Mini Olympics

Recently Claire got to participate in the Mini Olympics at her gym. This is a once a year event, similar to a dance recital or a piano performance. In years past the girls have always had their own night to perform but this year it was combined with some of the rec classes which made the gym a lot more crowded.

Claire was very excited and I think the girls looked so cute in their matching red leos and their hair all pulled back in an assortment of pony tails, braids, and buns.

Claire was even more excited that her Aunt and Uncle were there as well as her beloved friend, Cora. She kept asking if they were really coming and then jumping up and down when we'd say yes.

At the beginning of the program the girls marched out onto the floor to the Olympic theme music and I must admit, I got very excited. Because you can't use flash photograpy and because it was so crowded I was just sort of holding up my camera and taking pictures, I didn't get many good photos, but I'll post a few anyway.

Claire did great on all of her routines. The only thing she was disappointed about was not finishing her front hip circle. She got up, but didn't push her arms at the very end making them "strong arms" so she dropped off. Otherwise she did her routines very well. She never fell off the beam, even did her handstand on it unspotted. I loved being able to cheer for her and all the girls.

When Claire was done we took a group picture and then I tried to get some more of Claire and her coaches and in different poses. She took one and then protested. She kept telling me no and I kept telling her yes. Finally she just ran off and ran straight into the arms of Cora where she gave her a big hug. It hit me at that moment that while I was caught up in the hustle and bustle of pictures and preserving a memory, the memory that was important to my daughter was right before me and I didn't get a picture. Stuart tried to hug her but Claire searched for her Aunt and Uncle instead. I realized the most important thing to Claire was that her extended family and friend were there. She loved that they had come to see and support her. So I regret not having pictures of her with them.

After the performance we were treated to dinner by my sister and her husband. Claire was even happier. She wore the t-shirt she had gotten and her medal all throughout our meal. At one point she went to the restroom and got stopped by some people who were impressed by her medal and wanted to see some gymnastics. (No, Claire did not do any gymnastics at the restaurant--thankfully!) It was a nice meal. As Claire got sleepy she leaned up against her uncle and again I told my mind not to overlook the best things in life or the things that are truly the most important. In this case it was Claire and being with people she loved.

It was a great evening. Way to go Claire! You did a fantastic job!

Claire coming up from her Mill Circle with Coach Julie's help.

Doing part of her beam routine.

Doing her side hand stand dismount off the beam.