Twinkle Stars

We've reached the point where it's time to branch out and get Avery involved in some sort of group activity.  Not because there is a hard and fast rule that says so, but if you know Avery, you know she's ready for such a challenge.  It's difficult not to get caught up in all the options.  Where to begin?  Dance? Swim? Gymnastics? Music? Basket-weaving?  Just kidding on that last one, though it wouldn't surprise me if it existed somewhere.  I mean, she is only 2 years old, but I have to admit that it feels as if we already missed the boat on "getting her signed up".  No wonder life seems to go so fast when your child has a schedule of her own at age 2 or younger!  How and why we decided upon gymnastics I still don't know, but we did.  Avery is officially enrolled at Rising Stars Academy in the Twinkle Stars class.  It's the youngest class they have and is for kiddos 20 months - 3 years old.  While Avery is towards the end of this age group, they insisted that she start here to get accustomed to her new activity.  Specifically, this is a parent-tot class meaning that we are on the floor with her, coaching her through each station.  After talking it up for a couple of days, she was beyond ready to go and check it out.  She loves telling people that she has a "nastics" class to go to.
So here we are on the first night of class.  What to wear?  They told me she could wear a leotard or just clothes that she'd be comfortable in.  I opted for the clothes option, after all the wind chill is sub-zero.  Upon arrival, Avery could hardly contain herself.  So many things to do!  The class is fairly small, providing a chance to get to talk to the instructor and other parents throughout the night.  And yes, I was THAT parent.  How often does your baby start her first gymnastics class?  I pulled out my camera and took a few pictures as the evening progressed.  
This class mainly focuses on hand-eye coordination, following directions, and working side-by-side with other kids doing the same thing.  Avery did great though we did have to rope her in a few times when she got so excited she couldn't sit down.  And so begins my 2 year old's schedule:  the next 8 Monday nights from 6:15pm - 7pm.  If all goes well, I'm sure we'll continue for another 8 after that, and after that...

Ready to go!

the small gymnasium

the small gymnasium- just beyond that fence are several trampolines

Miss Kelsey, her teacher, helping her walk her feet up the mat

trying to figure out how to hang and swing

All by herself