graduation

three months and 15 days ago
a shy and scared little boy
cried his way through his first class

and today he earned his yellow belt!

so proud of my lil boy.

hoppy easter!

Happy 4th birthday, little boy.

lucas...what do you want for your birthday breakfast?

a krispie kreme donut with sprinkles...

and a mario chocolate birthday cake...

and birthday presents!

my little baby...

doesn't he look tough?

proud.

no words.

there are no words

to describe how proud of himself

my little monkey was.

he has wanted to earn his first stripe

since the very first

tear-filled class session we attended

seven weeks ago.

we practiced our kicks and punches,

rehearsed the creed and the fives.

learned when to listen quietly

and how to yell loudly.

monkey is learning

how to get back up

after feeling defeated.

and lastly,

he is learning

pride.

ready. spar.

little monkey surprised

his mommy

who thought for sure

that he would not enjoy

sparring.

but,

even after getting frustrated

especially after trying to keep up

with this tall boy,

my little monkey

can't wait to

spar

again.

tnt

so we signed monkey up for martial arts lessons

and although it took a bit for him to warm up to the idea,

i think he is s-l-o-w-l-y, but surely enjoying it.

sometimes.

i hope.

oregon winters

rain, rain
go away...

just another typical day here in the pacific northwest.

thursday morning...
"is there snow, mommy?"

yep. there is.

yay!

party time

headed over to pump it up

to celebrate the little monkey's birthday

chocolate cake
check.

super mario brothers
check.

silly kids
check.

all in all
a great party.

my monkey

hard to believe
seems like only yesterday

in the blink of an eye

when i wasn't looking

it snuck up on me

and
all of a sudden

you are five.

birthday boy.

super duper special chocolate chip pancakes for the birthday boy!

happy birthday, baby.

thank you!

a birthday present arrived from uncle eric and aunt kerri

both boys loved them.

thank you!

1-1-11

happy new year!

after six years of living here,
we finally made it up the mountain.

monkey sled

mucus threw

and made angels

had lots of fun

all in all

a great way to kick off the new year.
happy 2011 to all.