Our Sophie girl was built for gymnastics.  Nana and Papa sent her to a gymnastics camp over the summer and she thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.  We registered for gymnasttics this fall and she was beyond excited.  Every day I heard "how many more days until gymnastics?"

Finally the day arrived and after a full day of school, rushing to pick up Dan from the airport, coming home and jumping into her red leotard, we were off.  Mind you, this, before Max ran over to her and gave her a bear hug saying "do good Sophie".  What a brother.

We get to the gym which is all abuzz and filled with kids of all ages tumbling, swinging on bars, walking the balance beam, etc.  We stood behind the metal gate (which we are not allowed to enter until called) and wait until the coaches yell "girls....come in and run six laps".  (The first time Sophie took this class she looked at me like "where do I go, what do I do", so she started running, not in a circle, just running , until the coaches explaned what a lap was).

All 30 girls stretched and followed the coaches instructions until they said "ok, get in a line by your teacher".  Sophie looked around wondering where to go and I was thinking to myself  "who IS Sophie's teacher"?  I went to the office and asked and they told me Ms. Jane.  I came back to find Sophie standing in line by Ms. Jane.  One of the Mom's said that  "she just went around to the different coaches and asked "who is my teacher, where do I go"?

Next think you know, they were divided up by age and skill level and they were walking the balance beam, jumping on the trampoline, etc.  The coach set up a circuit for the girls and had them do a jump, catwheel, backwards sommersault and handstand.  Sophie still hasn't mastered the backwards sommersault but wasn't getting any assistance.  I could see her looking at the coach like "hello, I need a little help here".  She walked over to her, poker her arm and you could see her mouth moving and the the coach helped her.  Next thing you know, she was having trouble with a cartwheel, she needed help, still wasn't getting it, walked on over to the coach, another poke on the arm, mouth moving, coach helped her.

I was watching thinking that these coaches need some extra help and that they were pretty hard core.  Not very lovey dovey.   They mean business and they don't have time for sweet talk.  I was thinking to myself that I would not have done well in a setting like this when I was a little girl.  I was so shy and timid.  I love it that Sophie is not afraid to speak up and ask for help, ask a question ,etc.  I definately want to nurture that quality in her and encourage her to never be afraid to speak up.  Her voice and her opinion matters!

After her class, she said to me "Mom, this is the real deal...this is serious gymnastics".  I think you are right girl!