Chad Moves Up a Belt

Last week Chad was tested for a new belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is currently a red belt and wanted to move up to a red/black belt. There were a lot of students and parents in the class, so I could tell that it made him a little nervous. He did all of his forms and had a couple of errors, but was still able to pass and move up a belt. He has accomplished so much over the years in his skills and focus and I am so very proud of him!

 Striking a pose before testing.

 I got my new belt. What a relief!

Pupil and Teacher

New Belts

The boys had Tae Kwon Do testing this past Thursday and both moved up a belt. Mee Maw and Uncle Stefan both came to the class and got to see them do their forms. We then went out for a great meal at Peppers. Way to go boys!

Ready for testing.

Funny Faces!

Chad getting his red belt.

Evan getting his yellow/black belt.

The boys with their teacher/uncle Andre. "We passed; what a relief!"

Karate Kids

The boys had a Tae Kwon Do tournament on Saturday. Here are some videos of their routines. Chad competed against nine other boys, so the competition was stiff. He didn't win a medal, but did a great job. Evan ended up winning a third place medal. Way to go boys!

Weekend Fun

Now that the end of school is near, we all have spring fever. Not much has been happening during the week but we have enjoyed some nice family time on the weekends. Last night Todd got some bar-b-que and we invited our friend, Coach, to eat and hang out with us. She is a science and p.e. teacher at Evan's school and loves sports. That is great for Todd as they can talk Saints football and great for the boys who love to play Wii sports with her.

 Todd showing Coach some highlights from from the Saints championship season.

The boys getting the Wii sports game warmed up.

Today they boys participated in a karate tournament and both won 3rd place in their divisions. Way to go guys!

Evan's Tae Kwon Do Testing

Every few months Evan has testing in Tae Kwon Do. Last night was a testing night which involves him performing the latest routine (called a "form") that he has learned. If he does it correctly, he gets a new belt and moves up a level.

Evan feeling a little nervous before class.

Evan did a great job with his form and then had to count to five in Korean. I don't know if he was more nervous or if I was more nervous watching him. He was so proud and happy to get his new belt. Way to go Evan!

Evan showing off his new belt.

Todd was with Chad at his basketball game. That has also been going well and Chad's skills are really improving. His team lost their first game, but they have won every one since. Way to go Chad and 76ers!

Sparring Practice

The boys were excited to try out their new sparring equipment. Chad has sparred before, but Evan is relatively new to the sport and is just starting to learn. They looked cute in their outfits, but the practice only lasted a few minutes as I was afraid of injury since they are so unevenly matched.

My cuties!

Posing like they are ready for action.

Chad looking all grown up in his uniform.

Evan's First Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Evan and Chad participated in a Tae Kwon Do Tournament on Saturday. Evan has only been taking classes for a few months, so this was his first competition. He won second place and came home with a medal. Chad performed great, but didn't win a medal this go around. Better luck next time, Chad!

Evan receiving his medal.

Evan is proud of his accomplishement.

Tae Kwon Do Testing

Last night was a big night for Evan and Chad. They had testing at their Tae Kwon Do classes which determines if they move up to the next belt or level. Evan just started the classes several months ago, so this was his first time going through the testing process. I asked him if he was nervous and he said, "no," so I think he was feeling pretty confident.

Todd has been taking the boys to their lessons all summer, so it has been a couple of months since I had seen Chad doing his routine and kicks. Wow, was I blown away with how much progress he has made...amazing.

They both passed their testing and moved to the next level. As a treat we went to Applebee's for dinner. It was a great evening for all of us!