One more thing...

I forgot another big event that has happened. Abbie got her braces put on March 29th. Her orthodontist thinks she will have them on for about 12-18 months. That's not too bad, if you ask me.

BEFORE The day of

AFTER the next day

Competitions and a Birthday Party

A few things to update...

Seems I never got around to posting Shawnie's last Belt testing and promotion photos or his first ever MMA competition. First are pictures of the promotion.
He was the highest ranking purple belt in the school when he tested.

Here he is demonstrating a kick series.

His highest ranking form, I believe it is Donguk.

He recieves his Blue belt 

 Next is his first ever tournament. The tourney was held in Largo hosted by Ed Haskins. Shawnie participated in two events, Forms and Sparring.

Warming up

 focusing on flexibilty

Shawnie's fans

First event Forms

He placed 1st with  a score of 7.9

Master Wethington is very happy for him

Emma loves her cousin even with that goofy mask on

Next event was Sparring

I would venture to say it was a good day for Shawnie.

He won 1st in this match as well, judges scoring it 7-0

Next we had Blake's birthday party with his friends from school. We went to the movie theatre and saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 Rodrick Rules. 

Waiting for the party to get started 

Upon entering the theatre we saw two rows reserved for Blake and his friends,

Friends are here

After the movie, we went to the party room

Blake and friends from left to right
Michael, Stephanie,  Bianca, Angus, Blake,  Preston, Chase, Gracie and Emma  

Everyone loves blue frosting 

I wonder what an 8 year boy wishes for?

To keep with the theme, we made Diaries in place of goodie bags

Blake wrote a message in each one

And finally, today Abbie's volleyball team (Wesley Chapel Lightning, first year for this club) competed in the Tampa United Slam tournament. 

Being a brand new team, we weren't too sure what to expect. All the girls on the club team played for the high school teams, both JV and Varsity. These girls have stepped up their game and they are learning quite a bit. Its so great to see them enjoy this game while at the same time gain knowledge and experience far beyond what is taught at the school level. It makes watching the game a lot more fun and interesting. Here are some pictures from today's matches. More to follow tomorrow. 

Warm Up shirts 

team roster

Warming up 

My baby is 8

 Darn! How did that happen so fast?  I kissed him this morning before he jumped on the school bus and thought to myself its a good thing those 2 front teeth are gone otherwise I would think you were almost a little man, not my crazy munchkin turning 8. So anyways, I went up and had lunch with the birthday boy and Gracie. Then I had to go run some errands, trying to get everything organized and finished for his party on Saturday. Movie theater - Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 Roddrick Rules. I ordered his cake and bought some stuff to finish up the thank you treats.

We celebrated tonight amongst ourselves. He opened gifts from Mark and I, the kids and Grandma Gloria and Auntie Joy. He was thrilled with everything! Even as the years pass, that's one thing that stays the same no matter what - It doesn't take much to make him happy!