gymnastics 2016

The kids finished up their year in gymnastics with the annual Medals in May. Chris couldn't be there right at the beginning, so it was a little crazy trying to watch Elle and Todd, and Reese just did not understand why she couldn't play on everything. Both Elle and Todd have made a lot of improvements. The pictures below of them jumping in the pit completely describe the difference in their personalities. Todd embraces life full force, and Elle is more cautious. We also got to see the new remodeled gym and we're excited to get to use that when they start in the fall. Reese is going to be a natural I can just tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

gymnastics 2016

The kids finished up their year in gymnastics with the annual Medals in May. Chris couldn't be there right at the beginning, so it was a little crazy trying to watch Elle and Todd, and Reese just did not understand why she couldn't play on everything. Both Elle and Todd have made a lot of improvements. The pictures below of them jumping in the pit completely describe the difference in their personalities. Todd embraces life full force, and Elle is more cautious. We also got to see the new remodeled gym and we're excited to get to use that when they start in the fall. Reese is going to be a natural I can just tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

medals in may

Elle finished up gymnastics for the year last week. Here's a recap of the day we got to go in and participate. This experience has let us get to know more about Elle's personality. We know she's a hardcore introvert. She takes forever to warm up to something. This day in particular, really showcased how difficult it will be to push her into anything. First, they do warm-ups, but Elle never really does it. You can see in the first picture how she walks around, but actually refuses to do what she's supposed to do with the teachers. Once she gets into the small groups she's usually fine. We determined she was nervous and easily embarrassed about everyone watching, which is not a shock since she's my daughter, but we were not prepared for how these emotions played out (e.g. fits, crying, gnashing of teeth). We're puzzled about how to help her deal with these feelings. We're still learning. I'm sure Todd might be totally different. We want to respect Elle's personality, but not let her be afraid to try things she could be good at or that could be good for her. We're taking a break for the summer to see if she really wants to continue. The other day she watched a video of old gymnastic events at the olympics and said she wanted to do the flips they were doing. So maybe she'll get back into it in the fall.

high bar action

Daddy did the pit with her this day, helping her jump or somersault in, and even did a few jumps himself!

 Here's some slow motion shots of Elle's somersault:

 

She also got a medal for her hard work. They were each supposed go up get their medal and to a "ta-da" for pics. Here's how Elle's turn went:

Once it was over and just us she did it perfectly and willingly. She just didn't want an audience.

movin' up in gymnastics

Elle is still going to gymnastics,but we now go on Wednesdays. The Tuesday before I had Todd we got a call about moving her up to the preschool class. I don't go in with her anymore, which I miss, but it has worked out since sometimes I have to feed Todd. We watch from the lobby. She has three teachers, Ms. Carol, Ms. Darcy, and Ms. Selena. They are very sweet and do such a great job with all the kids. I like Metro because they have a developmental curriculum where they work on letters, shapes, numbers or have special themes that go with their activities. They also have separate classes for competitive and non-competitive so the kids aren't pressured and can enjoy practicing skills while playing.

During Elle's class they usually warm up with some songs, but Elle is slow to join in. Then they break off into three little groups. Elle really enjoys herself once she's into her group. She's so cute to watch running around with the other kids! She seems so big. I've enjoyed meeting and talking with some of the other moms. Elle's favorite parts seem to be the obstacle courses, foam pit, and jumping on the trampoline. If you want to check out Metro without enrolling, once a month they do "Lunch Bunch" for kids 3, 4, and 5 years old. You pay $15 and your child gets an hour and half gymnastics play and a craft. They also have the kids bring a sack lunch to eat with the teacher.