The Kids and Karate

I haven't done a karate post in a while, so here it goes!





<--and of course, I HAD to start with this one....I think the image just speaks for itself!!

This past Saturday the kids graduated to their next belts in karate. A couple months ago, RJ graduated through the ranks on the Ranger side - which is what they call the little kids (generally under 6 or 7) and moved to the Young Adult side of the studio. He loves the new moves he's learning - and the best part? He gets to learn how to use the 'weapons'!! Every two months, they learn how to use the new tool. It's really great watching him progress through the moves.

Maddy is doing really well, too. She loves karate! She has so much energy and really puts it to good use in class. She is one little girl you won't want to mess with!

Here they are getting their belts. First, Maddy-Belle (as she likes to be called!). As she was getting her belt, you can see what RJ was doing! It surprises me how silly they STILL get even though my camera is in their face all the time. They are soooo cute!! Notice the complete lack of front teeth on RJ - he's just starting to get the bottom ones in to replace those that he lost last January.

And here is RJ getting his belt:

Whenever I post about the kids, I like to try to get an even number of images per child, so I don't appear as if I'm favoring. For all the moms out there (including my own!), I'm sure you know what I mean!!! So I include this last one, simply because I think it is cool. And I assure you, both of my children are in it!

Since Ron couldn't come, I asked Maddy to take a picture of RJ with my cell phone so we could send it to him. The blig blur on the right is Maddy's cute piggy tail and RJ is one of the small figures in focus on the phone!

Have a great day, everyone!!!

More from the Swearing In

I promised more images from Ron's swearing in ceremony the other night, and I'm actually going through with that promise! I am still so very proud of Ron and I know he will do a great job. I also want to take this time to thank everyone for all the kind words. We've received so many emails and blog comments from people sending along their congratulations. Without the support of friends and family like you, I'm not sure we could do everything we're trying to do right now.

On to the images! The first one was taken by my father-in-law before we left the house. I'm not loving that angle for me, but it is nice to have a family photo. I think I need to set up a better one someday soon.

This next one was taken by none other than Miss Maddy-Belle. For a 4 (almost 5!) year old, she's pretty good! I take that back, I think she composes better than some adults I know. I think I see a future for her in the business!

Last, but certainly not least, this is Ron taking his oath just after I pinned the badge on him. I love the flag in the background. The man you see is one of the selectmen in the town.

Sergeant Ron!

Tonight I had the wonderful pleasure of pinning a brand new gold badge on Ron to signify his promotion to Sergeant!!!! We are so proud of him!

It's late, I need to get the kiddies to bed and I will post more tomorrow, but for now, here is an image of me pinning the badge on him:

YEAH!!!!!!

Special thanks to Dad Sellon for taking such a great photograph!!