Today's the Day!

Rianna started swim lessons with Daddy this morning and Jacob is starting Tae Kwon Do.

We knew Rianna was a fish! She has always loved the water, so even though she is only 2 years, 3 months, I enrolled her in the 2 1/2 years to 4 years old class. The one for her age was more focused on getting used to the water. Getting used to the water is not her problem...getting her out of the water is something we struggle with every time she gets in! :) It was a parent-kid class so Toby took her and got in the water with her. Mom and Dad Atencio showed up too! They took pictures and cheered her on! After I figure out how to post pictures, I will make sure to do so! She was a smashing success!! Blowing bubbles, paddling and impressing everyone around her! :) Yay Anna-Boo!! When Toby was getting her dressed after the class, she kept asking him if she could get back in the water! LOL!

Jacob will start Tae Kwon Do this afternoon. We found this really awesome place! We have already met his instructor, Grand Master Kim. Master Kim has been teaching Tae Kwon Do for over 30 or 40 years. He is from Korea and moved to the states in 1975. He taught Army soldiers in Korea when he lived there. His dojo isn't far from our house. Almost every square inch of his office and waiting area is covered with pictures of his students and awards he has received over the years. It is very impressive. Not only is he the president of the Tae Kwon Do Federation, but he has been in the several major contests...including the ultimate one...the Olympics. Very impressive! Within the first few minutes of meeting him, he was talking and working with Jacob...making him laugh and gaining his respect (and ours!). His most important rules of being in his class are obeying your parents and doing well in school. He even has a list of things he wants his students to do at home, such as making your bed, helping in the kitchen, cleaning up after yourself, and treating siblings kindly. He sent home a checklist and said he will check on it monthly!

Rianna rarely will talk or touch people she doesn't know. She has to warm up to someone before they get to see her delightful self. After being in Master Kim’s presence for only a few minutes, she was smiling at him and giving him high fives! He is a Believer and it's very evident that he loves what he does.

He is impressive to say the least!

So, today is the first day of class. I will post again to give an update on how it went. The other cool thing about this class is Jacob can attend every single day except Sunday. I am hoping he can go about 4 times per week. We'll see how it goes though!

Tootle-loo for now!

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We just got back a while ago.

Wow.

I am so proud of my boy. He looked so big, so grown. It made me a bit weepy actually. Master Kim had only two others in this particular class; both adults. One was another black belt and the other a yellow. He had everyone do some exercising together, then some basic moves. Master Kim then had his other two students practice sparring with each other while he had alone time with Jacob.

He did very well. :) Master Kim is a 9th degree black belt...the highest degree you can get.

Sigh...I am so happy and so proud of him!! :)