I'm still trying to recover...

...from the black belt test on Saturday! Josh and I both tested for our 2nd degree black belts, and two students tested for their 1st. We started off the morning bright and early with forms. There were a few mistakes, but in general those all went well. Once we were good and tired from forms, we started on our 5 mile run. I hate running, but it's a necessary evil once in awhile! It was raining too, so we were all pretty soggy by the time we were done with that. After the run and the pushups/situps, Josh and I were lucky enough to have a break while the others tested on their strikes, blocks, and kicks.

The rest of the test went by pretty quickly, and was a lot of fun. We did our defenses, during which time we were attacked randomly by other people. Sparring was fun as well. My parents and my cousin had all come to help out, so they all got to fight against us. Mom knocked the wind out of me. It just goes to show you never do reach a point where mom can't beat you! Here are a few pictures from the day:

Here I am, trying to defend myself from my mother!

Now Glenn has me in a headlock...uh-oh!

Josh beating up on EJ...

But this doesn't look so good for Josh!

Sterling attacking Josh

Uh-oh...Bye Peel! (Jacob or Porter? Can't tell from this angle! They're identical twins...)

Defenses turned out kinda funny...

I'm actually quite proud of this kick, except I wish my hands were up so it'd look better!

Here is Josh doing his breaking - 5 boards at one time! Way to go Josh!

Here we are performing our Tai Chi Sword form together

More of the sword form

It was a lot of fun, but very tiring, and we have been sore for the past few days! More pictures to come later!

The New Door

Finally! This is the moment we've all been waiting for. Well, it's a moment that I've been waiting for for quite some time now. We have a new back door! That's right! No more lifting up a giant slab of glass and metal just to access the backyard. No more ugly, old, and warped frame. Though this new door cost us a bit more than we wanted to spend, we are sure glad to have it. The installer came yesterday. I was able to watch the demo on the old door, which was a lot of fun! (Although Toby was a bit nervous about a stranger coming and destroying our house!) I didn't get to stay to see the final product, however...because I had to go to work! It was like having a bunch of Christmas presents you aren't allowed to open. I think work was longer than ever. Josh even covered my eyes while he walked me toward the kitchen so that I couldn't see until he "unveiled" it. And I am so happy with the results! And now for the unveiling...

We'll start with a "before" picture of the old door...

And then...(drumroll please!)...TA DA!

Both sides actually do open wide, but for the pictures I only opened one door. Isn't it beautiful?!