Official Black Belt

At the age of 3 Aston began Taekwondo and at the age of 5 he became one of the youngest, if not youngest, to receive his first degree black belt at Ballantyne ATA. December 15, 2012 was a big day for our little guy. It was definitely the biggest accomplishment of his life thus far. After attending over 300 classes in the past 2.5 years (2-3 classes per week) he has earned this high honor. We firmly believe he has become a better kid, friend, son, brother and student through this journey. Congratulations Bud...we are proud, proud, proud...

Red Belt

Aston received his red belt "recommended" last month... a really big deal! He now only needs his red belt "decided" and his black belt "recommended" before he's an official black belt...wow wow wow. He will be one of the youngest ever in the school to receive this honor. Jeff and I are so proud that he has stuck it out through the good and the bad...
Here are some pictures with his friend Ryan Tu (just turned 6). Ryan got his Red belt "Decided" this go around...

Mei and Ryan's little sister Olivia have become pals while they've had to hang out and watch their bros train over the last 2 years...although Ryan is now in the Juniors class so we don't get to see each other much anymore:(

A Master Taekwondo guy (5th degree black belt) came to do a demonstration on graduation day (his name escapes me)...he was amazing! The boys were in awe...he's on the far left. Mr. Reyno is in the middle holding the boys...he is now running the school and we can't say enough good stuff about him and the changes he has made.

The Last 1.5 weeks in iPhone pics...and tennis photos by Ashley...

LtoR: Mei has been sleeping in the upstairs bathroom because she claims to be scared of her room:(, Kingsley and Mei at PCC tennis...they stamped everything in sight while we waited for the boys to finish their lesson:), new kitchen bath shower, my birthday necklace made by Kate Kate (I love it!), Kate and Aston "driving" my car, My dear friend Wendy (far right) turned 40, new bathroom vanity, Mei's fancy braid ala Wookie, Aston assembling his latest 20 stars lego spaceship, Aston is a new brown belt!, tennis, more tennis...notice the happy face, Aston and Dad before Doughnuts with Dads at school, my birthday orchid from Mama Anne, Mei modeling her Easter shirt we made at Betsey's house, my birthday card from Aston, we made the big decision for Aston to attend Charlotte Latin next year, Babs and I shared a birthday cake made by BB of course, chef Stellyn at cooking class in school, beers! while we watch tennis...thanks to Ashley:)

Jack and Aston had their second tennis clinic this week. I can't tell you all how much this boy is loving this activity and his new friend Jack. It's really special because Jack will be joining Aston and his other buds at Latin next year too! Here are some fun photos taken by Ashley (take note of the first one with the tongues out...they both do this when concentrating...cute):