Benji's First Karate Class!

I've been wanting to sign Benji up for karate classes for a while.  Apparently karate is good for discipline, focus, and general physicality (strength, balance, body awareness), all of which would benefit Benji. A friend recommended a dojo that's one block from his summer camp and it turns out they offer classes for kids from 6:00 to 6:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even better, the first two classes are free! We stopped by after camp on Tuesday to watch part of a class and whet his appetite a little, then returned today. Benji has been watching the TV show "Ninjago" and he was VERY excited to have a "sensei" (teacher). Sensei Bob is GREAT with kids (strict and kind at the same time) and incorporated Benji into the class smoothly. Benji really enjoyed it and the babies watched with rapt attention for almost the entire 30 minute session. Afterwards, Tamar was saying "kick" and making little kicks with her chubby little leg! We'll definitely be back next week, so expect more karate class photos in the future.  --Victoria

Daniel in Benji's shirt

When I unpacked this shirt sent to Benji by my parents, Daniel clamored to wear it until I put it on him. Then he was very happy! Benji loved it as well.  --Victoria

Nicknames

Daniel has earned the nickname "The Great Destroyer" because of his obvious talents in this area. He's also known as "the wrecking ball baby" (coined by Benji) for the same reason.

Tamar is "The Great Devourer" because of her ability to keep eating and eating and eating...  She downed two hot dogs a few evenings ago, along with various side dishes.  She'll also eat pancakes until she goes into reverse.  We literally have to cut her off.

--Victoria

Fun at the Park

On Friday, in addition to visiting Aaron's office, we went to Garfield Park (Benji's suggestion) and enjoyed the swings and playground.  Benji was sweet about helping push Tamar and Daniel on the swings.  They loved it!  --Victoria

Summer T-Ball Team

Benji has really been enjoying t-ball this summer. The last game was this past Saturday, and the coaches lined the kids up for a group photo. Benji is fourth from the left (without his hat). --Victoria

Visiting Daddy's Office!

On Friday, I took the day off work because our sitter had a planned vacation, and Benji asked to stay home from camp with me and the babies. Aaron had forgotten to take his lunch to work so we drove to his office on the way to the park to drop it off. When we got there, Benji asked if we could go in and see Daddy's office, so we parked and piled out of the car and went through security (which is generally required for all federal buildings in DC).



Benji was adorably excited about all this. He claimed that seeing where Aaron works was "the most exciting thing that had ever happened" to him. The babies were most excited by the extra swivel chair in Aaron's office. Benji obligingly sat on it to keep them safe while they all spun (slowly) around and around.



--Victoria

Daniel on the Couch