Perserverance...

Since moving into the Leadership class, Mason has gotten the opportunity to learn a lot of new material: sparring, using the bow staff and board breaking. He had some difficulties at first with the board breaking, but eventually he got the hang of it. Above is a video of his very first board break!

We love the Beach...

Our family had a very busy weekend last weekend! After Mason's Tae Kwon Do ceremony, we drove to Jacksonville, Florida. I had a meeting to tour Trend Offset Printing on Friday morning, but afterward we lounged at the beach.

Saturday Heidi and I photographed her roommate's wedding while Brian and Mason went to the beach. Mason got a pretty bad sunburn, but I think they had a good time anyway. I wanted to spend the morning on the beach on Sunday, but Mason really didn't feel like it since he was so sore. I was thankful we didn't stay when we were home and had time to relax a little before work on Monday morning. I just love whirlwind weekend trips to the beach! We may have to do it again this summer!!!

Belt Testing...

Testing for the next belt in Tae Kwon Do is serious business. You can certainly tell how serious it is by the smile on Mason's face. He's hamming it up for the camera while Mr. Sul teaches the students their self defense moves.


Putting the teaching to practice with a fellow student. Loop, swoop and pull. Wait, that's not right.


Spear-hand strike, sir!


Each level of color belt has a series of "one-steps" the students must learn for testing. This series of one-steps was 8 moves. Since Mason is moving to the Leadership class, he will no longer do one-steps, but forms. He will have to learn a 23 move form to test for the next color belt.

Mason received his camouflage belt on Thursday evening during the color belt ceremony. After receiving his belt, he shook hands with each black belt as a sign of respect.

It was decided that since Mason was showing a real interest in continuing Tae Kwon Do that we moved him into the Leadership Class. The Leadership Class is full of students that have a genuine interest in learning Tae Kwon Do and aren't just there because their parents make them. We will continue to take him so long as he continues to show a genuine interest. Let's hope that lasts, since this program is a 2 year commitment!

I need another vacation.

I have had a rough couple of days at work, so I think I'm going to Florida for the weekend. Okay, so I was going anyway.

xoxo Presents...

I had to create a blog to tide me over for the real deal. xoxo website coming soon...I promise!

Boys and Bubbles...

This is what you get when you combine a 6 year old boy and a bubble machine. The belly inevitably comes out...


...and for some reason, bubbles taste good? Okay, so these bubbles did smell like cotton candy, but still! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Easter!

Perfect View...

We have lived in Atlanta for nearly 4 years now, and this is the first shot of the skyline I have gotten at night. I recently photographed a wedding in the Four Seasons hotel, which is right in the heart of downtown. As you can see, the views were amazing!

Prayers for Aunt Ginny...

...my Aunt Ginny had a stroke early this week. Please keep her in your prayers for a quick and full recovery.