Karate

Daniel had his very first Karate class yesterday. We decided to sign him up at the YMCA since it is an eight week class for just $40 (for members) which is much cheaper than the other dojos we looked into. Based on how much Daniel likes it we will decide if we will pay more for him to continue his martial arts training. It was so fun to see him get into formation and trying out the moves the sensei (teacher) had his class learn/practice. He said he had a great time and can't wait to go back next week. He will also get his gi (uniform) then because his sensei had to order one for him. One of the coolest things about him starting class is that it means we are debt free (except our house)! For two years we told the kids that when we were debt free we could let them take ballet and karate. Maggie got a jump start on that because an opportunity presented itself for her to take a dance class very close to our home with one of her good friends last year (and the price was very reasonable). She starts her second year of dance next week. This year she is doing ballet and tap. Although, she now says she wants to take karate too. In fact, after watching Daniel, I would like to take karate. There is a dojo that does a family plan, so maybe next year the entire Hipps family will be fighting together. Isn't there a saying that the "family that fights together stays together?" Oh, I think that it's "prays together." Well, we do that too, so we will pray before we beat each other up ;) At any rate, it is shaping up to be an interesting year. We start school next week and this is the year that I have to test Daniel. He is a smart boy so I am sure he will do well. I can't believe that we have a third and first grader. Our children are growing up so quickly. I am very proud of them.