we have a winner!

this post is a little off topic, but hopefully you don't mind . . .

Zack competed in Topeka at the Kansas State Games. We were worried that he wouldn't be able to compete at this stage since he missed preliminary finals in May at St. John. Thankfully, it wasn't a qualification.

We left late Friday morning for Topeka and checked into our hotel late that afternoon. We were pleased to learn that we had been upgraded to a Suite - WOW, what a great surprise! To quote Zack, "mom, this is paradise." There was an indoor pool and hot tub, plus we enjoyed the restaurant/lounge for the best dinner we've had in a long time. Customer service was EXCELLENT! The hotel was packed with kids there for the State Games also. Oh and there was a jacuzzi tub in the room as well, which was awesome as well.

We were up bright and early this morning at 6:30 for our complimentary breakfast and then off to the games. I'm not sure if you all have ever been to Washburn University, but let me tell you I was lost. We drove around for what seemed like forever on the campus looking for the Whiting Field House. Finally found it and had plenty of time to spare.

I won't bore you with all the details of the tournament, but it was a lot of fun with about 20 kids in all different age groups competing. Zack placed 1st in Creative Forms; 1st in Creative Weapons Forms (Kamas); 2nd in Traditional Forms; and 2nd in Sparring. He is now eligible to compete at World's in Texas next month; nationals or internationals (unsure on this one) in Florida later this year; or we can wait for Colorado and go to Nationals there next year. I believe we will be doing the latter, as that will give us plenty of time to save up.

After the tournament we had to check out the State Capitol since we were so close; then on our way back to our exit we went by the Governor's Mansion.



We are home now, and I'm ready for bed. . . will try to update more tomorrow.