Riley's New Gym...

The new Faulkner's Dance and Gymnastics studio (where Riley takes Gymnastics) opened this past weekend. And the best part of the gym is that it is located in the back of our neighborhood. Faulkner's had a big Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 16th that we attended. According to the newspaper, over 1,000 people came to the Grand Opening Event. There were a lot of big names there and many professional athletes that attended and did autographs. Some of the ones we met and got autographs from were...

Jana Bieger, member of the 2008 USA Women’s Olympic Gymnastic Team and her coach Andrea Bieger, Former NFL Football Superstar Alvis Whitted, Alaina Johnson and Mackenzie Caquatto members of the 2008 Women’s USA Gymnastics National Gymnastics Team, and Bridgette Caquatto, member of the USA Gymnastics Jr. National Team.

Others in attendance were WTVD’s Lead Sports Anchor Mark Armstrong, WRAL’s Weatherman Mike Maze, Former Redskins Cheerleader and News Anchor from WRAL Valonda Callaway, and several others.

Riley's favorite part was when we got to watch the gymnasts perform. They were amazing and Riley's eyes were as big as quarters. It was also neat to actually meet them and get their autographs.

Riley had her first day of summer classes in Gymnastics today, May 20th. She was so excited to be in the new gym. She was not able to do everything because her arm is still in a brace but she did do quite a bit. Her teachers were very good with her and made sure she was spotted well. She was able to do most of the stretching, beam, vault (with help), and jump into the foam pit after vaulting (her favorite part). Her sisters and I were able to watch the whole practice from a lounge room that has TV screens that project what is going on in the gym. Regan enjoyed watching Riley. Now Regan is saying she wants to do gymnastics. I bet she is after seeing how fun the foam pit looks. ;)

Bridgette Caquatto, Jana Bieger, Alaina Johnson, Mackenzie Caquatto (and a singer Lucas Prata posing with them).