gold belt

Robyn, who lives across the street from Mom and Dad, recommended a marital arts program for Tim and Luke at a place called  Ripple Effect.  She said little beyond that it was not like other martial arts clubs.

We checked it out in September and were immediately impressed.  Tim has been dedicated to it from day one, and we enjoy his enthusiasm.  It's not just about kicking and punching.  There is a student creed that he must follow that covers his behaviour at home, school and Ripple Effect.  There are also Black Belt principles that he must strive to follow: modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit.   On 18 November, Tim took his gold belt test and passed.

 When he started, he didn't like to shout Hiya!, but now it comes very easy to him.  He's already been watching the gold belts and knows many of the new moves, which will be added to his routine.  These include defensive moves.  He has class twice a week for 45 minutes each night.  

He tells us that he wants to be an instructor one day.  If he stays on track, he'll earn his black belt four years from when he started, which was officially 10/10/15.  His instructors encourage these long term goals but help him stay focused on each day.

second grade

first day of second grade

Tim is the second grade at Rivendell School.  His teacher is Suzanne.  Ironically, she's from England.

The Tepid Tablespoon Challenge

After a hot hike at Kasha-Katuwe near Santa Fe and then a walk to the Plaza from our hacienda and back later that day, Tim was desperate to cool off.  For the last thirty minutes of the walk, he regaled Gran on how he was going to do the Ice Bucket Challenge.

We discovered that our little adobe abode did not have either a bucket or any ice, so he settled for a glass of cold water, stripped down, and got in the tub.  

spring school photos