Team Try Outs

This past weekend both Emily and Grace tried out for "gymnastic team" at FlightSchool gymnastics. The weekend looked like this; Friday work out from 4 pm - 8 pm learning the routines, working with the different coaches and generally evaluating the kids learning styles, work ethic, etc. Saturday the group of 25 kids ranging in age from 5 yr - middle school performed one routine each on bars, beam, floor and vault.

To say that nerves were running a bit high is an understatement. Grace has been looking forward to team tryouts for weeks and has been working her fanny off diligently to have all her required skills. Emily was trying out for the experience so that she knew what to expect for the following year to try out again when she has acquired the recommended skills, since she has been in class' only this past year. With video camera in a shaking hand and a lot of nervous laughter between other mom's the routines began and we all held our breath.

Sidenote: I have received many opinions and a bit of criticism on our decision to allow the girls to pursue gymnastics competitively. A lot of thought, prayer and gleaning information off of respected seasoned team parents and coaches has gone into the weeks and frankly year before this "try out" weekend. Our decisions have not been made lightly! I could ramble on for quite awhile on the positive things that this specific gym has brought into our family and how we literally "fell" into this sport. Feel free to ask away if you would like the full story!

I think as parents most of us struggle with offering our kids opportunities that will lead to success & learning opportunities (aka disappointments) in the future and gently encouraging them into those success' along with guarding their childhood and the carefree fun of just being a kid. When is the right time to push and not push is definitely a fine line and there is a lot of grey area. A perfect time for the phrase: "It takes a village to raise a child." I really think it depends on who you allow in as your "village". The coaches and staff at the gym are encouraging, affirming and have a special gift of instilling personal drive and a dedicated work ethic, they are without a doubt a welcome addition to the Clement village!

The girls did fabulous and after Saturday night performances we were left to wait for the mailman in his shiny white truck to bring us the news of team acceptance or the recommended direction in class' for the following year. Grace woke up and went to bed and many times in between asking if the mail had come yet. Nevermind that it was Sunday or Monday morning and the poor mailman hadn't even been to work yet. Emily was also excited and we eagerly waited for the mail to come by Tuesday afternoon.

Drum Roll ..... (Seriously, I think I just about gave myself an ulcer from all the anticipation.) Grace is now a proud member of FlightSchool gymnastics team level 4! Emily is now the proud partcipant of an invited group of girls into pre-team and will continue to work towards gymnastics team and tryout again next year.

Let the fun begin .......