First Ribbon

I remember getting my first ribbon in an activity. It was for swim lessons when I was a little kid. I was scared of my teacher and therefor, not a huge fan of going to lessons, but my parents FORCED me to go, which for swim lessons, it was a good thing. I am now a very proficient swimmer, so thank you Mom and Dad for following through on that. Anyway, I digress.....It was a cool green ribbon for completing my first class. I was so proud! I hung it up in my bedroom and over the years, my ribbon collection grew! Some were the "Participation" ribbons. You ALL know what I'm talking about - it's like 'thanks for participating, but you didn't make it in the top three, so thanks anyway.' Ok, kidding - And then there were the fancy blue, red or yellow (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) ribbons. Our elementary school did a big spring track meet kinda thing (go Birchview!). So I was able to collect a few of every color throughout my elementary, junior high and high school years. You'd get them for sports as well as for academic participation.

Last night, Cailin got her FIRST ribbon. She's 4 1/2 and has been doing gymnastics for the last three months. She got a yellow ribbon


- it was a 'participation' ribbon, but it was funny - even at her tender age, she realized the importance or maybe the significance of that little ribbon. She was GLOWING after she was presented with that thing.


They even did a cute little ceremony where they had all the children 'display' a little routine for the proud, eager, camera-holding parents (including myself).

Sorry that the pictures are so far away. I forgot my zoom lens at home and they wanted the parents outside the classroom so as not to 'distract' the students....so most of these shots are from behind the glass.....

4 year old gymnastics is kind of funny. Kids at that age are still getting more aware of their balance as well as they are still somewhat distractable. It's great exercise. Plus, Cailin loves gymnastics. She loves to practice at home. Thankfully we have lots of comfy furniture so she can tumble, flip and sommersalt all she wants at home and hopefully will remain uninjured.
What kind of gymnastics do they do with 4 year olds you ask? Well, here's a couple of samples...

Floor exercises


Uneven parellel bars and rings (that's Cailin hanging on the rings)


Balance beam


Vault and springboard



Mike had volleyball so he was unable to join us. That meant that Andrew tagged along and sat with mom to watch gymnastics. He had to entertain of course. He had a good time making friends with the other brothers that were 'watching' as well as their parents.

Talk to the hand....