Karate and Trophies

Saturday Taylor and Carter participated in their first karate tournament. I have to admit that I was more nervous than they were. All I could imagine was Karate Kid and a lot of mean competition. It was nothing like that at all, thankfully.

Taylor participated in Forms and Fighting. He placed 6th for forms out of about 20 red belts. He placed 3rd in Fighting out of about 15 red belts. We were very pleased. Especially since they recommend that Taylor not fight because it was his first competition. We expected Taylor to participate in Jujitsu, but he didn't. We wondered why we didn't see him compete. And then we wondered why he didn't place. When it was over, he said he told the judges he was only there to watch his brother. (I know he would have placed. There were only 7 competitors!)

Carter participated in Forms and Jujitsu. He placed 3rd in Jujitsu out of about 10 yellow belts.

And this weekend was Christmas card family picture time. This is the only picture that turned out half decent. All 12 eyes were looking straight ahead (somewhat). There were 6 smiles. Unless you don't count Sawyer. (At least he wasn't crying!) Spenser's head is dangerously close to the edge, and when trying to find a card online, the card's border was cropping more of her head! Not good. (It took too long to get this one to turn out. I can't do it again!)

And in case you're wondering why the children were smiling so much, it is because I take the picture every year and Joe "entertains" them from behind. He usually dances, makes silly faces, and last night he even tried to "pick" my nose!

P.S. Thank you for the Advent Stocking Garland love. The children have been enjoying it so far. (Friday was packed with candy for our "family movie night." Saturday we played the Name Game. Sunday we drank egg nog and sang Christmas carols.)