gymnastics

"Jumpin' jelly beans... we have a gymnast in the house!"  Jane started gymnastics at the Gymnastics Training Center this fall with six other little girls from our ward.  One of the moms in our neighborhood organized it and coordinated the schedules so that we could all be together while the kids experienced their first go at gymnastics.  This is a sport that has always made me want to hold my breath as I watch all of the incredible flips and back handsprings, and other amazing tricks done by gymnasts on all the apparatus.  The way they twist and turn and fly through the air makes my heart skip a beat.  But, I figured it would be a fun thing for Jane to be able to go each week and be with her friends, and that it also might be a good idea for Jane to learn how to do things the "right way" since she already likes doing all sorts of "tricks" on the tramp downstairs.  I constantly find myself saying, "Be careful Jane.  Tuck your neck..."  

The night before her first class, I went out and bought Jane her first leotard… actually it’s the first time I've ever had to buy a leotard and I know I looked bewildered at Target staring at the rack of so many different colors, sizes, and designs.  The good news is that Jane really likes the leotards I chose, mostly because they have a sparkly design on the front.  Janie is having a good time at her class and is really very good at the sport!  She has a lot of strength and a great sense of coordination and balance.  Her favorite thing to do is to jump from the high beam into the great colorful pit of foam squares.  She still needs to learn the art of sitting still and following instructions, and her teacher, Lindsay, is very patient... Jane is by far the most rambunctious and wiggly girl in the class.  She just loves visiting with her friends and has really enjoyed going to her class each Tuesday morning.  It's been a fun thing for the two of us to go and do together.

All the cute girls from our neighborhood... they had such a fun time together!