Gym Competitions in the Heat!

A month or so ago Lottie was asked if she would like to compete in a Gymnastics Competition, representing school.  She said "Yes".  It was to be her first competition!

Anyway, today was the day of the competition!  We set off to a school about an hour away for the competition.  Lottie was very excited and hot! (Its been a record breaking 31 degrees here today!

We arrived at the school and she had a wobble! She said she felt sick and didn't want to do it!!!!

We stood in the car park for a couple of minutes trying to boost her confidence and persuade her that she would be fab.  When luckily her friends arrived and parked next to us and that was that.  The sick feeling suddenly vanished as they jumped up and down excitedly together and off they went.

She got changed into her leotard, complete with sparkles (which she loved) and after a little warm up and time watching Daddy having great fun dancing Dad style in front of the huge mirror wall in the dance studio where we had to wait she started her first ever competition.  Not sure what the other Gymnasts and their parents thought of him, but at least he made them giggle!

We sat and watched nervously and sweatily (it was boiling outside the gymnasium, so you can imagine what it was like inside!)  She was fantastic, (I know I am biased, but I am allowed to be, I am her Mum after all).  First her and 4 of her other friends (all 5 or 6years old) carefully jumped onto a bench and walked along and then jumped off the other end in front of the judges.  She looked so elegant, pointing her toes and holding her hands up high.

Then, one at a time they all completed a floor routine, involving a forward roll, teddy bear roll, sitting and stretching, a one legged balance and a jump.  She beamed all the way through! It was lovely to see them all joining in.  Lottie's gym teacher looked on, she is fantastic with the children!

Wish I could sit like like!

Anyway, she recieved two lovely certificates for taking part but unfortunately just missed out a medal coming fourth. She was dissappointed not to have a medal, but she had enjoyed herself, which is the main thing.  And after such an initial wobble in the car park, she competed without a problem, Well done Lotto!