Li's Big Day on Tues Sept 9th 2008

Last Tuesday 9/16/08 was a big day for Li.

Li had a "test" for his white belt at noon-1pm. He was so excited to get it! He remembered perfectly the two things most important to learn martial arts: focus and respect. He also practiced the movements he learned from the first private class (there are two mandatory private classes prior to joining a regular class). Go Li!

Later in the afternoon, we went to the YMCA and played with one of Li's favorite friends Emma in the warm therapy pool. Li stated that he wanted to try taking the Swim Test as he didn't want to put on a life vest or bubble anymore. He passed the Swim Test his first time taking it!! Katie, Makana and I encouraged him alongside the pool and were so proud of him. He was determined. (He'll have to retake the test each month though as the Y rules stipulate that kids must retake the test once a month.)

While in the pool, Li asked Emma to be his girlfriend. She said "Yes!" Awww. Funny that when they met in my ballet class about a year and a half ago, they both said to their mothers that they will marry each other. Cute. (Hey, ya never know! Wouldn't this be a neat story!)

Other fun things:

Li caught a wide mouthed bass at Alfred Lake this summer. He was so excited!!

Li is learning to read. He can read Dr. Seuss books almost perfectly. I found out that Li does not like to be corrected at all, even if he asks me to "help him learn how to read." I need to let him lead. I need to wait for him to ask me what a word is or I need to ask him if he wants me to tell him a word or tell him how to correctly pronounce a word. (Or else he gets mad and might even shut the book.)