Activities

Lately our days have been filled with lots and lots of activities.  Just a sign of things to come for many, many years I'm sure.  What we think is busy now is just a taste of what's in store.  Right now...

Carmen is doing gymnastics.  In true Carmen style she started off a little rocky but she's coming around.  A new leotard with matching 'crazy' shorts helped make it a bit better and the fact that her friend Maci is in the class too certainly helps.  Carmen opts-out of the warm-up (apparently watching the other kids participate is preferable), she does enjoy walking the small balance beam, doing the obstacle course (her way of course, not necessarily the way the coach intended), trying to figure out how to do a forward roll and jumping in the foam pit.  Her favorite part of the 45 minute class is getting her stamp at the end. 

Both Max and Carmen are in soccer.  Different classes but sometimes they let Carmen participate in Max's class since she is a pro (or at least has done the class before).  Max enjoys the 'big' kicks and scoring goals (he's also a big fan of watching the big kids practice baseball on the other side of the gym) and of course is happy for a water break.  He's less interested in the 'little' kicks (a.k.a dribbling) and doesn't understand why he's not supposed to use his hands to stop the ball.  Carmen is getting pretty good, now stays on her feet most of the time and isn't shy anymore.  She enjoys the team cheer and collecting her stamp at the end of class.  Maybe we have her in all of these activities for the stamps!

 

Carmen is also doing ballet.  This is her second session so at least she knows what to expect.  She continues to be a little bit shy and isn't a big fan of the warm-up exercises.  Do you see a theme forming here?  She gets into the class about 10 minutes in.  She adores the teacher and is her little shadow.  She does not like anything that has to do with a partner and flat out refuses to hold hands with anyone but the teacher despite how many talks we have.  She is learning how to do ballerina runs, how to point her toes and enjoys dancing to the princess music.  There is recital coming up in Spring.  We'll see what unfolds and if our Carmen will be up for dancing in-front of people or entertaining the idea of working with a classmate.  Perhaps the sparkly costume will convince her.  Only time will tell.