Happy Valentine's Day from the Coltons

First Discipline Stripes

Connor and Ian earned their first discipline stripes today at karate. They each added a red stripe to their belts. Today's stripes were for reading at least 30 minutes every day. On Monday they will each get two more stripes for completing their chores for a week and for doing extra duties at home/school without having to be asked. They both seem to really enjoy the class and I'm excited about how much they focus when they take it.

Karate Lessons

The boys had their introductory class today for karate from Master Lee. They start their lessons on Monday.

Puppet Workshop

Today I attended Connor's Puppet Workshop and Show at Draper Elementary. First we made our own puppets and then we saw a puppet show by Coralie Leue of the Utah Puppet Theater. It's always fun to spend one-on-one time with Connor.

The Start of Scouting

Tonight was Connor's first Pack Meeting. He even called his first flag ceremony! He was also awarded his Bobcat. He is so excited to be a Cub Scout. And so our life in scouting begins.

Our Disney Cruise

We just returned from a five-day cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream. It was a magical vacation. Disney certainly has the market on handling every detail. The boys had a wonderful time and we hope it's a vacation they will long remember. Our favorite port was Castaway Cay -- Disney's private island. We fed and swam with stingrays, snorkeled, did water slides and enjoyed the beautiful beach. The boys also loved their interactions with all the Disney characters and the mystery's they solved through the interactive Midship Detective Agency. Kim and I loved the entertainment and our night out at Palo's adult restaurant.

Here are our photos to get a sampling of the great time we had!

Annual Bowling Activity

Every year during Winter Recess, we go bowling. This is the first year I actually won -- even beat Kim. I have posted the scorecard as proof (not that my score is anything to brag about). It's a fun activity and we always have such a great time as a family. Recess is over tomorrow and the boys start back to school. It will be good to get back into the routine of school and work. Here's wishing for another happy and healthy new year ahead!