The Karate Kid

We made a trip to Jackson for the Ridgeland Tae Kwon Do Regional Tournament. On our way, we went to Geyser Falls. This water park in Choctaw, Mississippi was a lot of fun for the kids, both big and little! The kids were most excited to be staying in a hotel with an indoor pool. This is one of our travel requirements! Friday night, we met up with Mike, one of Judd's Novartis buddies at Judd's all-time favorite restaurant, Hamil's. Mike's daughter, Georgia, is also a green belt and was competing in the tournament. Judd said we wanted to "size up" the competition. Georgia is a head taller than Cole and several months younger...GREAT!!!

The tournament was held on Saturday at a nearby middle school. Besides performing his green belt forms, sparring was now a part of the competition. This is what makes me the most nervous. However, Cole did well, receiving a silver medal in forms (his 27 green belt moves) and a gold medal in sparring. His daddy was most proud! He likens himself to Mr. Miyagi...the at-home sensei (master). I just call him the pageant dad.

 
Waiting to compete

 
After a board-breaking demonstration, Cole gets his board signed by a karate master

 
Sizing them up

 
Mentally prepared

 
Getting ready to spar. I can't look!

 
The medal ceremony

 
Cole and Georgia