Braelyn and a friend were able to do gymnastics this spring. We chose gymnastics because we were looking for a way to burn a lot of energy and work a little on coordination. Braelyn was very excited, especially after we found some leotards on clearance at Wal-mart.
I think one of the most magical and rewarding parts of being a parent is watching your child experience and learn something new and the amazing growth that comes with that. The first week was spent introducing the children to the warm-up stretches and different gym apparatus. Braelyn couldn't pull herself up on the bar and didn't dare let go of her teacher's hand on the balance beam. At this age even difficult things are still fun and she had a blast jumping into the foam-filled "pit" and bouncing crazily down the trampoline. She couldn't wait until the next class, and I found myself also anticipating watching the class, both for the amusing antics of 4-year olds, and also to see how quickly they became better and better at the things they were learning. I believe I learned a lot about how important it is too have optimism in trying new things, even if the chance of failure is high, these brave little ones loved getting back up to do it again, and never stopped giggling through it all. By the end of the 8 week class Braelyn was able to pull herself up on the bar, pull her feet up in a straddle, flip over the bar, walk across the balance beam, bounce in a straight line on the trampoline, and do an array of somersaults and tricks on the mat. I am so proud of each new thing she does, and most importantly that she was respectful to the teacher, kind to the other girls, and had a great attitude the whole way through! ( I will really miss their cute little backsides wiggling around in their leotards, they sure crack me up!)
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