Other recent happenings:
Tai Pi took part in her first Taekwondo tournament. She didn't win a single match but got a silver anyway. She had a walkover in the first round and with that she made it to the finals where she was up against a girl three years older and one head taller. Now she was supposed to compete against other 7-8 year old green/blue belts (Tai Pi is actually a green tip but entered the tournament as a green belt) but somehow ended up facing an 11 year old. Despite that, Tai Pi was full of courage and stood her ground and tried her best to execute some kicks. But because of the big height (and leg length) difference, her opponent easily kicked her over and over and with such force that Tai Pi literally flew up with each kick. Still, Tai Pi managed to maintain her balance and didn't fall to the ground nor did she retreat. Half a minute into the match, Tai Pi's coach stopped the match to keep Tai Pi from being kicked to a pulp. After that, Tai Pi cried in pain for about 10 minutes. I thought she was just psychologically traumatised but she was in real physical pain having had the wind knocked out of her. But she was fine after a while and was very pleased to receive the silver trophy which I think she fully deserved for her bravery. In fact. the overaged girl should have been disqualified and the gold given to Tai Pi!!!
We hosted our first sleepover. We had the usual gang over for Christmas and the kids stayed the night and walked to Taekwondo class the next morning. The girls received all the Christmas gifts they wanted and the fun continued till New Year's Day when they went bowling with their friends. I think it is really clever how bowling alleys now have bumpers so that when kids (or adults!) bowl, the ball doesn't go into the gutter. But even that doesn't always help. Watch the video of Pumpkin and see how she doesn't let the bumpers get in her way.
After the year end festivities, it was back to school for the girls. While some other kids might have been dreading it, Tai Pi and Pumpkin were really excited. For Pumpkin, this was especially so since she was entering primary one. I think I'm the one dreading the new school term, what with having to keep an eye on their school work, and now not just one but two of them! argh!!! Other than that, I think it's going to be a very good 2007 as we settle into our new home and enjoy this lovely neighbourhood. Happy New Year 2007 everybody!!!
