Going for the gold

Last Saturday, Amalia was promoted, in a Gold Medal Graduation Ceremony, to the next level in her gymnastics program.

 First, the kids got a presentation from an actual Olympian. Karen Kurreck. She used to be a gymnast, but then switched to cycling at age 30. She competed in cycling in the 2000 Olympics. Above she is holding up her World Champion cycling jersey.

Before the medal ceremony, each of the girls had to perform their routines in four events. Clearly Amalia is very nervous. 

 She was first up on the balance beam, so I wasn't ready with the video yet. 

But I was ready for the floor routine.

And the "vault."

Finally, the bars. 

 Getting her medal from an actual Olympian. Pretty cool.  

Posing on the podium. 

 All of the graduates. 

And their coaches. 

Were it not for the fact that Nadia Comaneci was tall at 5'4", Mary Lou Retton was only 4'9", and Olga Korbut, 5'0", I'd totally say that Amalia has a future in gymnastics. However, given her genes, and the sport's tragic prejudice against tall girls, I'd say Amalia is enjoying the heck out of gymnastics right now and will likely find another love (use for her height and coordination) down the road. 

A very literal bridging ceremony

When I was a Girl Scout, you started as a Brownie. But now, girls start as Daisies and, after two years, have a Bridging Ceremony to become Brownies. Amalia's troop had their ceremony last weekend.

The Daisy. 

She just finished walking across the bridge. 

Dons her new Brownie vest. 

Recites the Girl Scout Promise. 

Smiles with her troop leaders. 

The official certificate. 

The whole (now) Brownie troop, with bridge in the background. Cue "Sunrise, Sunset."

The ceremonial cake made by a mom with much more creativity and patience than I. (It took her 8 hours!) 

Mama Bear

Amalia's first grade class had a "reader's theater" performance during the last week of school. Amalia's group did Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Here, Amalia seems to be giving last-minute direction to a fellow actress. 

 She was Mama Bear.And made her own ear props. 

It's hard to hold onto your ears and your script at the same time. But she was a fantastic Mama Bear nonetheless. 

Santa Cruz sleepover

The girls and I spent Sunday and Monday with friends in Santa Cruz. It's always nice when another family has kids the same age span. The pictures are a bit out of order, but they give you an idea of our weekend.

 Burying your child in sand = great babysitting idea.

 Especially when you can get minions to help. 

 The green stuff is really slippery. 

 Best friends since kindergarten. 

 And going strong. 

 Heaven help us. 

Lily tried out surfing for the first time. 

 One of the cool caves we found on our walks along the beach.

Lily got knocked down a few times and didn't stay in long, but I think she's up for going out again next time. She's tough, that one. 

 These girls climb like mountain goats.

 It's all about timing. 

 The older girls. 

You gotta carry your own board. 

Made with love

My Mother's Day cards were amazing this year: 

 Amalia created a book full of lovely sentiments and beautiful coloring. 

And kissing chicks.

 Aww, so sweet. 

 This was actually a raincheck promise because I was in DC at a friend's wedding on Mother's Day.

All the feels. 

 Enjoy it while it lasts. 

 In case that wasn't clear. 

 Lily also designed a card, featuring artful graphics and font. 

 Also, sentiments words can't capture and a redeemable coupon!

Good thing she included her last name. 

Girls on the Run

Yesterday's 5K run was the culmination of Lily's participation in this year's Girls on the Run program at her school. Girls on the Run focuses on creating positive body image and self-esteem for girls.

We all ran with Lily, along with friends. It's quite a festive event, with music, hair color and costumes to distract you from the actual running. (Amalia had more fun than it appears here--we'd just asked her to quit goofing around so we could take a picture.) 

 Lining up for the start. 

The younger girls alternated between sauntering along like gossipy teenagers in a mall to full out sprinting. 

Lily also alternated between running and walking, as was her plan.