The Champs!!

Nate's basketball season came to a close last Thursday night, as they played in the championship game. It was a nail-biter, but in the end, we won 13-10!!!!!

The boys had their best season ever, thanks to an amazing coach. Their record was 7-2. Nate improved every game. He took a lot of shots (made a few), scored some free throws, and really stepped up his defensive game. During playoffs (the last 3 games), he racked up a ton of steals and rebounds at really pivotal moments. His coach called him the "smartest" player on the team and I could not agree more.

Here are some action shots of him throughout the season....

But, back to the championship game.....

Nate got his first trophy!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally think this was one of the Top 3 moments of his life :) He has a LOT of medals, but has always wanted a trophy. I'm so happy he finally got one! (And best of all - this was not a participation trophy. Only the top 2 teams got a trophy... I love that they had to earn it!)

Coach Jason said a few things about each kid on the team. Nate was his "defense man!"

Titans are #1!

Mason & Chandler have been playing with Nate since their first season, in kindergarten! :)

We joked all season that Mason & Nate looked like twins.

Once or twice, Coach Jason even called them by the wrong name, ha!

My baby is growing up too fast :(

Valentine's Day 2017

The kids woke up to new gaming chairs & goodies on Valentine's Day!

 I also attempted to make heart-shaped chocolate chips pancakes for breakfast. The kids said they were yummy, but I didn't take a picture since they weren't the prettiest! Ha!

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That afternoon, I went to Abby's class for her party. Make-your-own ice cream sundaes were up first and the kids were oh so excited for more sugar....just what they need!

Abby enjoying her ice cream with a few buds, David & Cate

 *Then we played a few games....*

First up, a relay race where they'd pick up a heart from a stack and follow the silly instructions on it (twirl, hop like a bunny, crawl like a baby...). The kids LOVED it so much we played it twice.

Next, each kid had to unwrap a dum-dum with big winter gloves on. This was so funny, but got mixed reviews. Some kids did great and others gave up because it was too hard. Abby loved it though!

 Last, the Cupid's Arrow game....Each team had blue or pink colored q-tips that they had to shoot through their straw into a bowl. It was HARD! Again, some kids got frustrated but the majority of the class voted this their favorite game.

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I wasn't able to go to Nate's party, but heard he had a great time anyways. Lots of sugar plus fun games = a good time! :)

Mrs. Smith's 3rd grade class

Nate as a statue / Playing the marshmallow game

Crazy kids!

Greg cooked our family a steak dinner last night, complete with wine, flowers, and a piece of chocolate cake for me. All of my favorites!

My Karate Kid!

On Friday, Nate reached his goal of becoming a black belt!!!!!

It was a big moment, and something he had been working towards for 2.5 years. I'm so proud of this huge accomplishment! 

At every belt ceremony, they get to throw their old belt up in the air. Out with the old, in with the new!

A few of his great instructors and junior instructors

Proud of our boy!

He was surprised I actually let him put this sign in the yard!

(And yes, a few days later....it's still there!)

A little celebratory treat for our new black belt!!

 When Nate started taekwondo back in July of 2014, he said his goal was to get a black belt. We had heard that could take anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on how he did on each belt exam. Well, Nate is one of the few that NEVER failed a belt exam! (He would have been a black belt sooner, but we let him take summers off for a bit of a break.)

I'm so proud of all of his hard work and determination.
Here is a look back over the past 2 and a half years of belt ceremonies.....

February 2016

BLACK BELT!!!

Early on, I turned a corner of his room into his karate area to hang his uniform and house all of his belts.... he's collected 15! And I love the sign that says "A black belt is a white belt that never gave up." That's so true, and a testament to how hard Nate has worked over the past few years.

Although Nate could keep going - because there are at least 20 more levels within the black belt rank - he has decided to stop taking taekwondo classes. He reached his goal, and he's ready to move onto other sports. We support his decision and will always look back on his time at Tiger Rock fondly. He not only learned karate, but he gained leadership skills, physical strength & body control, discipline, and determination. I highly recommend it to every young boy out there!!

Tiny Titan Cheer Camp

All week last week, Abby participated in "Tiny Titan Cheer Camp" for the 2nd year in a row. The high school cheerleaders led a camp after school all week for girls in grades K-6. The girls learned several chants, cheers, and dances. So fun!

Then, at Friday's varsity basketball game, the Tiny Titans got to show off their moves!!

1st grade girls: Mia, Ella, Cate, and Abby

Cheerleader poses! :)

Goofballs

Tiny Titans and their coaches

The girls sat in the bleachers during the game, so it was hard to see them.

This was the best I could do!

Abby's favorite cheer was called "Victory." Click here to watch Abby do it in the stands...hard to see her little booty shaking, but I know it was :)

At halftime, the girls got to perform on mid-court with the varsity cheerleaders. Abby's favorite part of the night was when they announced each Tiny Titan's name over the loudspeaker. Then they each got to wave to the crowd. Priceless!!

Click here to watch a short clip of them performing "Two Bits" at halftime.

Sweet Friends - Abby with Mia and then Cate

Cheering in the stand with Mia & their coach, Mary

 Since I had a hard time seeing Abby, I ended up sitting with them for the majority of the second half, which Abby loved! Click here to watch the cheer "Offense."

 Click here to watch "Get Fired Up."

1st grade girls with their coach, Mary

Abby had such a great time learning new cheers and making new friends! Supposedly, she wants to be a high school cheerleader now. Stay tuned :)