This past weekend my husband decided to take the family camping. Unfortunately he wanted to camp on the COLDEST WEEKEND EVER! Listen to my advice, don't go camping if the temperature is to go below 60! For me, I don't like to camp if the temperature is to dip below the freezing 70's, but, that's just me! So here's our weekend! Stay warm while you read, I wasn't warm while I took the pictures!
We started out Saturday afternoon ready to camp. As you can see, the kids were already camping in the back seat, since watching mom and dad pack the truck was so exhausting! Yes, we even took the dog! We were loaded with tons of blankets and jackets, clothes upon clothes, we were set. Or so we thought! When we got there the wind was whipping so hard it bit through your clothes and you couldn't put on enough layers to stay warm. This issue only worsened as the sun went down. Luckily, the wind went down but so did the temps!
The kids were bundled up tight to keep out the chill, Pooter decided that is was much warmer in the truck where she could watch movies. That is where she spent the majority of her time. No, I'm not a bad mom, that is where she wanted to be! Can't blame her!
We build a BIG fire for the big kids and adults and didn't get far from it for 3 days! Can you see them shivering, wondering whose wonderful idea it was to camp in this weather?? Actually, they loved it, until Alyssa got cold and started whining so we put her in the truck too and she and her sister sucked up the heat in the truck watching movies. Austin is too tough for that! He slept in the tent in 20 something degree temps, bundled in jackets pants and shoes in a sleeping bag. He never admitted to being cold.
The girls and I spent the night in the back of my truck where we could run the heat if we needed. The girls sweated while i froze! Shawn joined us the 2nd night and he slept in the front seat and ran the heat. I don't think he could admit he picked a bad weekend to go!
The kids braved to elements to go fishing. Austin couldn't stand being that close to the water and not getting a hook wet. He back lashed the fishing pole 3 times and gave up. But, he got a hook wet and got fishing out of his system and all was right with the world again! We came home Monday and are still trying to get rid of the stuffy noses and frostbitten toeses! I think we will wait until late spring to try this camping thing again, or at least get a hotel room that has good heat!
He works very hard to remember the moves and to mind his manners. The weekend before last Austin had belt testing. When you first start out you are a white belt and as your skills and confidence increase so does your rank. The belt colors are white, yellow, red, blue, brown, and black. Before getting the next belt color you get a stripe on your belt. So Austin tested for the yellow stripe. 
I think I was more nervous than him. He was confident and paid attention to what the instructors asked. The younger guys were tested in small groups for time purposes and so they wouldn't be so nervous. 
Here they were tested on some combat skills. All these months I've tried to tell him to keep his hands to himself, down the drain! It gets some energy out though! Each boy took a turn.
At the end is a special ceremony where the Grand Master recognizes them and their accomplishments, they turn from him and a Master places the stripe or new belt on them. It is very exciting to watch since Austin was so pleased with himself and I am very proud of him.
Here is Austin with the Grand Master. He is a great guy who gives the kids and adults such great encouragement! He told Austin what a great job he did and too keep trying, keep practicing, and to always do his best!
