T-ball and Gymnastics

We let the girls choose 2 activities this fall, and Adilyn chose t-ball and gymnastics. I was surprised that she chose t-ball because when we did BlastBall when she was 4, she did not like it very much. Gymnastics didn't surprise me because she told me that she wanted to do it last year. I really didn't want to send her to a fancy gym because it is pretty expensive, and I didn't think that she would like it too much. Because of that, we decided to put her in the gymnastics at the YMCA. I don't think it's very well organized, and I don't think she is learning too much there. She seems to like it though, and I guess that is what really matters. If she can finally learn how to do a stupid cartwheel by the end of it, then I am happy! We started out with t-ball, and we tried to get her to practice a little at home. She did not seem very interested at all. We got her new cleats, a new bat, glove, and a bag. Still, not very interested. When we found out that we were with our friends, Peyton and Eastyn, she showed a little more excitement, but still I was not convinced. BlastBall was full of tears and whining. I did not want her to be "that" kid out there whining and complaining. I was so worried that the coach would have to be coaxing her to get out there. Of course, I would love for her to be the best player out there, and I would love for her to be a natural at it - but the most important thing is for her to enjoy playing and try her best. The first practice went okay. It was very apparent that the coach did not know what in the heck he was doing. There were a bunch of dads out there trying to help, but it was very disorganized and slow moving. Adilyn did practice hitting, but she wasn't hitting very hard. She did throw and catch, it wasn't perfect, but I was happy with everything. I didn't have to bribe her to stay out on the field, and when practice was over she wanted to stay and play catch with me. I would say that it was a success! We quickly realized that the coach has no clue about how to run practice or how to place people on the field or even the basic rules. Cory offered to pitch to the kids, and so he has quickly become the assistant coach. We had two games on Saturday, and the first one was embarrassing! The second one went a little better. Adilyn seems to be enjoying herself, and she has only made a few comments about not wanting to play. When she is out there with the other girls, she seems to be having fun. Her swing has gotten better, and she is trying her best right now. I hope the positive attitude continues through the season! She was really excited about getting her "ladybug" socks and playing in the park after the game. 

I love having Adilyn participate in activities, and I love to see how her character is being strengthened by working with her teammates and pushing herself to get better. Even though she may not practice as hard as I would like her to, or she may not be as aggressive as I would like, I am glad that she is participating. I also hope that we find her "thing" that she loves. I don't think that it will be t-ball, but you never know! She did say after her first game, "Mommy, I am pretty sure that volleyball is going to be my sport!" We will see about that!