My favorite part I was only told about, because I was busy losing games in the Grinder. When the anouncement came that all 10 and unders were going into the Worlds, my son was too focused on getting ready for his final Grinder game and didn't hear the announcement. When Charlie's Mom congratulated him on making it into Wolrlds, he said, "No Mom, I have to win the next game." He would not believe her until a Judge confirmed the news...then he was all smiles - matching mine.
It was great putting faces to many of the screen names from the site, I was glad to meet so many of you.
Thank you to Nintendo and PUI for putting on the event. The sheer volume of goodies for the players is overwhelming.
Last school year, my son wore his City Championship pin on his jacket to school. He was a 2nd grader and was amazed when 5th and 6th graders wanted to talk to him about how he got such a cool pin. Next week Charlie will be sporting the coolest backpack and hat in school. Many thanks for the generosity.
Thanks also to the regular players of the Cupertino, CA league - Team Invasion for their unending patience as Charlie and I continue to learn the game. I hope by Worlds next year to eliminate the errors from my game (trying to attach DRE to a basic, Copy Cating to find a Briney then trying to play it in the same turn, etc.). Everyone has been unselfishly sharing with deck ideas, play help, support and friendship. It is very nice to be feel so included for both of us by all of you. It was GREAT seeing so many of you at Worlds.
Speaking of patience, thanks to the staff and judges of Charlie's matches. I will endeavor to have Charlie attempt to resolve play issues with his competitors before throwing his hand in the air for a judge. He may have set a record for Judge requests in a competition. Sorry...and thanks.
For my non-Pokemon playing family members, thanks to Will Hung for posing with Charlie and me in a picture. Will, you're cooler than Pikachu, Munchlax, and Meowth...and Charlie's grandparents know who you are.
My favorite thing about Pokemon is that my 8 year old son and I can spend time together and compete at home on an equal level. The Worlds was a great culmination to a great season. So many thank yous to so many people for making all this possible.