Ichi, Ni, San!

Karate is going swimmingly for the boys.  They're having a great time!  Here are some pictures:



Jake fighting Sensei with a Bo.



Protecting his head from an attack.



Kicks!

And don't they just look so CUTE!!!

They both are learning so much.  Jack has earned 4 yellow strips which means he's 6 stripes away from testing for his yellow belt.  Each stripe = a new skill.  It's a lot less crazy now - We have a bit of a routine in place.

I try to get there early enough to get a good seat right next to the mat so Jack can always see me.  (and I can get good pictures!)  If I'm lucky, the seat next to me remains empty until the 1st class is over so Jake can join me while we watch Jack's older class.  If not, I give him my seat and stand for the rest of Karate. 

So, I get Jake situated and take off his Karate shirt (so he doesn't get it dirty).  I put their shoes under my seat so I can quickly get Jake's back on.  He then proceeds to ask for his "munch".  (lunch).  "I want my munch, daddee."  He's actually referring to the baggie of snacks I've prepared and placed in the diaper bag.  He calls it his "munch" I call it "the Jake distractors".  He begins with a cereal bar (his favorite), followed by a tiny box of raisins.  It's all washed down by a Capri Sun Roaring Waters juice box. Then, the final piece of "munch" is a mini-bagel (usually cinnamon raisin) which he picks at while he watches Dora on my phone.  (Gotta love the iPhone - and trust me, I do.)

As I wait on Jake hand and foot, our oldest tosses reassuring glances my way every few minutes from his spot on the mat while he makes his way towards yellow belt.  By the time class is over, Jake is done with the bagel (he never actually finishes it) and has had enough of Boots and Swiper.  Jack runs over to me and gives me a big hug and has a huge smile.  He loves Karate.  We fight through the sea of Karate gear, coats, shoes, parents, siblings, and such and make our way to the car.  On Mondays, we rush home to meet Grandee so I can go to work.  On Thursdays, we head to McDonald's so the boys can enjoy a hard earned treat for dinner. 

I think they like Thursdays a bit better...HIYAH!