I took Luke to another martial arts tournament yesterday. This one was in Newcomerstown, OH, which is officially the middle of nowhere. The drive would have been beautiful if it wasn't pouring rain and windy. I took Luke by myself because Matt had to stay home to run Michael's tee ball and he kept Justin with him, too. I couldn't keep up with Master Circle and the other caravaners, but we found our way and actually beat the rest of the group because they missed a turn (served them right for going too fast!).
This is Makayla. She's 13 and a black belt. She performed a sword routine and won her division.
Vili is also 13 and a black belt. She lost to Makayla yesterday, but she still did really well. Both girls do martial arts with their dads (which is really cute, I think) and are on the Demo Team with Luke.
Luke and his friend Cameron waiting somewhat less than patiently.
Luke's Little Dragons division (yes, there were only 3 of them).
Luke competing in his form.
Getting ready to spar. The other boy was the same boy Luke competed against in Zaynesville. He's also 5 and his name is Samuel, which I think is hilarious!
Trophies! Luke won forms and sparring and got second in weapons. Because there were only three of them, the organizers didn't name a grand champion. He said something about mailing them all plaques, but I don't think he got our address and really, Luke got plenty of hardware. Did I mention the organizer owns a trophy shop on the side?
Luke was really intimidated by this slide with no rails.
He liked this thing much better.
They have a huge rock climbing wall there. You have to bring your own equipment. It's definitely for "real" rock climbers, which Luke and Michael were totally bummed about.
They had this obnoxious electric dance machine that the boys loved.
And there are lots of paths over the water to watch the birds.
Michael all geared up and ready for mud (of which there was plenty).
The big girls, Talia and Claire. Talia just turned 10 and Claire is 7.
Jacinta is 4.
Justin and Maeve hit the slides. Maeve was such a chubby baby, but now Justin is bigger than she is and she's four months older!
Hooray for sunshine and cousins! Hopefully, we'll hook up again this summer!
Uncle Chris has found a kindred spirit in Justin. Former big baby meets current big baby! Good thing they got along because I certainly didn't want anything to do with Justin when he woke up at midnight, while we were all talking and drinking, and decided it was time to play.
Poppy and Nan sent these coordinating vests. The boys looked so handsome. We got home late from Granddad's and all three kids fell asleep in the car.
Somehow, the Easter Bunny found us in Canada. Justin got this bulldog--I think it looks like him!
The boys got too much candy and some small prizes. Luke got a couple of dinosaur figures and Michael got a set of nesting monkeys.
Boys like pirates.
This is Makayla. She's 13 and a black belt. She performed a sword routine and won her division. 
Vili is also 13 and a black belt. She lost to Makayla yesterday, but she still did really well. Both girls do martial arts with their dads (which is really cute, I think) and are on the Demo Team with Luke.
Luke and his friend Cameron waiting somewhat less than patiently.
Luke's Little Dragons division (yes, there were only 3 of them).
Luke competing in his form.
Getting ready to spar. The other boy was the same boy Luke competed against in Zaynesville. He's also 5 and his name is Samuel, which I think is hilarious!
Poppy and Nan got Michael his own bat and tee for his birthday, too, so he can practice at home. 
I don't think I've posted that Luke was promoted to Half-Orange Belt at Martial Arts a couple of weeks ago. Poppy got this nice picture of him at practice on Friday. 
