Naomi of course loves swinging on monkey bars and climbing stuff, so gymnastics seems a natural fit for her but she was hitting a wall last summer.  She was giving up quickly on most of the skills and not responding to the instructor.  This gym is not pushy, recognizing that not every family has the desire or commitment to produce a competitive gymnast.  The instructors are told to stay on the conservative side when it comes to pushing the kids unless directed by the parents.  Naomi seemed to need to be told that “this is class, not recess” before she really took it seriously and started to apply herself.

After that, she started to let me help her practice at home.  Combined with the enormous amounts of spare time I now have, we have been able to practice some of her skills for a half hour or so each day.  Naomi is still small enough, and our living room big enough that with a little care, furniture and appliances are safe from her twirling arms and legs.  Sofa cushions and pillows along with a spotter provide a nice landing pad.  A skill that Naomi was having a hard time with was the precursor to a handstand where you have to be able to swing your legs over your head.  After a few nights in the living room, flopping on the sofa cushions, she got the hang of it and is ready to develop her strength and perfect a handstand.  She’s getting close but the most amazing thing is instead of pouting when I ask her to practice, she comes to me and asks me to help her practice!

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

Cloudy for areas north and west including the Puget Sound Lowlands

Skies will be clear east of the Cascade Crest

Which makes it a good day for a hike to the top of Mt. Daniel.

Which way is up? (Squaw Lake)

Summit preview

More peaks to hike in the future

Looking at Daniel's other summits and the Lynch Glacier (hmm ski?)

Venus Lake (see the ice floating?)

Frosty waves

The basin of the Hyas Glacier

Late bloomers