So...the Thornley Family has been home from Panama for a little over 3 months and I have a lot to update BUT not tonight. Tonight I am dedicating this blog post to The Little Gym of West Ashley. I have been taking my kids to Little Gym ever since Li-Li was 3 years old and we lived in Philadelphia. I fell in love with it there...the weekly mommy/daughter classes, the Parents Night Out, the Summer Camps and the wonderful birthday parties. So, when we moved back to Charleston I quickly looked up the closest one. Bella took a class in Fall of 2010 or Spring of 2011. She LOVED it! After Carlee was born I had a short period of time when I had no little ones at Little Gym. Once Carlee turned 1 we were enrolled for Fall semester 2012. She originally was enrolled in the Birds class, for ages 10-19 months. It was such a great experience for both of us. When she started the class she was one of the few that wasn't walking yet. That being said..she had just as much fun as the walkers. Krista, who happens to be the Gym Director, was her teacher. She is fun, enthusiastic, and always has a smile. She has a way of engaging the kids, even at such a young age. Due to the age of the kids in this class...it is somewhat structured, but I like how you can go off at anytime with your child...its fun to take your childs lead at times. We missed 9 weeks while we were in Panama adopting Tyler, Ronnie and Sophie. Tori, the owner, has bent over backwards (at The Little Gym..hee hee) to allow us to make up the classes. They even let us use some of the make ups for Ronnie. Carlee is now in the Beasts class (for ages 19 month- 2 1/2 years old). Carlee is loving class. She is now running and talking nonstop. She absolutely loves the colorful balls and the bubbles. She starts patting the mat at home when we are playing which is what we do at the beginning and end of classes.
I thought The Little Gym classes would be great for bonding with the new kids. I have taken Ronnie to several Super Beasts Classes, as well as Sophie. They are the last level of Mommy and Me classes. It is unbelievable how much stronger and how much better Ronnie's coordination has gotten in just a few classes. He can now walk on the balance beam UNASSISTED when he was terrified of it at first. I think it has been great for him to "have to" trust me.
I can't say enough good things about The Little Gym. You should check it out....they do offer a free introductory class. I love to support local businesses..whether it be a coffee shop, mom and pop grocery or The Little Gym. Thank you to Tori, Krista and the rest of the Little Gym Staff for doing such a wonderful job encouraging the leaders of tomorrow!
I will post a Thornley Family update soon!
