It is 7:30 and Dennis and I just got home in the dark from Eden Prairie. It is unusual for us be out on the roads this late in the day. We enjoyed seeing Nicholas, who just turned nine, go through the regimen and exercises to be awarded his black belt in Tae Kwan-Do. It was a singular exercise, a partner exercise and the breaking of the boards. The ending was 30 pushups and then 50 sit-ups. Nicholas was breathing hard but the smile on his face receiving the black belt was amazing.  This was the culmination of four years of Nicholas’ determination as well as the family working through two nights a week of diligence. Going for Dairy Queens afterward wasn’t half bad either. His chocolate coated double bump cone had his total attention. Grandpa Dennis and I are so glad the winter weather held so we could attend. Driving home we did run into rain in Mankato. Great day and we are now home safe and sound.