Belt Promotion

Nathan had his second belt promotion last week. The students' test after working on a variety of martial arts combinations as well as learning a new set of skills (a focus on life skills and safety skills).

Ask Nathan the next time you see him what skills he's learned recently and I'm sure he'll throw in a demo of a combination or two;-)

Side Kick!

A move that Nathan is particularly fond of, and proficient actually, is the side kick. This is the "lock-out" part of the combination.

Hammer-hand Combination

The students must demonstrate their combinations that they have been working on, both individually and as a group.

The Rank Certificate

Ohhhh...ahhhh! White belt with orange stripe, very impressive indeed!

We're So Proud!!!

Par usual, you never cease to amaze us Nathan!!! We love you!!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our family to yours! Now, get to your parties!!!

2nd Annual Mommy & Me Ski Trip

Nathan and I enjoyed our second visit to Copper Mountain, Colorado. The weather ranged in the 40's, with fresh powder from the storm the days before- the skiing was fantastic! I'm amazed at the progress Nathan made over 3 days in ski school and on the slopes with Mommy. By the end of our trip he was skiing green circles and getting on and off the lift with minimal help from Mommy or his instructor.

Take Off!!!

Nathan loves the take off part of the flight. He always checks in with the pilot as we board and is fascinated by the gadgetry of the cockpit.

Lunchtime

Nathan walks inside for lunch. Poor thing was so tired from traveling the day before (it turned into an all day affair). The time change and excitement made him so punchy he didn't fall asleep until midnight...aahhh! So day 1 was a bit slower in movement than the rest of our stay.

Ski School

Here's the little man after his 1st day of ski school. He saw me looking for him through the window (they were on their way back to the slope after having lunch) and he made a break for it-with GREAT success. As the teacher chased him outside the building I heard him crying and he just wouldn't go back. So I checked him out early (this is supposed to be fun...right?) and took him myself on another "magic carpet" bunny slope.

Here We Go!

Nathan and I make our way up the magic carpet for our first run together, since last year:-)

"I Sit Down"

When I was reviewing "french fries" and "pizza pie" with Nathan, I explained that snowplowing was how one stopped when skiing. He was so proficient at it by the end of our trip last year (skiing forwards and backwards), I was a little surprised that he would "fall" everytime he wanted to stop.

So, I took some time and went into great detail on proper snowplow technique, providing mental images and demonstrations, etc. After I was done rambling, he looked at me like I had absolutely no common sense and stated, "No Mommy, when I want to stop...I sit down." Classic.

So here's the launch of our first run via youtube. It's very short but really shows how quickly he advances in just 3 days. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDGkVYF-9PA

Day 2

This is the view Mommy had from Copper's High Alpine. At above 12,000 feet the view is amazing and the runs demand respect. There was only one black diamond that I intended to do, but since that run was closed, I had 3 double black diamonds to choose from...GREAT! I really do try and avoid those (notice the snowboarders stalling the inevitable, as did I). It's not that I can't make it down, just not with the usual slope style and grace that makes working the mountain so much more fun!

Well there was only one way down, so I got quite the workout and am here to tell about it. Oh, as for style and grace? I told them they were on their own. However, we did reunite at the Ptarmigan and continued on through Fair Play, which were the most euphoric runs! Now I feel vindicated;-)

Carol & Nathan

Carol is Nathan's ski instructor from last year, they fell in love:-) Over the summer, Nathan would ask me, "Can we go to ski school again?" I know it was to see her. She didn't teach him this year, but has sent him a follow up postcard that gave him quite a smile!

Snowplow

There it is! Way to go Nathan!

Nathan did great on day 2. What a difference a day makes. Take a look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yw3ZmDSZFs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MucKqW-flRQ

Bummin' Around

My little ski bum and I enjoyed some hot chocolate and people watching. He loved hanging out in this little cafe at the resort. The front entrance was his favorite spot as he could speak to everyone as the entered or exited. Quite the friendly little tike.

Day 3: From the Ski Lift

When I went to check on Nathan, I was surprised to learn that the class boarded the lift and headed up the mountain. So here he is on his first real run, a green circle!!! Yipee!

Racing Already?

Nathan and his ski buddy race each other down the slope (Nathan is the one with orange sleeves). They took turns leading the class down the mountain (ie winner varied):-)

I was so proud seeing Nathan (and had a great view from the chair) I thought my chest would burst:-) I called David from the chair teary eyed and told him every detail as he made his way down the mountain, he couldn't believe it either.

This is what it's all about!!!

Video Time!

Nathan's instructor, "Alligator", let me come down with them the last run of the day so I could get some footage of the event of the season! After that run, I took him myself. Interesting, when I was the instructor, the willingness to follow directions was a bit different:-) He really wanted to lead... which Alligator specified I would be doing. So we had some nice "discussions" ( ie mountainside meltdowns) about who would lead.

