Gymnastics

(James and Rhys attempting the balance beam.)

The boys are out of preschool for the summer, and I’ve been searching for ways to keep them busy.  I originally planned to sign them up for a weekly evening dance class (how cute are little boys in black ballet shoes?), but then a friend told me about a gymnastics center not far from our house.  I had no idea it was there, so I scoped it out, and discovered it had actual daytime classes and weekly times for open gym play!  I’m always excited to find new ways to fill our days, and this is going to be perfect!

I was not athletic as a child, and though I took ballet off and on for a few years, I didn’t know what to expect from gymnastics.  I’m not really a fan of the sport during the Olympics, and to be honest, gymnastics fashion (the weird leotards, glittery eye makeup, scrunchies, and barrettes) freaks me out more than a little.  But nobody looks like that at our gymnastics place, so I think it will be okay.  It’s mostly just a bunch of little kids who run around jumping on mats and trying to keep from falling off the balance beams.

We’ve already attended two open sessions, and the boys love it!  I’m supposed to stay within arm’s reach of each one as they run from center to center, bouncing on trampolines and jumping through hoops, all the while dodging other children and trying to follow the rules.  It’s a workout for all of us, and the boys leave sweaty and exhausted, hungry for lunch and ready for a long nap.

Today, they’ll start a short class, and if all goes well, we might continue into the fall.  I’m enjoying watching them explore and learn new skills, and best of all, it’s air-conditioned!