A trip to the gym

For the last couple of months, I have not been staying at the gym for Kaylie's workouts--apparently it was a little bit embarrassing that I was the only mom to stay and watch. So I'm limiting my time, and last night was one of the nights I stayed to watch. (Sheridan has a level 1 class on Fridays, so that gives me a good excuse!)

While I was there, the team was working on beam--which I hadn't seen Kaylie do for months. I was able to see her perform the entire routine on the regular beam (the one that is used in competition, as opposed to one that sits on the floor for practice) for the first time! Wow, what a long way she has come!! I think she's the best one on her team at this event. Of course, I'm not biased or anything! I think that she comes across very well, because she doesn't give the impression that she is worried about falling off. It's amazing how much difference that creates to the viewer--she seems more graceful and self-assured, so even if the actual skill is performed with the same accuracy, hers looks better. I'm pretty happy about this--for the obvious parental pride reasons, but also because it is so important for her self-esteem. She came onto this team after spending only two weeks at level 3, so initially she was way behind the other girls. Now she is at or ahead of her teammates on beam and bar, and behind only on vault and floor. I think that is a perfect place to be--excelling on some apparatus, and striving to improve on others. A nice balance for the all girls on the team to feel good about whatever skill they excell in, and to be motivated to improve on the others!

School has finally started!!

And I hope to have the proper time and energy to focus here! I spent quite a few hours today prepping and listing some items on eBay--there are 3 photo links on the right side of the blog. Several additional items, including some "Enchanted" party supplies, and a Wilton Castle Cake decorating set have also been listed for Kaylie's fund.

Kaylie had almost two weeks off from the gym, due to the Labor Day weekend--so she's pretty tired and sore after two really good workouts on Friday and Saturday! But even with a long break between, she made a couple of improvements in her skills, including a comment from her favorite coach that she made the best vault he's ever seen her do!! Yay!! She also was able to do a back hand spring using the mat, without being spotted by the coach! "Getting" her back hand spring is a big goal of hers, so she's very happy to be so close. Soon she'll be doing them without the mat, and deciding what her next goal is!

We'll keep you posted!!