Gymnastics & Gymboree

Despite some recent reading indicating that this kind of stimulation isn't quite what young kids need, I decided to buy Groupons for gymnastics classes and Gymboree classes.  Basically, I am still trying to find ways of getting the kids out of the house and giving Grammy a break.  Also, to be honest, few things excite Bekah more than putting on her shoes and walking out the door.

We started at Bekah's mommy and me gymnastics class.  I get the impression that the facility is new to the "walking-age 2" group because toddlers were not very engaged and, basically, running EVERYWHERE! Bekah was into looking at the other babies, jumping on the trampoline, and doing the opposite of anything I told her to do...per usual...

 Then B had his first gymnastics class.  He loved it!  He carefully followed directions and enjoyed time on the parallel bars, the trampoline, and the balance beam.  This seems to do well for his gross motor skills.

 After his first class, I took him for a "special treat" and even, in a moment of poor judgement, permitted him to eat it in my car. To his credit, he didn't spill any...

 B was so focused on precision that he was asked to be the example in the next week's class!  AND, I am happy to report that he is still enjoying it!

The following day, as these activities are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, respectively, Bekah had her first Gymboree class.  She enjoyed the other babies. She enjoyed climbing up the ramps. She did not, however, enjoy circle time, structured activity time, or parachute time.

 Here she is escaping and running the opposite direction when we were supposed to be in circle time...

 And she threw herself down on the ground in protest...

 And proceeded to climb up the ramp...

 While she wasn't "into" parachute time, she sure did look cute!

So, basically, the kids are polar opposites, and I have just decided to resign myself to it.  I clap for B's focus and dedication, and I let Bekah run amok and explore.