BIG night last night...

Well, graduation went great. Everyone survived and no one vomited. :)

Chloe's graduation was first. She did such a great job. They only learned the last five moves on Tuesday before graduation, so she really did well. Her board breaks were very good. We figured out yesterday afternoon she needed to kick with her left leg instead of her right, which she had been using in class to practice. She is very proud of herself, as she should be, and is looking forward to getting her own black belt soon.

Jesse and I graduated together (the Black Belt Graduation). It, of course, was my first time in this graduation section. And as I predicted, several months ago, Master Mike picked on me as much as he could. The ones who are black belt recommended went first. All three forms at once (usually he does one form then they sit while another group goes then they come back to do another form). Then during the "Black Belt Ceremony" he changed it up again. He called me first, and instead of sitting down while everyone lit their candle, I lit my candle then had to speak about what making my 1st degree means to me. Then at the end (he always ties the black belt on the first time) he was talking about me and how wonderful I am. NOT. ;) He did surprise me by saying he thought I would be good in the teaching program he has, but honestly I've never thought about it. Now, Jesse. Jesse had her best night in months! I was putting on my sparring gear and watching Jesse do her form. Master Mike caught my attention and mouthed the word, "WOW". He did it a few times and then at the end when he was tying on Jesse's belt he told her it was the best she had done her form ever and he wanted her to continue doing it that well.

I think my parents had a good time. Mom told me it was the first time they saw the weapons being done. There were people doing single weapons and some doing double weapons (one in each hand). It was totally fascinating and scary. The one that caught most people's attention was an eight-year-old boy who did his first double weapons. Master Mike kept telling him to go faster and he did without ever messing up. It was incredible!