Karate Kid

Troy advanced from his yellow belt to his yellow belt with black stripe! He is really enjoying karate and is very good at it. He goes twice a week and looks forward to going each week. At the belt test he had to memorize this Studen Creed:

To build true confidence through knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart, and strength in the body.

To keep friendship withone another, and to build a strong and happy community.

Never fight to achieve selfish ends, but to develop might for right.

I am not afraid of anthing or anyone. I have strength, power, conviction, and confidence.

I like challenges and I meet them head on, face to face, today especially.

After he recited the student creed, he had to stand up in front of everyone and do his "form" which consists of a series of punches, blocks, and kicks. It is really a lot to memorize and he had to stay very focused.

I just love this kid! It is so much fun to watch him learn and grow. He has gained so much confidence since starting karate. He truly melts my heart!!!! The next belt he is working on now is his green belt. Way to go TROY!

St George

It's amazing that just 3 1/2 hours south, the weather is so much warmer! We forgot what it felt like to have the sunshine on our faces!
Melissa didn't have sunglasses, so she borrowed the kids' goggles!

The kids all get along so well and had so much fun swimming.

Troy and Caden getting ready for a rhino ride



The kids all just love Melissa!

They thought it would be fun to do a "tallest to shortest" picture.

We ride the rhinos up in the sand dunes above Sand Hollow. It is so much fun ... there are endless sand bowls and trails to follow.

Rick found Mud! He had all the kids in the rhino and he decided to blast through some mud down by the lake. He threw mud up all over the rhino and the kids were COVERED in mud! Susan got a kick out of it!

We did a little mtn biking!

Rick went off a jump and busted his bike! He ended up having to walk it out. The best part was when Jason figured out he left the keys at the top of the trail and we got to ride back up to the top to get them and then ride the down hill again. It was one of the most memorable rides of my life because the sun was going down and we had to "bust it" or it would be dark. Jason and I rode as fast as we could from the top to the bottom without stopping once. It was absoultely thrilling!

What a blast! I love that we can do so many fun things with our family and friends. It just keeps getting better and better!