Could I be more proud?

Jack tested on Saturday for his "first" Karate belt.

As you can see, he passed his test.

He did an awesome job.

Sensei Julius really is amazing. I've never seen Jack listen so well.

I wonder if he makes house calls?

Jack broke two boards - one with his kick and one with his punch. And, he'd be quick to tell you he did them both on the first try.

And, Kate.

Jack's biggest cheerleader.

Not even his Mom claps as hard.

The booty dance

One of Jack's favorite words is booty. Unfortunately, it's now Kate's favorite too. Some days all I hear is booty this, booty that. What's interesting is that this love affair with the word began one day when Jack came home from school and announced that "booty is speaking Spanish for everything". I can't explain it, but it sure does make him laugh. From then on, booty has become an adjective that is sprinkled all over our daily conversation.

He also knows that it is a dance that involves shaking one's booty. Here's a sneak peak of him in action with his cousin- click triangle to play the video.

Did the Easter Bunny bring you a slip and slide?

It was really Aunt Mia who brought the slip and slide...

and for that, we thank her!

Two Cousins

This picture is the best depiction of how Kate and Matthew feel about each other :)

That's not to say that the Ely boys and the Helgerud children don't all love each other, but Matthew and Kate have a particular affinity for each other.

Kate, who rarely lets anyone carry her around, would let Matthew carry her everywhere.

More CT Cousins

In Grandma & PopPop's hotel room...

Lunch

a beautiful day for boating

who's that behind the wheel? Is he legal??

Four Cousins and 18 holes

I think it was 18 holes... I can't say for sure. I think I played 3 holes. Kate was more interested in traversing the stairs and water features than actually playing golf. Regardless, a fun time was had by all.

Jack lines up his shot

One small, determined golfer

One happy golfer

and a silly golfer

pre golf

post golf - this picture says it all...
don't worry. I wasn't driving!