At age 5, Meo was ready to graduate from Lil dragons and start the big kid martial arts class (universal movement). He was pretty nervous his first day, but having his friend Jacob start on the same day, and having the same teacher (Nina ma'am) that he's had for the past couple of years helped him make the transition. He has been taking his class very seriously, and enjoys learning some more challenging moves. It's been a great experience so far!
Just before Link turned three, we decided to see how he would do in lil' dragons. While he did love the class and have lots of fun, he had a hard time focusing with the class for more than a minute at a time. We decided to wait a couple months and save a little money for when he was actually three before officially starting. But it was cute to see him in his little gi working on his blocks and kicks! And he's already a master of obstacle courses!
Meo got to be a helper in Meo's class which made him very proud. He took his role quite seriously! Such a great opportunity to be a leader.
The boys both love martial arts at Riverview and we are glad that we are able to bring them there. We feel it has been good for them in so many ways.
This fall we also got to hang out with our wonderful friend Anita! Link always had lots to say to her and we are thankful for being able to have that time together!
Today was our second year participating in the Riverview "Kick for Kids" Fundraiser. The goals of this fundraiser are:
1) Continue to enhance Riverview Foundation’s youth program capacity helping 100’s of Maine kids each year. Riverview Foundation’s Youth Horizon’s program offers year round afterschool and summer services using the mediums of nature, martial arts and placed-based learning.
2) Increase scholarship capacity for children throughout Southern and Mid Coast Maine. Riverview Foundation is committed to providing all families the opportunity to take part in our award winning afterschool and summer programs. We have raised over $205,000 in the past eight years to provide scholarships for new learning opportunities to all interested students
3) Support Riverview’s Kids Who Care community service initiatives. Each year Riverview Kids Who Care host regular community service events which successfully bring students, families, friends and local businesses together to broaden educational resources and help preserve our beautiful state of Maine
4) Improve program and facility resources. Experiencing the joy and inner peace that comes from connecting with Nature is at the heart of all Riverview youth programs. Our Topsham facility offers access to 374 acres and 5.9 miles of trails, campsites, picnic areas, outdoor classrooms and diverse ecosystems as a community resource for growth, happiness and learning.
Meo was able to reach his goal of raising $100 and is very grateful to his supporters! Thank you!
Both kids had so much fun at the event. They got to kick with their friends and their favorite martial arts teachers!
Meo and Tim Sir:
Meo and Carlos Sir:
Our friend Jacob
Meo and Link missed one of their favorite teachers, Tim Sir, who they haven't seen in a while and were pumped to get to spend time kicking with him.
They did a cat walk. Meo was cute!
Link was too busy attacking Tim with his awesome new balloon sword.
There was a glitter tattoo station with all sorts of holiday tattoos. Meo chose to get one the says "Mazel Tov" over any of the Christmas tattoos which we all thought was pretty funny. He was really worried about washing off the tattoo in the shower, but we avoided washing his arm and Robbie pointed out that it was still intact and would probably last another day or two. His response: "Thank Thor!". Can't make this stuff up.
Meo got a balloon bow and arrow.
The boys went to meet Santa. Santa asked them what they wanted for Christmas and Meo said a Spider Man costume. Then Santa tried out Meo's bow and arrow. I tried to take a picture of with them with Santa, but in the process, Link took Santa's bell. I wonder if Link will get coal this year.
Link is a nut.
Our friend Greyson
The kids were all kind of crazy with their balloon weapons. Link especially was running up to everyone and attacking. He is fierce.
Us parents got to go up and do a round with kicking. One of Robbie's favorite moments was Meo giggling like crazy while smashing Robbie's blocking pad.
They formed a circle so people could go in and do tricks and dance. Meo and Link were all about this. It amazes me how NOT shy they are.
There goes my family...
During the YMCA song on the stage, Robbie had to retrieve Link who was trying to use the sign as a climbing tool. Then he settled for balloon attack.
The day ended with a conga line behind the moose. Link ran away from Robbie who was in the conga line with him and decided he wanted to be behind the moose. In the process he almost knocked over the little girl AND the moose himself. I had to go run in and grab him (after I took a quick picture), and we were laughing so hard I almost peed my pants. There is never a dull moment with these boys.
Thank you again everyone who donated to this event, and thank you to Riverview for hosting it. We had a great day!
