The Triplets First Dance Recital, 2015

Many years ago Amelia, ShanLin, and Micah attended a weekly dance class at Boston Ballet that was specifically for people with Down Syndrome.  We stopped attending because gas prices were rising and the weekly 1+ hour drive into Boston (and home again!) was wearing on us.

Since that time I have every now and then searched for a dance studio closer to home that offers dance classes for delayed children, but had no success.

Apparently, Shining Stars was the best kept secret in Central Massachusetts!  Back in the Fall one of the moms from the kids SO Gymnastics team mentioned Shining Stars, and then there was an article on the local newspaper's website about a lady with Down Syndrome who would be in a local production of The Nutcracker, and it also mentioned Shining Stars.

In January of this year the kids started dance lessons with Bridget, one of the kindest and most encouraging woman I have ever met.  She is also quiet, humble, and very approachable; the kids just adore her.

Following are photo memories of our weekend:their rehearsal on Saturday, and a few from the show on Sunday.  Big sis Nikita put make-up on the girls, their first time ever.

The school year is winding down...the gymnastics competition last weekend, the recital just done...today is the last day of gymnastics classes for Kimberly and Leif.  We are looking forward to a relaxing Summer with just Bike Camp for Amelia and ShanLin, Micah's riding lessons, and maybe a Summer dance class.

Special Olympics Summer Games 2015

June 6-7 the triplets competed in the SO Summer Games in Gymnastics.  They have spent most Saturdays this past school year out at Gymnastics Learning Center working with their team and coaches on the skills needed for competition.  They also learn skills needed for life...following directions, keeping fit, social skills with their peers, and sticking to a schedule.

Every year they love their weekend of competition!

The girls competed on Saturday.  They are at different levels, and both had a great time.  This past year was the first time that Sunny really took an interest in practices and put in a lot of effort.  The last few years she has at times been unconcerned about following directions, but something really clicked for her this year.

The last 2 years Micah has spent a night in the dorm with the team, last year Amelia did also, but this was the first year that all three stayed with the team Saturday night!  They were so excited!

Sunday morning before competition the athletes spent some down time playing duck duck goose.  Newly 13 years old, Micah seemed to choose the female coach quite frequently.  Ah, another teen boy in the house...

Micah works in spurts during practice throughout the year, but he really comes through at competition.

Another amazing weekend!

A breakdown of their scores, for my own records:

Amelia, Level 2 ages 13-14, 5 athletes:

Vault, 4th

Uneven bars, Silver

Beam, 4th (tie):

Floor, Silver (tie)

All Around, 4th.

ShanLin, Level 1 ages 12-15, 3 athletes:

Vault, Silver

Uneven bars, Bronze

Beam, Silver

Floor, Silver

All Around, Silver

Micah, Level 1 ages 12-14, 4 athletes

Floor, Gold (tie)

Pommel, Gold

Rings, Gold

Vault, Silver

Parallel Bars, Gold

High-Bar, Gold

All Around, Gold

Now we have the Summer off, but I am sure they will be excited to start practicing with the team again in the Fall.