The start of the gym life...

For at least 2 years now the girls have wanted to start gymnastics. For various reasons we just never did, they were either doing ballet, soccer or we were just enjoying not being over committed with the kids schedules. I go back and forth with committing to sports at such a young age. But I really love the strength and flexibility that I developed as a kid growing up doing gymnastics. So when my old coach, Doug, posted on facebook that he would be coming out of retirement to teach his son (who I used to babysit, way to feel old) to be a coach, I commented and committed before I even thought about it! But I couldn't get over the excitement for my girls and I am so glad that they are pushing themselves and their limits as well.

                                         Here they are with Doug on their first day

It's fun to watch the girls grow and develop and although they are only 2 months in, I've seen their coordination and strength already make huge improvements. They were sore (as in needing a massage from Mom) the first month after classes. Now we are finally to the point where they are getting used to it. And Jett? Jett is having a blast. He gets to jump, play in the pit, and roam the gym free for the hour they are in class and for him it's a complete playground. He is also doing so much better with his jumping skills and control and I have no doubt he'll be flipping at some point too! 

Jett building a foam block tower

a few more pictures of the girls 

Jenna and Bella doing backhandsprings

Some trampoline fun!

                         I'll post some progress pics/videos as we get through the weeks...

Bella turns 6!

On Friday, February 12th, my sweet Bella Reese turned 6 years old! With every birthday that goes by I always think about how women tell me to cherish the years because they fly by. And well, I know that is right. So even though I live in a house that looks like my children were trying to replicate a tornado, stepping on toys, washing endless loads of laundry (one load just beeped at me, sigh) I know that I will miss all of this when my kids are bigger and I must enjoy it all now!

For Bella's birthday we gave her the option of getting an American Girl doll OR having a big party. She chose the AG doll and we did end up meeting family and a sweet friend at Peter Piper Pizza afterward to celebrate together.

First off, we left our house before lunch and picked up my niece Natalie. Bethany (my sister) was working and going to meet us for lunch. Of course, Bella picked Olive Garden, which is her favorite for many reasons, but on her birthday? Because they sing to you and bring you dessert. Bella thrives on the extra birthday attention so she was all smiles!

Bella - Natalie - Jenna

All smiles while everyone sings to her

Then it was off to the races!! Or the American Doll Store...whatever.

Just stepping inside was full of excitement!

Bella is the fastest shopper EVER! I think it took her 3 minutes to find Kit.

Bella knew before she went what doll she wanted, in fact, she knew 6 months ago which doll she wanted, Kit Kitridge. We have the movie, and although they don't ever want to watch it (weird?) she loves the doll! So it didn't take any time at all for her to pick her out, a few outfits and we were all done! That's the thing about my Bella, once she makes her mind up, its settled and she doesn't care to entertain other options. :)

Aunt Bethany and Natalie came along and bought Bella an outfit to go with her doll. :)

Then we were off to celebrate upstairs!

These dolls and their dolls

SO happy to be a part of the AG club

Me and my sweet sister

Bella was thrilled to find that she could have ANOTHER candle

 and people sing to her again! What a great day...

After leaving the AG store, my sister took the girls to get house so they could play with their dolls while I went to pick up an ice cream cake and a few things at the store. Then we went to Peter Piper Pizza where we met a few cousins and Bellas bestie, Ash! This was the perfect way to top off a fabulous day of celebrating!

Happy 6th Birthday to my Sweet Bella Reese!!

Many Blessings,
Jess D.