Lots of Fun

To celebrate the long weekend created by President's Day that also translated into no activities on that particular Saturday, we decided to do something fun as a family.  We discussed Nickelodeon Universe or the Ghostly Gangplank at the Mall of America, swimming or bowling, or playing games at home.  In the end, we chose Sky Zone, a trampoline park.  We paid for 60 minutes and hoped it would be long enough to feel satisfying – IT WAS!  Who knew that jumping in a trampoline for an hour actually works lots of muscles?  We jumped, did flips, tried some old cheerleading moves, and played dodge ball.  It was awesome and active which is what you need during a Minnesota winter (even with record-warm temperatures).  That night we went to the U of M to watch the Gophers take on Nebraska in gymnastics.  My VTer works for the U so she gave us free tickets. We marveled at the strength and talent demonstrated that night.  And having two little gymnasts in our family, I couldn't help but wonder at the money & time invested to cultivate that talent because it came at a definite cost.

We would know because we’ve decided to take a break from gymnastics for the spring session.  It sort of breaks my heart because Laurel and Mary really look forward to each and every class.  However, I feel like it was the right decision based on the circumstances.  The spring session includes the spring show which translates into paying $75 in addition to tuition for the show itself as well as the show leotard.  $75 x 2 = $150 on top of the cost of one of our family’s more expensive activities.  So we decided to take a break and return in the summer.  And as if to confirm we made the right decision, the spring show was scheduled to take place on a Sunday and the same Sunday as Jacob's piano recital so the girls couldn't have gone anyway.  For those wondering about our decision to allow Jacob to do the recital on Sunday . . . it's music and it doesn't cost anything and it's held in a church.  We feel it still keeps the Sabbath day holy.

It's hard to tell from these pictures, but Laurel does a beautiful, straight cartwheel and Mary is working really hard on hers.  The final picture was taken through the glass - hence the filmy look.