Monday, January 7, 2008

Our Last Day Of Winter Vacation

Most kids dread the thought of the back to school grind after a long vacation, much like the Christmas/winter one we just had.
Trust me, mine are no exeption..that's for sure.

Unlike most kids, who want to spend their last day of freedom playing video games, riding bikes or complaining about unfair boredom...Kody and Kolin asked if I would take them out yesterday, to the state park where there is plenty of flat ground not ruined by unseen till it's too late puppy poop piles, fire ant hills and holes dug up by Kody's famous backyard golfing episodes.

Lake Griffen State Park, it really is a cool place.
Lots of room, picnic tables, nature trails, scenic gator filled lakes, pontoon boats and a big playground.

Kody and Kolin though, they wanted to go for a totally different reason.
You see...4 days from now my boys will become men when they go in front of a whole lot of important people and test for their black belts in Tang Soo Do {Korean karate}.
Their idea of spending their last free day was to train and practice....for hours and hours.
When the heat of the day got to them...they took a small break to meditate and reflect...but mostly they just ate, drank and got right back to the task at hand..which in this case was...

Practicing forms...





Kicks...





Stances...





One Steps...



Studying for the written test...



Weapons Forms...



Meditating...



Sparring...







Loving...



And Chillin' off....



I know they sometimes wonder if they really are good enough, if they know everything they need to at this point, if they are ready to wear that new belt around their waist.
They are.
Not trying to brag too much here, but you know I just have to a little cuz they are my young uns' and all, but they are as ready to become men as any two children I have ever seen.

Yeppers..I am sooo proud of those little boogers. :0)

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

Love, Kim

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

haeng-un kody and kolin!! :)

Sizemore Photography said...

You have every right to be proud of them. They have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Enjoy them.

BTW, I was rolling on the ground reading your billboards.

TFS!!

Anonymous said...

Kody and Kolin, you guys are awesome. :)

Best of luck on your black belt tests - you look like you are more than ready!

Anonymous said...

Dear Kody and Kolin,
You guys are going to do great on Friday. I know testing for your black belts is scary but take it from one who's been there- when you pass (and I know both of you will) the feeling is incredible. I can't wait until your mom tells all of us in cyberspace that you both passed. Until then, I send you lots of hugs and good luck as I just know that at the end of the week I'll be signing in to say "welcome to the black belt family boys!" I believe in both of you. Love, blessings, and tons of hugs,
Tanya Nicole Servis

Anonymous said...

You have every right to be proud Kim, those little boogers of yours are good enough and everyone will see that when they test this week. They have the determination and skills it takes to wear that belt. I am very impressed as to what they have accomplished and wish I had some of the determination in the things I do. Can't wait to hear all about your big day and will be sending extra good thoughts your way.
Now go kick some Florida butt you two.
Hugs from Missouri,
Jill

Anonymous said...

I just want to wish Kody and Kolin the best of luck on their black belt test. I know they will do great and kick butt on the test :)

I know how proud it is to watch your child/children excel in martial arts. My son (8) is in Tae Kwon Do and he will be going out for his black belt test in about a year. He will be testing for his Red Belt in March :)

I can't wait to hear all about their black belt test. Are you going to be allowed to take pictures during the test? Do they have to do any special breaks?

GOOD LUCK KODY AND KOLIN!!!!!!

Kristine -- Minnesota

Anonymous said...

Kim,

I saw this in an email and thought of you :)
Blessed are the cracked for they are the ones who let in the light!

Anonymous said...

My kids will return to school tomorrow too. Today was their first day back to aftercare...I guess that is good since they get to see most of their friends today. But no more staying up till 11:00 and sleeping til 9:00. 6:30AM tomorrow will come way too soon. Mine are only 6 and 8 yrs old, but boy were they (and me) busy beavers over the break.
Kody and Kolin are ready. They seem to have the drive and determination that it takes to be a black belt. My office mate is a Sensei in Don Jitsu (not sure spelling). She and her husband own a school. Just seeing their pictures and following them for years, they ARE READY!
I loved your post of the highway signs. I have done that drive of I75 north. Many of those signs are erily familiar. And of course Adri is adorable. I love your pictures.

Laura - New Tampa
lkondo69@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

WOW!! WHAT AN ACOMPLISHMENT FOR 2
YOUNG BOYS, SOON TO BE YOUNG MEN!
BE PROUD! I WOULD!!
DONNA BOUGOURD

Marla said...

Good luck Kody and Kolin!!!!!!!!

I have a question??? Where is your newest prop? No pictures?

Marla

Anonymous said...

Kody & Kolin, good luck on your black belts! I'll be thinking of you. Love the pics!

Anonymous said...

JUST TWO MORE DAYS, Kody & Kolin! I think you both are awesome, and will do great with your Black Belt testing. To think that you wanted to spend your last day of winter break practicing is a testament to your determination! Can't wait to see the post come Friday!

Love,
Shiela

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