Busy Girl!

So not only is Maria going to school four half days a week, she is also enrolled in a gymnastics class and swimming lessons.  Initially I worried if we were overloading her with too much to do, and sometimes, I still worry.  Especially since she's not napping on the days she goes to school.  But she seems to really enjoy the extra-curriculars and looks forward to them.
We just started our second session of swimming lessons this year.  Swimming has been rough for Maria in the past, but I think we have finally turned a corner. The teacher in this new session is more assertive with Maria, she pushes her harder and builds Maria's confidence.  It is great watching her realize she can do something! I can literally see the light going on in her head. She is kicking around on her own with the noodle, which she was afraid to do before.  And she's even jumping in off the side.  We've also been going to another pool on Friday mornings just to have fun. They have open swim and kids 4 and under are free.  This works out great since Maria is off on Fridays.  I was a little hesitant to take both kids by myself, but it has worked out really well for the past 2 weeks.  I hope to keep that up because every time we go, Maria seems to get stronger in the water. 

The Little Gym is a 16 week program that introduces 3-4 year olds to the basics of gymnastics.  Maria loves going and she is getting stronger at this each time, as well.  I love watching her hang from the bar and attempt a handstand!  The kids sing songs and do different activities each week such as a giant trampoline, the parachute, hula hoops, different kinds of balls, sticks, and bubbles.  She is wiped out when she comes home from the gym...and she sleeps great that night!

(I have no idea what is going on on the balance beam...but I think this picture is hilarious! I think they are trying to trade places and I snapped it at just the right time! Ha ha!)