Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Gymnastics

We made it through another year of gymnastics at The Little Gym. I go to that place 4 times every week, and at times I get really tired of it. But the kids love it so much. And I love seeing their confidence grow. And the instructors there truly care about my kids and build their self esteem. Savannah's instructor sends her notes in the mail every other week, just telling her how awesome she is. So, I'll keep driving there 4 times a week next year so my kids can be happy. But, I am definitely looking forward to the summer break.

This week was their "Show Week". First was Savannah and Sara's dance/gymnastics class (Monday night). Scott was out of town (4 days in Chicago), so I took lots of pictures to show him when he came home.
Next up was Aaron and Nate's class on Wednesday night. Scott got home from Chicago Tuesday night, so he was able to come to this one.
Thursday morning was Owen's turn. Scott had to fly to Seattle for the day, so I was on my own again. And Owen's gym class was the exact same time as Nate's preschool graduation. So I sent our babysitter Megan with Owen to Little Gym along with my camera, and I went to Nate's preschool celebration.
And the last class of the week, was Savannah's gymnastics class on Thursday afternoon (once again, I was on my own for this one). I had the video camera going for all of her routines (to show Scott later), so I didn't get any still shots of her routines, just her getting a medal.

Instant Ear Plugs

For Savannah's end of the year project for Challenge, she was supposed to think about what "bugged" her, then come up with an invention to fix it.  She tried to brainstorm, but the only thing she could come up with that bugged her was sibling related (Sara's singing, Aaron's chewing, everyone talking, etc.).  So she invented "Instant Ear Plugs".  They are ear plugs with paper beads (which she made) to make it look like a necklace, then held together in the back with a paper clip.  That way, you can wear a fashionable necklace, and have ear plugs ready at a moment's notice.  I took the little boys with me to see her presentation (and they mostly behaved). I have a feeling I'll be seeing those ear plugs a lot this summer.
(As a side note, her friend's invention was a mirror with a magnetic frame. Then she glued magnets to all her mom's makeup, so you have all your makeup at your fingertips right around the mirror. Savannah helped herself to some eyebrow pencil before her presentation, so her eyebrows are extra dark in these pictures. She thinks she's getting so grown up.)

Horseback Riding Lesson

Sara is our third child. I was a third child, so I find myself being extra sensitive to how she feels. The oldest gets to do everything first. The youngest gets spoiled. And the middle, it seems at times, gets a little lost. Sara feels like this a lot.

 Last Fall, I came across a promotional special--$10 for a half hour horse back riding lesson (and just one mile from our house). So I bought it and held on to it all winter. When the nice weather finally appeared here this Spring, I scheduled the lesson for Sara. The other kids were insanely jealous, and Sara felt so special. Scott went along to watch while I stayed home with the other kids. He took lots of pictures for me, and Sara came home talking about it non-stop.