Little Dragons!

Riley recently started taking TaeKwonDo lessons at Universal TaeKwonDo.  It's a class of 4-6 year olds.  He LOVES it, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed at how well he's doing already!  Their teacher, Master Michael is so great with the kids.  Each week they work on a specific skill or concept.  He has earned stripes for Excellent Punch, Excellent Form, Great Effort, and Teamwork.  Next week they'll be working on Focus.  I'm so proud of him!  I've always thought martial arts was great for kids for so many reasons - focus, discipline, confidence, fitness...  I'm excited to see Riley progress!

Listening to Master Michael talk about the day's lesson -- Excellent Form.
Punches!
Kicks!  They work out hard for a full 30 minutes.  It's amazing!

Look how high!  Wow!

Some fun stuff...

Just  few recent pics!  Last weekend Riley started basketball with Steve coaching.  He got a little taste of what life as a teacher is like!  Learning names right off the bat, giving directions and then wondering why no one is doing what you say...  But he did a great job, and most importantly, all of the kids had a blast!

Mom and dad tried out the Wii Fit.  We burned almost as many calories laughing at dad and mom hula hooping as we did actually playing!

Some cutie pie pics...

Carter's now able to sit up with the Boppy behind him to help out a bit!

Just a few pics from our last weekend of Christmas break!

Riley in his super cool sunglasses -- a giveaway from the Nuggets Game that Steve went to!  This is his "cool guy" face.

Harley hanging out with Carter during tummy time.  Both dogs are so amazing with the kids!
Belly Surfing!
Playing Ski Jump on the Wii Fit.  Riley had to get his goggs!  He would put them on and adjust them whenever the character in the game did, and at the end, the Mii cartoon waves to the crowd, and so does Ri!  It's hilarious!
And Launch!

Happy New Year!

We rang in the New Year with our closest friends, which was the best way!  Just a quiet little gathering...some games, a bit of dinner, LOTS of Guitar Hero, and great company.  

Carter-bug enjoyed his first New Year's party!

The Kings and Laura watching a rousing game of Hamster Roll.
Riley and Steve playing cards.
Cheers, Z and B!
Cuteness!
Carter in saucer mode.
Justin and I rocked on "Medium" level!
Char and Justin...check out Carter on his blanket!
Us again!  That's two events in a row where we got a picture together!  We're getting better...  Why am I wearing glasses?  Well... it's a stupid story.  I was making Chex Muddy Buddies (YUM!).  I pulled out the measuring spoon, and there was some Old Bay seasoning from Christmas that had not gotten cleaned out in the dishwasher.  So, I blew on it to get rid of it.  The spices launched into my eye, and the burning and itching was like pepper spray directly in my eyes!  Youch.

Crazy boy in the picture.
Riles took a turn on the Guitar too!
How priceless is this!?  Riley loves Justin.
Steve and Zach jumped on for a song.
Intense concentration.
It's funny to think about what these three were like in High School...three totally different personalities you couldn't even think of putting together!
BFFs!
My first self-portrait with the King.
Riley, determined to make it to midnight.
Yay!
We were a little shocked to see Dick Clark still hosting...and it was a bit sad.  He was barely understandable after his stroke.  Then there's Kellie Pickler...OY.
It was a rather tame evening.  There was some talk of celebrating New Year's in the Central time zone, since Lisa and Mark live in Kansas, and they were out visiting.  Zach and I vetoed that...we're not THAT old!
Happy New Year, buddy!
Carter didn't make it to midnight, but Riley, through sheer stubborn will, did!
Rock-n-roll, Kings!
Beee and Meee!
We sure are grateful to be able to greet the new year with such great friends.  Here's to a happy, safe, and prosperous new year!

Ommmm....

Here are some pics of Riley doing Yoga on the Wii Fit.  Half Moon pose.  Way too cute!!!

His balance was just a little off, but not bad!

Date Day with my Riley

On Monday, Riley and I went out on a date together.  We went to Beau Jo's for lunch, then to the Arvada Center to see "Seussical, the Musical!"  We had a great day together, and he got some much needed one on one time with me.  He was a perfect gentleman!

Below: Lunch at Beau Jo's

We got to the Arvada Center a little early, so Riley had time to crawl around on "Squiggles," the giant concrete dragon/serpent outside the center.  There were lots of kids there, taking advantage of the beautiful weather.  Riley was a little apprehensive when he got up high, but enjoyed climbing around!
Look at that beautiful Colorado sky!
I love this pic.
The stage.
The hat.  The musical was fantastic.  They do a really nice job at the Arvada Center.  We loved the music, and it was extremely well sung.  We've been listening to the soundtrack in the car, very catchy!
This was right before we were informed that there was to be no photography in the theater. :)
Thanks for a fun day, buddy!