The Little Gym

A little over a year ago, after seeing numerous commercials for The Little Gym on PBS (before the morning viewing of "Sesame Street") we decided to enroll Elise for a semester to check it out. The concept, according to the commercials and the little research I had done on-line, was interesting. A pint size "gym" for little bitties starting around 4 months old on up to 12 years....the classes were grouped according to age and the curriculum centered around fun, interactive activities in a group setting, as well as giving ample time for the kiddies to go exploring on their own. The equipment, ranging from floormats, to parallel bars and little balance beams - was all heavily padded, miniature versions of the stuff you see when watching the Olympic gymnastics team. VERY CUTE! Having always secretly wanted to take gymnastics as a kid, and being incredibly jealous of my friends who DID take gymnastics, there was simply no way we WEREN'T signing up. (I hope you followed that.) Of course, when initiating the discussion with Patrick, I stressed the importance of socializing - and not my secret-selfish reasons for wanting to take her. It didn't take much convincing, he was all for the idea. YEAH! So, a little over a year later, we have watched our shy little uncoordinated missy blossom into the outgoing, charismatic, highly coordinated little girl...yes, proud mom alert. Saying that she loves this weekly class would be an understatement. She can't wait to get out of the Jeep when we pull into the parking lot and see's the sign for the gym! Last week was the final class of the spring semester and the "show class". Parents, grandparents, etc. were all invited to watch and participate in the class. Here are some highlights:






The little monkey loves the bars...




another favorite is the parachute...not that you can tell by her expression here



And the cutest little medal ceremony you ever did see - complete with some sort of Olympic themed music playing.






Daddy, Mommy and Nana with the STAR

We're taking the summer off to enjoy more pool time, but will anxiously await the beginning of the fall semester back at The Little Gym.