More 'Nastics!

Today, Ryan had both Mommy and Grandma with him at Gymnastics. It was his last class of this session and Mommy wanted to go, but she wanted to see how things would go with baby sister along. She asked me to come along to hold Lily, and I was happy to do so. I *LOVE* watching Ryan at the gym! When we got there, Lily was crying in the carseat, so Ryan and Grandma went inside until Mommy could take care of Lily and come inside. Ryan immediately looked for Miss T.C. when we entered the Little Gym. He really likes his instructor and likes to know where she is throughout the class. When he spotted her at the uneven parallel bars, he walked over to say hello. Once Miss T.C. knew he was there, he felt free to play on the equipment. First he climbed onto the trampoline and bounced and bounced. He loves jumping on the tramp and rarely will leave unless another child is waiting for a turn. As much as he loves to jump, he will climb off and go to another piece of equipment when another child wants to bounce on the tramp. I was so proud of his willingness to share the equipment with the other kids. When Ryan went to the uneven bars, he was all ready to show Miss T. C. that he could do the new skill. The class is working on an 'above-the-bar' skill -- balancing with hips on the bar. Ryan had watched the other kids try and knew what to do. He just did it, without much help at all. First time he didn't hold on very long, but the second time he held the position a little longer. He seemed quite pleased with himself. During Circle Time, the kids were to practice their 'Ta-Daa's' meaning after a forward roll, they were to stand with arms up and say 'ta-daaah!' This was to practice for getting ribbons at the end of class. The first few kids didn't really 'get' the ta-da thing. They did the roll, but no pose. A couple of kids refused participation, then it was Ryan's turn. He marched up to the mat, chose a yellow stripe to do his forward roll, stood up, raised his hands and said proudly 'TA-DA!' He got applause from all the Mommies then ran to me and flung himself into my arms. I love that part. After seeing Ryan, the rest of the kids got the idea and the ta-daas went much better. He was such a good example. [No proud grandma here ;)] During Free Play, Ryan gladly practiced his above the bar work and turned forward rolls on the mat, but he simply refused to walk on the balance beam 'a different way.' He had already walked it twice before Circle Time. Since he usually avoids it with me, I was pleased with that much balance beam. When it was time to go the the Big Gym, Ryan was first in line. He always waits for his escort (Jen or me) to hold his hand and walk with him, so we led the way behind Miss T. C. Ryan had a great time in the Big Gym, as he always does. I took video of him getting his ribbon with my new camera. Can't wait to see how that turned out!