Shanikwa Returns

Shanikwa is back - and so was Firestar and Shadowhawk, as you can see above.  "Real Talk With Shanikwa" is a fictitious reality show, with a studio audience and guests.  The guests were superheroes from our "Heroes" series, and it was sort of a step outside of that movie series for them, into a more comedic talk show format.  Shanikwa is a hilarious character, one we keep bringing back because she's been so much fun for us!

It was day two of Rank Camp for Edge ATA Karate, and Madison got there a little earlier this time, because she set the alarm earlier.  The time things get started is 9:00 am, but if kids get there a little early, they play games and do other activities leading up to the start time.  You can see above they're all playing some sort of game that seems like musical chairs - soon everyone will be up, running around to get their seats.

Madison did more side kick practice today, and more nunchuck practice, which is still one of those phrases I never thought I'd be uttering, never mind actually typing out:  Madison is doing nunchuck practice.  But more practical than that, today they were learning how to break holds and get out of potentially dangerous situations when strangers come up and threaten.  That's the stuff that Mommy and Daddy love hearing about, that Madison can take care of herself.

It's going well, and she's really liking it a lot.  What's funny to me is how these instructors can make doing things like sit-ups and push-ups actually fun for the kids.  The exercise is great, and it strikes me that Madison is more of the athletic, competitive type now - this versus the graceful ballerina we've seen in the past.  There's a balance, of course, but now she's trying out the athletic side of things and having the best time doing it.

Daddy's been playing taxi driver, dropping her off and then going over to prepare for Summer Xtreme.  But he gets to spend a bit of time watching Madison in action from a parent waiting room.  I get there for pick-up, and I've waited for quite some time, as Madison is having so much fun that she wants to delay that departure just a little bit more.  It's fine, as I need the rest as much as she need the play time.  It's actually relaxing sitting in the waiting room, watching the kids have their fun.

The day ended with prayers, with a devotional, and with reading.  It's been good so far, our summer.  The weather is pretty rainy and overcast, but that keeps things cooler.  The lake is really full though.  It's a time of surplus blessings, isn't it?