Summersaults, trampolines and such things.

We enrolled Sophia in a second session of gymnastics. She seems to enjoy it just as much as the first time, but with two added bonuses: Sophia's pal, William (and his daddy), have joined the class, and we have a new instructor who is really great with the kids! It's been fun, although alot more work for mommy now that she's packed on a couple of extra baby pounds. Daddy has even been able to take Sophia through the circuit, and she's had a cheering section twice now --both sets of grandparents have been witness to her gymnastic skill!

We have had a couple of small bumps though....there is one exceptionally long yellow slide, that if you don't hold on to Sophia, she goes down too fast and bumps her head. When this happens, it takes her a little while before she's ready to go back into the circuit again. And curiously, well maybe not so curiously as this makes sense to me, she has developed a fairly strong aversion to the wood ladders they have for the kids to climb up. The space between the rungs is fairly large, and I think it freaks her out a little. She puts up a fight whenever we go near them. So, we will give them a try at each session, and if she still balks at them, we will skip 'em. Makes sense, right?

We did have a new thing happen this week....in at least one of the circuits, there is a long balance beam (close to the ground) that the kids have to walk on. Now usually I have to walk beside Sophia while holding her hands, because she has the attention span of a goldfish in that place, what with all the other things happening, and she loses her footing. Well, this week, Iona (the coach) offered to lead Sophia while she held onto a hoola hoop. Here's the picture...Iona standing in front holding the hoop, with Sophia walking the balance beam holding the other end of the hoop. Where's mommy? Standing beside her with her hands out just in case. Sophia needed to be able to see me, or else she got nervous, but she managed to walk the beam at least twice without being held! What an accomplishment!

Running full tilt in the play area. We always go about half an hour before our session so that Sophia can take advantage of the toys etc. in the playarea and I can have a lovely latte. It works for both of us! :)

One of the many slides in the play area.

Heading through the tunnel....Sophia loves this part of the circuit! Too much fun!

One of the frightening ladders. That day she would try it with Daddy, but the next week, with Mommy, there was no way!

Being bounced around by Daddy. I *think* they are supposed to run down this particular trampoline (it's not the regular really bouncy kind) but that morning Sophia just decided to lay down, and Daddy started bouncing. Gotta love the look of pure joy!

Most days, classes end with a turn in the foam pit and then head off for stamps (which really Sophia's most favorite part!). The foam pit has a trampoline on the bottom and is full of these yellow and green soft foam squares. Sophie hasn't mastered the whole jumping in routine, but LOVES being thrown in by Daddy. It's really the only place where throwing your children around is both encouraged and safe.

I am not sure who had more fun....Daddy or Sophia!