The Rhodes Barrel o' Boys

Michael started wrestling last night. He is 10, and a pretty big boy. We breed em' big here in the Rhodes household. He is about 5'3, and 150lbs. A heavyweight like his big brother William, who at 14, is 6'3'' and around 250lbs. I have been excited to see William being supportive, coaching him, helping him work out in preparation for wrestling. I do have a little incentive dangling, a 1/2 hour of video game time during the week, if he does the job with a smile on his face and doesn't torture his little brother. Even with the bribe involved, it is nice to see them having fun together. Jack has been working out too, he is the smallest in the bunch. He is about 5'6", and 150lbs. He is trying to bulk up for high school football. He prays nightly for his growth spurt to hit. It is tough being only 15 months younger than your older brother, but significantly different in size. He has a heart and passion as an athlete. He has always been the one who is the most aggressive, who suits up for practice with no complaint, who practices in the driveway. Seeing your older, lazier brother get kudos's and grace from coaches because he is so big has got to rub a little. On the up side, now that William is off the couch and working out every day, he and Jack have more in common! Nick, age 4 (at a stunning 3 ft tall, and 40lbs) will likely be the best athlete in the bunch, he will start competing in hockey in the fall. A little healthy competition is in the air.

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