to freeze the moments but I missed a lot for sure…

There were dances, computer games, team battles and wins, music, anime movies, music and much much more…

   

Igor:

Our team:

pretty fun couple we’ve met:

 

Oh, and cherry on the top: we’ve watched two fashions shows of Japanese designers we’re lucky to met! First, it’s BEYOUND talented designer MINT NeKO.

Sure, I can’t resist to buy the shirt ;o) And Kristin fall in love with backpack, but we found that it is available in Japan only ….well,  it’s one more reason to visit this country (my_always_dream; and we’ll do it in some of days for sure ;0)

 

 

And below is the picture with famous Mint Neko Well, I bet we both were more than exhausted after 7 hours spending on Sakura Con (and I’m sure he was much more). Oh, and I think I definitely need to work on stretching my fingers that way …wow ;o)

 

And last, but not least .. my absolute favorite fashion show of Angelic Pretty…such  inspiration!

Another competition season in rhythmic gymnastic is here and first one we participated was Seattle Cup 2014.

Unfortunately Kristin got some heel issue at school couple days before competition, but she did the best she can, and I’m so proud of my baby! ;o)

Oh, and this is a first year of ribbon routines! Kristin was pretty upset that did couple mistakes, but oh my, ribbon routines are one of my all times favorites, and I even didn’t noticed that mistakes ;0)

Below are Ribbon and Hoop routines videos. And here are links to Floor and Ball routines.

 

P.S.: Some updates from latest competition. Kristin won 1th place of hoop routine, and NO ball & ribbons mistakes this time! YAY, Good job, Kristin!!
Routines: Hoop, Floor, Ball, Ribbon.

… and I’m talking not just about another sunny summer day here, in Seattle ;o)

But, first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!! I bet you all have a fun and enjoed your day!

Today we’ve accomplished our little 6.2-mile loop walking around Lake Union that connects Gas Works Park, University Bridge, South Lake Union Park and Fremont Bridge. Thanks to our friends for the tip!

And now, in the evening, we are looking forward to see fireworks, like all kids around :o)

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After miles of swimming, walking, driving (as well as and flying ;o) we are back full of energy, happiness and wonderful memories!!

As the third-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, Oahu has 112 miles of coastline but is only 30 miles ay its widest point and 60 miles long. Since compass directions can be confusing on the Islands, so it’s helpful to use local terms: makai (toward the sea), mauka (toward the mountains), Diamond Head (toward Diamond Head) and Ewa (away from Diamond Head).

 

WAIKIKI

Such fun and glitzy place. We loved the convenience of being a few minutes away from the ocean and start a day with an early morning swim. Walk able distance to attractions, shopping, dining as well as to Seattle’s Best Coffee was also gladly appreciated ;o)

   

Urban Waikiki:

 

 

KUALOA COUNTRY FAIR & ALL GIRLS RODEO

Third Annual Kualoa Country Fair – nor that “scheduled” activity, but it was such fun place to visit.

Kristin fell in love with horse’s “legwarmers” ;o)

 

 

NORTH SHORE

Such a different world from Waikiki and the lush Windward side. We were told that surfers around the world dream of riding the epic waves that crash here every winter.

 

 

LYON ARBORETUM

A living museum of rare and endangered tropical plants at the edge of downtown Honolulu, a collection of plants collected for over 150 years. In the Main Terrace, the oldest part of the garden, plants date back to 1853.

If you know me, you will not be surprised by the number of pictures below. I’m totally crazy on tropical plants, not to mention that have successfully adopted some of them here, in Seattle area. What an eye candy!!

 

 

 

 

 

Some fun signs were spotted during walking…

 

Evening.

 

 

WINDWARD OAHU
This is the lush, green side of the island, bordered by the striking Ko’olau Mountains and beaches with soft, white sand.

Our absolute favorite part of Oahu and a reason to rent a car for a several days ;o)

 

Oahu Water Park located in Kapolei, Hawaii is one of the largest family water parks in the world, covering over 25 acres.

 

Secrets of Hawaii: Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach

Kailua Beach Park offers a picture perfect outdoor experience. One of the best beach on Oahu, the fine sandy beach is protect by Kailua Bay which makes for gentle waves. A perfect place for kayaking and other watersports.

 

 

Lanikai means "heavenly sea" in the Hawaiian language. And at Lanikai Beach that is exactly what you will find.

Its only about half a mile (800 m) long, but it’s one of the most scenic stretches of coastline on Oahu and has gained international fame as America’s number one beach for several years running. The only way to reach the beach is through small public access paths in this upscale neighborhood of Lanikai.

Our absolute favorite beach for relaxing on the unbelievable soft sand (which Kristin qualified as “flour”), taking a swim in such jewel-like greenish blue clear and warm water as well and enjoying the modeling (see sneak peek below ;o)

 

PEARL HARBOR

 

 

 

Right before back to Seattle, we got small "training" rain and a double rainbow.

 

… And our tradition photo:

If you are curious about what “out tradition photo” means, below is the explanation:

  

 

Yeah, that’s all! Oh my, with TONS of new ideas and things I’m dying to try, I have no idea how to do what is already on my schedule first ;o)

But at least I’m back and will reply to all your emails first of all. Also I have some new designs to share with you and a little contest, stay tuned!

Alla Koval Designs