Little Gym = Big Fun

Found her during hide & seek

It has been mentioned many times, but Gabbi loves Little Gym.  We have been members of Little Gym since she was just 14 months old. It is an activity that she loves to attend and has been a staple in our weekend schedule.  She continues to improve her skills, make new friends, connect with teachers, and learn valuable lessons.  I would recommend Little Gym to anyone with a baby, toddler, or early grade schooler.

Today was a Little Gym milestone for us.  Today was our last "gym" class because next week we transition to "DANCE" class.  No more gym clothes, now on to leotards, tap shoes, and ballet shoes!  I am very excited for the next phase of Little Gym, but hope Gabbi transitions well.  Luckily, one of her favorite friends will be in her new class too.

The parents also got to go in the gym with the kiddos today.  Gabs was excited to show off.  She did the low beam, high beam, rolls, and even the bars.  I am very proud of her.  When I asked her after class what her favorite thing was she said, "her forward rolls" which I must say she rocks at!

That's my kid!

I keep remembering her first class and how much help she needed to do the activities.  Just a lot of spotting and now she barely needs any.  Seems to be the perfect example of how fast she has grown.  These last 4 years have gone by quickly.  If only there could be a Tivo for life.  I guess I will just have to take even more pictures and videos.

Dance Revolution!

Gabbi's Dancing Shoes

Today after lunch, I bought my little girl her first pair of dance shoes!!  She now is the proud owner of a pair of pink ballet slippers and a great pair of tap shoes.  She starts her first dance class in February!  I am so very excited.

I am thrilled that she can move on to dance at Little Gym.  LG has been a staple in our lives for about two and a half years and Gabbi loves to go every week.  We have gone from helping her in the class to watching through the glass as she masters the balance beam.

Just this week she walked the beam, with tricks, and jumped off the end.  She was so proud of herself, literally yelling, "I'M DOING IT!!!!"  Then she ran to us and continued to yell, "Mom, Dad, I did it!!!"  She has been beaming with pride for about 3 days over this. Now she gets to continue to learn new things and enjoy an activity she already loves.

Gabbi and I hold many dance parties in our living room and/or car.  She loves to groove and move.  I am so excited for her to now have another outlet for this interest.

We still will have to watch her from the parent's side of the glass, but I will be there each week proudly cheering her on and with camera in hand.

Another New Year

2010?  Completely amazing!  I will try to give you the highlights of this great year.

Gabbi continues to amaze me.  She continues to make me laugh every day and beam with pride every minute.  She is growing up way too fast and is quickly becoming a very funny and very independent girl.  If you have ever spent an afternoon with us you know what I mean.

Goo @ Little Gym

This last year we have continued with some traditions.  We continue to spend lots of time together, running errands, exploring new activities, and visiting our favorite places.

She continues to enjoy Little Gym and loves going, but does not like when the other kids hold her shoulders when they walk as a train.

Taking a ride @ Zoolights

Gabbi spent another year 'helping' at Sorority Formal Recruitment at University of Puget Sound and University of Washington.  We became members of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and have loved visiting the animals!  We definitely made time to go to The Spring Fair and The Puyallup Fair!  This year though Gabbi got to eat hear first elephant ear.  She has already told me that next time we go she wants her own.  We'll see.  Finally, at the end of the year we were able to squeeze in a trip to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Zoolights with our friends Karen, Keith & Parker.

She loves Preschool

A big new item for us is Gabbi started Preschool!  She L-O-V-E, loves it!  She looks forward to it every week.  She loves the activities, her teacher and her friends.  I love it because it is a Co-op and parents get to be very involved in the school, and especially the classroom.  I love getting to see her grow and develop each class.  I love seeing her play with her friends and develop her large personality.  A few things I have learned (actually awhile ago) 1. Gabbi was the perfect name for her (she talks all the time), 2. she is a social butterfly but likes to play on her own, 3. she is not afraid to speak up, 4. she loves to learn, and 5. her dad and I will be very busy keeping up.

Me & my sisters (playing Barbies)

Our biggest new item in 2010 was the addition of Gabbi's two aunts.  This past spring I did a bit of research (aka Facebook stalking) and was able to find my two biological sisters.  Not only did I gain two sisters, but Gabbi and I both gained a whole family, from grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, baby cousins, and more.  So our newest traditions have included Easter dinner, a baby shower (followed by me becoming an aunt), Christmas potluck, and more dinners than I can count.  It has been a true blessing.

I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store with us.  I know it will be filled with lots of fun, continued traditions, and new experiences.  I know that Gabbi will continue to develop her not so little personality, and I can't wait!

We wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that we get to spend lots of time with our friends and family.

New Year's Eve on Vashon Island