Karate
David was in a great beginning karate class at a fabulous gym this summer. (Hey, locals, next year check out the summer karate program Kicks Unlimited does through the Fitchburg rec department. Super afforable and super quality!) David took it very seriously, and he did a great job! On the last day he earned his white belt. He would really like to continue. He gets excited about a lot of things, so we're going to wait until after soccer and reevaluate. I'm trying to really observe and really listen to my kids when it comes to choosing what activities they do. (It's hard figuring out and balancing passion, time, talent, cost, benefits, etc. But I'm guessing most of you know that already...)
Here's our martial artist in action:
Receiving his white belt from the dojo:
Bailey too:
Congratulations, kids!!
Great job, David!
Gymnastics
After a school year of dance, Mary wanted to go back to gymnastics. This summer we tried a new gym, Badger Gymnastics Academy, which had been highly recommended from lots of different people.
Mary loved gymnastics! It was definitely the highlight of each week for her. In her usual fashion, she worked hard and with serious enthusiasm.
On the last day, friends and family were allowed into the gym for a closer look and to take pictures. (Normally, you watch the classes from a windowed observation deck on the second floor.) I loved watching Mary.
A few pictures:
Mary marching out with her teacher:
(This actually wasn't Mary's teacher. She had a substitute on the last day. And, to be honest, I am so glad! One reason why people love this gym is because the teachers are fabulous! But Mary's was young, inexperienced, and pretty average. She was nice enough, but she was more interested in/comfortable with going through the mental list of tasks to complete each class than in actually helping the kids progress. It was so frustrating to watch Mary so close to accomplishing new skills, which she could have if her teacher had just been a little more aware and willing to push just a tiny bit. Oh well. I think Mary's teacher was an anomaly. There are two big gyms and multiple classes going on in both gyms at once, so I had the chance to observe the other instructors too. They all seemed wonderful! I think Mary progressed more on the last day with the experienced substitute, who was great, than she had all summer with her mediocre teacher. So it was a good way to end--Mary definitely felt a sense of accomplishment!)
Coming out of a front roll:
Beginning a cartwheel:
Practicing hand stands:
Building strength and control on the rope:
Working on the bars:
At the end we were all invited to participate in a few fun activities together. Mary and her much adored brother:
Mary would love to continue in gymnastics. And she would also like to do dance again. But, for now, she's got to adjust to all-day school. I don't see any after school activities in her near future. So I'm especially glad she loved gymnastics this summer.
