Make That Three Nichols Ninjas ...

It is official. 

We have three boys in karate, three Nichols Ninjas.

Kruz has been patiently waiting to get in there with his two big brothers. Just about as eager as Kolt was when he started karate. So we said what better time to start something than the New Year? So Kruz started karate this past Monday. 

Did you notice that his name was spelled wrong on his belt? Just as soon as his Mr. Rodriguez noticed the "C", he made him a new belt. Geesh, you think he'd know by now - we're a "K" family! 

Kruz and Kolt will be in the same class for a little bit, just until Kolt moves up when he turns seven. But until then, they'll be the two cutest ninjas in the bunch.

He's fierce. And cute.

Such a good combo.

P.S. If you're wondering where the boys attend karate, they go to Championship Martial Arts in McDonough. 

Make That Two Nichols Ninjas ...

You, my friend, are reading my 200th post! 

And what better way for this Momma to mark a milestone than to brag on one of my kiddos?!

Kolt has officially become the second Nichols Ninja in our house. He started karate last week and is loving it! 

We've always wanted the boys to do something, some type of activity. Kolt's original choice was football and as much as I loved watching him play a game that he loved, the experience we had within the local association was enough to ruin us. (You can read more about Kolt's last season in this post) We have watched so much growth with Kollin in karate and have experienced first hand the positive influence this sport has had in his life. 

Kolt has been biting at the bit to get in there and start. We've been waiting for the time when we would renew Kollin's contract for the year and add Kolt, which came last month for us. Kolt started this past week. And the kid is loving it. I am excited to see him excited again about something for him. And as much as I am dying not enrolling him in football again this season, I am looking forward to watching Kolt establish relationships, positive and encouraging relationships I might add, with his instructors. 

Here is Kolt with Mr. Bennett, one of his instructors. Kolt earned his first belt this week and I heard Mr. Bennett explaining to him how he earned this belt, not that he was just giving it to him. 

On that note, I'll leave you with a ...

Hiiiii-Yaaaaa and a Happy Tuesday!

My Purple Belted Ninja ...

Kollin had his umpteenth graduation this past Saturday and moved up to a Solid Purple Belt.

Kollin started just after he turned 5 in December 2011. He tried baseball and that just didn't get his mojo going. All he talked about was being a Ninja and doing karate. Travis and I had no experience with this department at all, but for Kollin we jumped right in. Right away we loved the purpose of karate, the motivation behind it and we loved the instructors. I have no clue what other studios are like, but Championship Martial Arts is very strict, but loads of fun. Children are taught to have "Black Belt" mentality at home, at school and in the studio. Without respect, self-control, motivation, determination and good behavior demonstrated everywhere, they are not allowed to move up to the next belt. Behavior reports are turned in to the instructors quarterly and are signed by the parent and the teacher (lucky for Kollin, I'm both). 

All of that to say, moving up to another belt is not just knowing forms, new kicks and new punches. It's much, much more. Travis and I are so proud of Kollin for all of his determination in continuing to move up each time. He has had his ups and downs and ins and outs, but overall he has kept going and plans to earn his Black Belt.

Here are some oldies from when he first started and some new ones from this past weekend. 

Y'all - he seriously needs to stop growing up so fast ...

His first graduation and this last graduation. Excuse the poor picture quality on the most recent one. It was an-iPhone-for-a-camera kind of day. Hopefully you can spot him. 

At graduation, each belt group is able to perform the new skills they have learned. The top one is Kollin as a White Belt and the second one is Kollin as a Green/Purple Belt. They officially graduate to their newest belt at the end of the ceremony. Can you spot him?

And you know - the traditional, good ole family shots at the end of each one. And yes, I was pregnant at the first graduation too. Don't judge.

Way to go Kollin! Mommy, Daddy, YahYah and your brothers are so proud of you! Keep focused, stay confident in yourself and determined and you will surely be a Black Belt in the future. 

We love you!