Colin's Summer of Martial Arts

Colin has been studying martial arts with a really excellent instructor here in Charlotte. We were introuduced to Sensai Louis Grady by the British American School of Charlotte, where Colin attends school. Sensai Grady gives martial arts classes once a week at BASC, and Colin started at the beginning of last school year.

It was a tough start - our young man just loves to goof around with his friends, and had trouble staying focused (and out of trouble) during class. Probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do as a parent is watch my little boy sit out of class, and subsequently, miss a belt promotion test, because he got himself kicked out of class for misbehaving (Sensai Grady's tough love is exactly the approach he needs).

Well, that was the beginning of the school year, and by the end of the year, Colin had worked his way up to a high white belt. This summer, he asked to do martial arts camp so he could keep up with his "training" and we obliged, happily. After his first week of camp, he earned his yellow belt AND a special award for bravery (and the "Student of the Day" recognition"). During his second week, he again earned a "Student of the Day" recognition AND successfully tested to receive his high yellow belt. There's one more week of camp, and he can't wait to get started!

Please enjoy a few photos from Colin's high yellow belt promotion ceremony. We are happy and blessed parents. :-)

:: dkf ::

Another Snow Day

Unbelievable! This year we have been fortunate to have a lot more snow than we normally see during a Charlotte winter. Last night, we had about 5 inches fall in the form of HUGE white, fluffy flakes. Here are a few highlights from today's snow day.

First Soccer Game for Colin, and Dad's the coach!

Yesterday was an exciting day! Colin played in his first soccer game. He is on a league with 8 year olds, and this young 5-year old did a great job of keeping up. Dad's the coach, which is a new and exciting adventure for us all. I was delighted to sit on the sidelines in full "soccer mom" glory - complete with the cooler of Gatorade and my 80-200m/f2.8 lens :-) We have a superstar named Clay on the team, and he scored 5 goals all by himself! Colin struggled to make it through the game, he kept trying to come see me on the sidelines to tell me he was tired. Poor little guy. But with Dad's encouragement, he kept going all the way through the game. I'm so proud of BOTH my guys.

:: dkf ::

First Day of School

Colin started Year One
at the British School today. Year One at his school is like U.S. Kindergarten, but they run on the International Curriculum of England and go to school year round. He was very excited to get going, got right into his precious big kid uniform and cap, and hurried off to class. Note – he really didn’t want his Mommy-razzi following him to class so he practically ran away from me. This is such a change for my little boy who, as a toddler, would cry endlessly for his mommy to return. We are thankful to an amazing preschool, wonderful teachers and friends, and of course - our family - who helped him grow up to the fine, young man he is becoming. Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement and kind words over the past five years. It’s been a miraculous journey, and we know there is MUCH more to come!