Welcome to Dragon Training!

This is a Viking. My recently turned SEVEN years old Viking. Don't let that sweet smile fool you! He is really a fierce, tough, dragon-taming Viking. Just ask him. He'll be happy to tell you all about it!

Josh had a birthday back in August and he wanted a BIG party in a BIG way. After much deliberation, he finally decided upon a "How to Train Your Dragon" party. It turned out to be really FUN!

The first thing we did was give all the kids new Viking names. If you're going to go up against fire-breathing dragons you need a name that makes you sound fierce. Names like "Hairy the Scary" or "Fester the Fierce" or "Bardi the Beastly". Josh's new name was "Ack the Loud". Appropriate, yes?

The next thing you need for dragon training is equipment. All the kids were issued a standard Viking helmet and sword. But a Viking's most important piece of equipment is a shield. To quote Gobber (from the "How to Train Your Dragon" movie), "If you must make a choice between a sword and a shield, take the shield!"

All the kids made their own shields.
They did a great job!
Then the kids started their training. Seth and Aleah were in charge of teaching proper dragon-taming technique. They threw plastic balls at the kids so they could learn how to deflect those scary balls of fire that dragons shoot.
The kids practiced speed and agility by going through an obstacle course. Seth and Aleah turned into regular drill sargeants here. Remind me not to hire them as personal trainers!
Thankfully the kids came through with flying colors!
Finally, they learned the art of sword fighting.They were pretty enthusiastic about this part!
After all that hard work, they needed to come in for some vittles.
The dragon cake was a hit.
We finished off with the opening of presents...
and a dragon pinata.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH! We love you!