Orange Belt

Andrew graduated to an orange belt in Taekwondo. He's been working hard on his moves and had them down for the big graduation ceremony. Knife hand strikes, high blocks, number 2 kicks...just some of the moves he has learned. 

 Noah is a big fan and was cheering Andrew on.

There he is in the back, getting his orange belt

Noah is a Tiny Tiger in training. He's a few months away from actually participating, so he's practicing from the sidelines for now. The Tiny Tigers start each practice with the following pledge:

I promise to be a good person (right hand up, reinforced with the left)
With knowledge in the mind (hand points to head)
Honesty in the heart (hand over the heart)
Strength in my body (both arms bend to make muscles)
To make good friends (right hand out for hand shake, reinforced by left)
and to earn my black belt (using both hands to lift belt)

Noah knows the pledge already, including the hand motions. Now he has Andrew's old white belt to play with.

Pretty soon he will be ready to join Andrew on the floor!

Spring Cleaning

Home Depot is one of Andrew's favorite places. Luckily, in springtime, there are plenty of excuses for a trip to Home Depot...

This mama bird thought our porch was a nice spot for a nest. Our spring cleaning must have been a success! Her eggs haven't hatched yet, but she is constantly vigilant. We are watching too. There is another bird who likes to make her nest in the attic, above Noah's room. She is back again this year, with a new noisy crew of youngsters.

We celebrated Earth Day with a trip to Shelby Farms. It was a beautiful day, with plenty of food and fun games for the kids. Andrew wore himself out in the bounce houses and practiced for t-ball. Noah rode a pony for the first time. I think he enjoyed it, despite his serious face. No smiles for the camera, he was all business.

A few highlights from recent weeks...

We enjoyed a friend's birthday party at Putt Putt. Great weather, mini golf, go carts, and more. 

The highlight of the month (possibly the year!) - we got an ice cream maker. The boys are loving it! So far, vanilla is the fan favorite, with chocolate coming in a close second.

Noah, Halloween pajamas again?! Grow out of them, already, geez!

Andrew had his first sleepover at a friend's house. I was a little worried that he would be scared to stay away from home all night. He wasn't worried, just very excited. And he had a great time, of course. Good friends and teenage mutant ninja turtles. What more could a boy ask for?

The spring weather has been perfect for outdoor cooking. And while the sausage cooks, the kids play. Due to size constraints, ownership of the toy car has for all intents and purposes passed on to Noah. However, Andrew still likes to reposes it occasionally and squeeze in.

Cheers to some good times! More to come in May...