Gage received his Black Belt in Taekwando!!!

On April 17th, Gage had a Black Belt Extravaganza at his karate studio, World Class Martial Arts. The kids that tested for their black belt have trained very hard for this and have been working especially hard for the last year. Gage has been in taekwando for over three years now and we are so proud of him for sticking with it, even when he didn't want to anymore and for all of the hard work he has put into earning this belt. Here he is with the other students that were also testing.
Here are all of the Black Belts that came to be judges.
There was much to learn. They had to perform several belt forms, along with weapons forms for nunchuks, bo staff and escrima sticks. They also performed some self defense moves and did some sparring.




Gage had to do three breaking techniques. Here he is with one of his kicking techniques.


All of the students had a poster and everyone signed everyone else's posters for good luck and well wishes.
Here is Gage putting on his new belt for the first time. It even has his name embroidered on it.

Gage admiring his certificate and new uniform.




Gage with Master Sohn. What a touching embrace this was. Master Sohn has been so great to Gage and was emotional because he had just received his 4th Degree Black Belt and also because he knew Gage would be moving away soon. He told Gage that it breaks his heart to see him leave.
Here's Gage on his first day back to taekwando after becoming a black belt and he's in his new uniform. It is a little big, but he really wanted to wear it. It makes him feel proud of his accomplishment and he should be. Congratulations Gage, we are so very proud of you and all of your hard work!! We love you!!

EaSTeR 2009

For Easter every year we go down to Keith and Bobbie's house for fun festivities. This year was no different. We hung out with Colby and Kelli and their kids and with Blake's family. Blake and I were able to get a little alone time (Thanks Kelli!) and went shopping in St. George for the kids Easter stuff. We ate at Jimmy John's for the first time and both really liked it. The night before Easter we made cookies and dyed Easter eggs. What fun! Dave and Tanya and their daughter Tati were there also and joined in all of the fun with us.









Then Easter morning the kids woke up and checked out what was left in their baskets. I can say they were not disappointed. Then we went to church and when we came home the kids had their always fabulous Easter egg hunt. Grandma Bobbie always out does herself and this year Aunt Gerri helped her make this year especially amazing. Thanks Grandma Bobbie and Aunt Gerri ~ you're the best!!
Max working on filling in his Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. Him and Gage now have all of the books and LOVE them!


Eliza LOVES Grandma Bobbie! She is always cuddling up to her and saying special things to her like, "As long as I have you Grandma, everything will be okay". She definitely knows how to melt your heart.

Gage's 4th Grade Fieldtrip

The 4th grade took a fieldtrip to the Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City. I am so glad to be able to go on the fieldtrips with Gage, but it always seems to land on a day after I've just finished a night shift or two. It makes for a long day, but is definitely worth going on. I love to see Gage excited and having fun with his friends. I'm very grateful for these times when he isn't embarrassed to have him mom come to activities. I hope that never changes!
Not sure what's up with all of the signs they're flashing, but I like to think they are saying "Peace".
Ronin, Carson, Gage, Isaiah, Luis


In the center of a fish tank!

Cub Scout Pine Wood Derby 2009

Gage always LOVES the Pine Wood Derby. This year he did much better, he actually made it to the finals!! Go Gage! Although he didn't take first place, he was very excited to make the finals and had a great time and tons of fun. Plus, it is always a good experience for him and Blake to spend a little father son bonding time together making the car. Here is Gage with a couple of his friends: Carson Halls and Brett Christiansen.


Oh the anticipation...



What a couple of handsome boys!!


Blake and Lize goofin' off again, some things never change (and I'm glad).