Beatrice had her first belt testing in Aikido last Saturday. Aikido is big on formality and there were lots of rules to remember. Bowing, acknowledging the senseis, walking backward at the end, etc. But she did it! She looked so little out there all by herself!
She had to do forward rolls in a line, count to 10 in Japanese, model positions,
Sit in perfect position and be "checked" by one of the older students:
She got a rousing applause at the end, and here she is, looking at us, the only people whose approval she really deeply cares at all about:
Lolo and Lola witnessed the whole thing and here's my 1st degree fox, sitting on the lap of her proud, blubbering Mama:
Back home we went to quickly snap some photos in the magnolia tree which finally bloomed!
(and here's one a couple days ago before all the blossoms fell)
Saturday afternoon was another important ceremony/milestone: Hank's First Communion!
A wonderful day, wonderful weekend, and exciting time of year to be sure.
