Little Ninjas

Caleb was also excited to turn four because then he could start going to martial arts classes with his big brother. On Thursday July 12 in the afternoon, I took Joshua & Caleb to Little Ninjas at 4:45 pm. I couldn't have picked a better day to start because the boys were the only two to come that day to the Dojang. Ms. Jody and Miss Jade were both there to instruct, so the boys got individualized attention. They've been back several times since then, sometimes with smaller classes and sometimes with larger but I don't think we've had another with just them since. They learn all about how to aim and land punches and kicks to make sure that they don't break any bones, etc. After all, "rainbows belong in the sky rather than our skin" (talking about bruises from broken toes or busted thumbs). The boys enjoy the sessions that are free with our gym membership and the different rhymes they learn and the various games and activities.

Earlier that week on Monday, they went to Universal with their cousins when my sister's minivan broke down and I rescued her from the shop with her boys. I offered to take them along to the gym with us that afternoon and she said sure. On Tuesday night (7/10), we had dinner at our good friends' house, the Buckwalter's. The kids all play so nicely together and soon Ethan and Ryan will join right in the fun! They grilled out hot dogs and hamburgers, and we had a blast catching up with them. I should have snapped some pictures, but it becomes more tough with three kids and living in the moment!

On Wednesday, 7/11, we went to lunch at Aunt Jen's house since Grandpa Georgia bought pizza and invited us to come over after swim lessons. Thereafter, I took Caleb to the doctor's for his well-check (which I already posted). Later that afternoon, we went to Mamaw's to swim in her pool and show her some of the things the boys were learning in swim lessons. It had been a fun but VERY busy day!

Miss Jody came up to me after this first lesson of Caleb's and told me that Joshua is ready to move on. He listens well, is extremely respectful, and he has power in his punches and kicks - all of which tell her that he can advance. She then said that this could be a special time for the brothers, though, to come to classes together. She recommended that we wait until belt testing in September (which is literally Joshua's birthday weekend) and then advance Joshua when everyone is starting fresh. I agreed that that was a great idea. This summer they can enjoy taking classes together and then Joshua can move on when he officially turns six into the older kid program, for which he will need a uniform. Miss Jody also said that Caleb has a lot of energy, but she LOVES the energy. He squirms and wiggles instead of sitting still, BUT she said he's very respectful and the energy is what makes martial arts fun. She said that he's a great kid and doing a great job - she isn't bothered by his movement, etc. She thinks he's doing extremely well also. I was glad to hear her perspective. She gave both boys a special key chain with a white belt on it for doing such a great job. They were SO excited!

The following Monday, Shawn came to see the boys over his lunch break in the dojang. The class was PACKED that day, though, but he still got to see the kids in action. They love the martial arts and the "Little Ninjas."