It's another good day.

Today I received a call from a mom at TIGAR, apparently our ad for Emily's parade and competition Leo's from that gym was still up on the Booster Club board in the parent lounge.  

Believe me this is one good deal! 

1 blinged out custom Level 10 TIGAR Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie, 
1 spaghetti strap Tiger Shiny Print Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
For Competition:
a bag of custom Hair Ties (5) and hair ribbons to match
Level 4/5 Dreamlite competition Leo size 6/7 and team jacket
Black velvet warm up pants with the TIGAR paw embroidered on the waist.

AND... a TIGAR Gymnastics Team BackPack!

ENTIRE LOT  $175.00 (original price new, well over $400.00)
Moving on to Gymnastika and their gymnastics school program, PRICELESS!

While we were at TIGAR so that the new Level 4/5 could try these leos on, Beth (the owner) asked Emily if Grigory was still at Gymnastika.  Emily told her "no, he left".  Beth's answer was "I knew that was going to happen."   Beth, you really shouldn't attempt to gloat when you have no idea the circumstances of Grigory's departure. That kind of behavior does nothing to boost your likeability or credibility in this sport. You have a really nice new gym and some of the best coaches, but your Level 5,6 teams from what I recently noticed are still struggling at two of the four events. TIGAR didn't have one Level 5 All-Around last year, even though a lot of the girls did win event titles.  To get to Nationals the girls have to be good in all four disciplines. If you thought like I did about running my business, I'd be watching closer what the girls below Level 8 will achieve in the next competition season to keep abreast of the competition. I wish you well.

Gay Lindsay at Gymnastika knows this sport well,  having been a competitive gymnast herself long before opening her own gym. Her hiring and firing decisions only make me respect her even more.  She's worked wonders with my needy child and I see a vast improvement in Emily's demeanor and behavior since switching gyms.  Not only is Emily growing in her gymnastics skill set, but she's also maturing and learning good sportsmanship where she currently trains, which to me is far more important to engrain in her personality than learning how to execute a new trick.

Emily also got the chance today to see Svetlana (Stabourova) her first competitive coach, and give her a big hug, which really made Emily's day.     We also said hi to Polina and Alyona while we were there and congratulated them both on their recent successes.  Polina Shchennikova  tied for 2nd at the 2012 Nastia Liukin Cup in March and her sister Alyona Shchennikova finished 4th AA at the Hopes Qualifier at Karolyi Ranch on May 4th.  These two are having a fabulous year and we wish them many more future successes.

Meagan Groel, Emily's buddy,  is on her way down to the Karolyi Ranch this weekend.  We wish her well, safe journey and have lots of fun while you're there.

Well, 4 more days to the Gymnastika banquet and Saturday's recreational meet!  Can't wait to see the group perform!