The Littlest Gymnast

Not long after we came home from China, Em was invited to a birthday party of a fellow AP. We hadn't previously met but she was so sweet to invite us so we could meet other families with children including some children from China. Needless to say Em had a really good time so we decided to try the free trial class and haven't looked back. It's a very nice program (chain but independently owned) which at this age is parent participation. The children are on average 18 months-3 years with Emme being one of the older children. From day one we have felt very at home here and enjoy our first instructor and now the owner who runs our class. The children and parents are lovely and it's a nice social outlet for us both. In time one of Emme's friends joined and the two ladies enjoy being together while we get to hang out and chat. When we began, she could not do much of anything other than run around. She was unable to jump or walk backwards or grasp the bars. In the 7 months we've been attending, Em can jump in a few ways, run, walk backwards, gallup, walk the low and high balance beam, climb the little wall and slide down, forward roll and swing on the parallel bars and bring her feet up to the bar. Physical therapy has nothing on the skills she's achieved. It is the highlight of the week and we refer to it as "date night". I pick her up from school, we grab dinner and then class. In June we will try to move her to the next level which is without parents in the room and is more skill training at stations rather than group games. Here are some pics from Tuesday night. P.S...... I know I'll get some flack but I couldn't resist adding the photo of Em looking at our friend who is expecting. She was looking at the "baby". A few weeks ago I asked Em to be careful and not jump all over A since she had a baby in her tummy. Em looked at her oddly, lifted up her shirt and asked where the baby was.