Also, Nathan called Daddy while we were riding the chair lift to fill him in on all the details of our day, specifically the people in front of us who were not using their safety bar! The conversation prior to his call in to Dad went like this:

Nathan: Why don't they have their safety bar down?

Mommy: I don't know.

Nathan: But we always use the safety bar.

Mommy: Well, they're not being smart.

Nathan: (screaming on a quiet mountain) HEY...HOW COME YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR BAR DOWN?

Mommy: (in shock and laughing, rendering me speechless)

Guy in chair: (turns around laughing) Cause we're crazy!!

Nathan: But it's supposed to be down, in front of you, like this (tapping on our safety bar).

Guy in chair: I guess you're right (utilizes safety bar with a smile).

Nathan: (very matter of fact) That's good.

Mommy: (still speechless)

Enjoy the show and forgive some bits of shaky footage. I was switching backwards to forwards to get the best footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui469kOVs78

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93w07pmNGc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkvoXrhgOG8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li35kWqeiJc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McEoiLoBENk

Happy Birthday Nathan & Brandon

The boys had a double birthday party! They settled on a pirate theme...Argh! Actually, Nathan decided on it and convinced his brother. I think the reason Nathan wanted a pirate theme is just for this cake...notice finger print in left bottom corner!

It was wonderful day and we hope you enjoy the pics!

It's Finally Here

This birthday pirate has been waiting for his big day all month!

Birthday Pirate

B. Boy in pirate wear. So cute!

The Pirate Bounce House

Their version of a pirate ship...and ours:-)

Argh!

Shiver me timbers...it's Casey the pirate!

Bompa's Here!

Best Grandpa in the whole wide world (and Poppy too) :-)!

Couch Time with Mom

Big squeeze for the kidlets!

The Pinata Line Up

They're ready to swing!

Family Picture

The photographer gets a shot of her own.

Shoulder Ride

The view is always best from Daddy's shoulders:-)

B. Boy Goes for It!

Get the treasures wee pirate!

A Little Help from Daddy

"Don't worry Buddy, I've got a saw in the garage."

Here Comes Big Brother

"Don't worry Brandon, I'll get our treasures."

Go Samuel

The big 5 year old is going to take care of business (with Daddy, aka pinata lifesaver, making it a challenge). Hmm, practicing for baseball?

Our Treasure Chest!

Atta boys! Break it open...show it whose boss.

The Wedding Planners

Jen and Timmy enjoy the pinata entertainment. Uncle Timmy's favorite part: Nathan crying because he didn't break open the pinata the first time (which was lucky since we had a line-up of kids wanting a swing at it).

Just you wait you two!

Matching Jerseys

Grandpa just returned from Nicaragua with these matching jerseys. Perfect for swinging at the pinata!

Happy Birthday to You!

The sparkling candles kept relighting, so the boys had to work to get their wish!

Here We are Again

Well, cutting the cake turned into quite the sporting event! Something about that extra layer popped up on the treasure chest called for back-up. David actually got out his BBQ tools to handle the situation, as we had many hungry young pirates awaiting their cake treasure, Argh!

I don't think David and I have been posed in this position for over 5 years (oh yeah, the Baptisms). A big thanks to Tiffaney for being my first line second!

Pass Me Another

Please clarify, another child or beverage? Because it looks like you guys are missing two of each:-)

How They Grow

Alexander is two and Justin is already 6 months! How did that happen?

So Cute

I was able to get a quick (and cute) shot of Dina and Walter in one of the rare moments that the boys' weren't in the bounce house or hitting the pinata. Nathan calls Walter his "karate brother".

As Promised...

a post for the moms--I mean lovely ladies who stole some time to chat, chat, chat!

The Names

The boys love that their names are on the back of their new shirts...and we love the names of our little treasures!

My Plan

Sydney and Nathan had a fabulous time together (as usual) and I really think my plan is working. "What plan", you ask? Well, I cannot reveal it for about another 25 years, but I'm quite pleased with the progress. Combine this post with some previous ones to see if you can figure out the method to my madness.

An excerpt from an email Janelle sent me:

Sheila,

Just had to tell you, Sydney told me while we were driving to swimming lessons this afternoon (we were not previously talking about you or Nathan anytime today) that she is going to marry Nathan when they grow up to be Mommies and Daddies. I asked her what made her think of that and she said, "because Nathan is my best friend".

Hint: My boys do have choices:-)

Tired

B. Boy falls asleep in his high chair awaiting dinner. The stimuli and excitement from his big day wiped him out.

Til Next Year...

A big thanks from our family to yours!