Ice Skating on the Island

One of those things we have been meaning to do for awhile now: Ice Skating.

Do you remember the first time you went Ice Skating? I certainly don't remember the first time, but I do remember going as a kid (and as an adult) but know that it has been many years since I have tried my hand at getting out on the frozen pond.

The girls have been talking about it for awhile now. Luckily for them we met Nicole here in Okinawa (who not only skated competitively as a child, but taught as an adult). I know that with Brad gone for a bit, Ice Skating would not have happened without her help (and the help of her trusted male family members). The Colvig 4 and the Aiello Girl 3 headed to the indoor ice skating rink down near Naha.



Alessandra having a quick snack and gearing up.
(personally I love the helmets)

Olivia ready to go!

In all honesty, I really had no idea what to expect out of the girls today. I knew Olivia was a bit nervous (always gets nervous about the unknown), and Alessandra really couldn't picture what we were going to do anyway, so she was all good.

With Nicole's awesome leadership (yes, I totally default to the professional) the girls really gave it their all today. They got out there, worked hard and got to the point where they were able to get around by themselves.

Some videos... for your viewing pleasure.

The larger kids behind Olivia were a school group from one of the local schools. For awhile they took a break and had lunch - I took this video shortly after they had come back on the ice.

Olivia - Green Belt 3rd Stripe (from October... oops!)

Sorry - Bad blogger Kelly forgot to put up photos and video of Olivia from back in October when she tested for her 3rd Stripe on her Green Belt.

Happily Brad was able to be at our testing that day. I also tested (and recieved) the third stripe on my green belt too.

Here is Olivia doing the Kata that she needed to perform. This is called "Kihon-Bo". It is a beginner Bo kata (one that Sensei and Brandon Nix came up with). In our style of Karate, we do learn how to use weapons, and the Bo is the first weopan we learn. (yes, that is my baby throwing around a big stick...)

Olivia with Emily and Christopher - long time karate buddies!

Thank you Sensei!

So excited to have that third stripe!

Olivia and Mia

Another exciting thing that happened was our Sensei was given the opportunity earn his 9th Don (that is his 9th Degree) Black Belt. He didn't know that it was going to happen today (that is how "testing" is traditionally done). I did post this video on facebook, but it was worth putting on here too. He is one tough guy - and someone I am amazed by every time I see him perform.

And now what next, you ask? Well - we move onto the Brown Belt. In the kids classes, Sensei makes them take a testing cycle off (they have to perform 3 Kata's at the testing for Brown Belt). However, being an adult - if you can do it, he allows you to test at the next cycle - which for me is THIS WEEK! YIKES!! Wish me luck and hopefully I will have video for you coming up soon.

Did I tell you about Our "Caring Gecko" ?

One of the great things about being a parent is seeing your children succeed. Along with that goes the times when they don't - or when they think they don't.

It's no secret that Olivia is a sensitive kid. She takes so many things to heart and gets emotional when things aren't seeming to go her way. Every quarter the school host's an awards ceremony. There are a variety of awards given (once the kids are older, this is where honor roll awards are given out etc.) Every quarter (to date) our lovely lady hasn't been recognized. She stands up and cheers her friends on and is genuinely happy and excited for them, but once she comes home and lets her guard down, she spends that evening upset and teary at her own misfortune.

This quarter all that changed! Mrs. DeMeulenaere (otherwise known as Mrs. D) recognized Olivia with the "Caring Gecko Award" As she said why she chose Olivia (see below video) I teared up simply because first: I knew all that she was saying was true. and second: I knew how incredibly happy Olivia was going to be about it.

After the presentation I said thank you to Mrs. D for recognizing Olivia and she first told me that "she totally deserved that award" and then continued to tell me how she teared up while watching Olivia's reaction to her award. She was so excited and thrilled. I don't ever think I have seen her happier.

Second Grade Awards Recipients

 

Olivia getting ready to head back to her classroom. SO HAPPY!