Marina had her first official gymnastics meet this past Saturday. She was very excited to wear her new competition "leo." I had class and Danny was out of town, so Grandma Layne helped fill in getting her there on time for warm-ups. I got there just in time, to catch this fuzzy picture of her warming up.
She got up early that morning with me (before I went to school) so that I could do her hair. It would seem like it should be easy, but it takes practice getting the hair just right, so that when she does flips and bounces around, it doesn't fall out or come loose. Thank goodness after a couple weeks of practicing...we got it right today. It stayed in from 7 am until we took it out ourselves that evening.
Doesn't she look great! Lilli competed earlier in the day, so my sister's family all stuck around to cheer Marina on too. Never thought gymnastics would be the sport that brought us altogether. But we've already shared many Saturdays watching Lilliana. Now we have another gymnast in the midst.
The hardest thing about competing is competing! Let me explain. You know when you work so long for something, you have such high expectations for how it should all go. Dreams of ribbons and standing on the podium is amongst those dreams. Marina has been doing gymnastics since she was about 3 years old. She has watched her cousin struggles and successes. However only the vision of Lilli winning is in Marina's mind, as she waited patiently for her name to be called for a place ribbon. After several claps and many girls and friends getting their ribbons, Marina finally realized this wouldn't be her day. Disappointment can be such a strong emotion. Watching her sit with her team, and nearing the end, I saw her fight to hold back the tears. It's pretty hard to hold back your own in those moments. I remember clearly when Lilli experienced the same. It doesn't feel any better even when your the Auntie.With some pep talks and encouragement from both Auntie Marisa and Mom, she managed to wipe the tears and smile for the picture above. I know that these life lessons can be hard, but necessary. Marina has the ability to learn from this experience and use her strong-willed personality in a way that strengthens her, not only as an athlete, but as a person. Again, being her Mom, I see so much potential as a gymnast and a person. I told her I am proud of her. And I am! She has worked hard for many years to earn the opportunity to compete as a young 7 year old. She will improve and has many years to work on developing a talent that she loves.
We were all there to support her!
Esaias has many years to learn to hang out on bleachers all day.
Leilani didn't want her picture taken, so she got this one!
Even older brother, Isaac cheered her on. I think he might be her loudest fan!
