Thanks Little Gym!

A couple of days ago I posted some pictures of Doodle jumping at The Little Gym.  She has also mastered the art of the Donkey Kick/Monkey jump while at the little gym.  Just to give you an idea, a Donkey Kick is the beginning of a hand stand and Monkey Jump is the beginning of a cart wheel.  Of late, Doodle has taken to doing both as a means of transportation.  I snapped some pictures of her mid jump/spin.

August 15 (25/365)

In our house when we witness Doodle doing something like this, My Favoritest and I often say "thank you Little Gym" out loud.  We have a lot of those moments in our lives.

Swinging at a park in Charleston last fall

Standing on a ball in our living room.

Climbing up a climbing wall at a playground in Central Park.

climbing on her laundry hamper

The pictures also got me thinking about the other things that Doodle has gained from her time at the gym.  Doodle and I have gone to a parent/child class since we moved to VA.  She has ebbed and flowed in her love of the gym.  We have gone through times she loved it, and times she hates it.  Overall, it has been one of the best activities I have done with her.  For 45 minutes every week, I have nothing other than Doodle to focus on.  She has gained a ton of physical skills, but more importantly, she has gained character.  She has learned to get back up and try again when she falls.  She has been encouraged to step out of her comfort zone and try new skills and activities.  She has learned to share, take turns, follow directions.  She has learned how to be part of a group, and how to follow her own lead.  So while we often catch our breath as Doodle demonstrates her newly perfected skills, I am so grateful for the chance to share each accomplishment with her!