Kickboxing

A week ago, I joined a kickboxing class.

That was the last day I was able to walk without pain.

I went from the occasional recreational walk/bike ride
to suddenly kickboxing for an hour every other day with former Army drill sergeants.
I don't know what's come over me.
I'm like the most nonathletic person I know.

The first time, I was VERY close to passing out from the exertion.

The second time, I got only a little light-headed (but pulled my right right butt muscle).

The third time, I left some of my skin on the punching bag
and got a Charley horse in my right calf.

The fourth time, I kicked the bag with my 2nd toe instead of my heel,
bruising my ego along with the poor toe.
(P.S. That is not hair on the big toe, it is just a trick of the light.)

Later, I took my revenge by knocking the bag completely over.

I'm having a blast getting my butt kicked 3 times a week for some reason.
Here's hoping in a couple weeks I will be able to walk without hobbling!

Summer Stuff

Summer's in full swing!
Parker started summer day camp at YMCA Camp Thunderbird
and spends his days swimming, fishing, canoeing,
shooting arrows & rifles, careening down a zip line, and getting very dirty.

The annual Taste of India Festival was last weekend
and we FINALLY didn't forget to go this time.

There were a TON of dance performances.

I could have watched it for a long time--
there was so much bling on the saris and bright shiny fabrics, it was mesmerizing.

But I had to take a break for the FOOD!
This pineapple cream cake was like heaven.

It's funny how Indian food always looks like nasty baby food, but tastes incredible.

These little potato patties were crazy good!

This lady decided to just grin and bear all my picture taking.

The outdoor concerts are plentiful this time of year.
Jeremy's cover band had one last week and drew a pretty good crowd.

That's my baby!

Hooray for Fathers

Happy Fathers' Day to Jeremy!

Technically, a new lawn mower wasn't his present,
but we bought it the night before and were pretty elated about it, so here it is.

That's right, Jeremy is a father so dedicated
that he is teaching his son to mow the lawn even on his special day!

We visited the rest of the family later that day,
where Jeremy switched roles to Super Uncle/Teething Ring.

Here's another awesome dad in action!
Hudson apparently loves to be carried around the house like this all day long.

Lily & Angela

It's official--Parker is now taller than one of his aunts
(don't let the height of Angela's sunglasses fool you).

Aaaaand one of his Grandmas!

Hudson, Isaac & Katie, as we said goodbye for their big move!
They are now residents of the Lynchburg, VA area.

The Sound of Music

Parker's second (and final) band performance of the year took place last night.

Grandma & Grandpa Hancock came all the way down to see it!
These videos are kind of hilarious,
but you had to be there to appreciate how
these beginning band students had never before
read a piece of music or even picked up an instrument
before they took this class.

His enthusiastic, patient band instructor, Mr. Huggins,
beamed with pride at how hard the students had worked this year!

Hiiii-YAH!

A couple of months ago, Parker enrolled
in an after-school program at Martial Arts World
to learn Tae Kwon Do and some mixed martial arts.

Two weeks ago was his first belt test!

Among other things, Parker had to break a board with his foot.
We were pretty surprised to see him do it on the first try!

He's glad to trade in his white belt
for the most prestigious yellow!

Celebrating with ice cream, of course!

Why Richmond is Awesome

Adam & Heather came to visit over Easter weekend,
and they got to see it for themselves:

the awesomeness that is Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens!

Twitterpaited!

That's right!!!!BLUE ORCHIDS!!!! The coolest flower EVER!!!

Oooooh

Ahhhh

I think the best part might have been the adorable
BUNNIES, though!