Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

As a mom of two young boys, I’m always looking for fun ways for them to burn off extra energy, especially for my 15-month-old son, Cameron, who hasn’t stopped going since he discovered how to walk two months ago. 

It’s exhausting. Let me tell you. 

So when Kids SuperGym owner Scott Bolingbroke called me a couple weeks ago about a new open class concept that the gym was going to be launching March 17, I knew Cameron and I needed to check it out. 

I couldn’t wait. An hour of running around terrorizing something other than my living room, yes, please. Of course it only works if your son is awake. 

Cameron fell asleep on the way to the gym. Clearly, he missed the memo that he wasn’t supposed to take his nap until after class. 

Luckily, he woke up 10 minutes into the session and was more than happy to join the fun. Crisis averted. 

During the hourlong session, Cameron was able to bounce and play on the equipment in the party gym before exploring the different gymnastics apparatuses, including the balance beam, bars and the trampoline. He climbed his way to the top of a tower of gymnastics mats, stacked blocks and learned how to walk in a straight line. Well almost. 

He also was able to interact with other children his age, including 16-month-old Ezra Santillon, who couldn’t wait to hit the trampoline. 

“He’s really active and loves new experiences and playing,” Ezra’s mom, Katie Santillon, said. “He’s always really curious about everything. I knew he would love it and he already does.” 

It was the first time Cameron had been in an organized group setting and what better way to introduce him to athletics than the gym where he could run, jump, climb and perhaps even learn a new skill or two.

It's only a matter of time before it'll be time to sign him up for a sport, assuming he wants to play. Although with all of that extra energy, I might be signing him up either way.

I was 5 years old when my parents signed me up for T-ball, which is somewhat late nowadays considering a lot of children are getting their first taste of athletic competition as early as 3 years old. 

While his older brother Brendan, 5, hasn't expressed an interest in playing team sports, Cameron, the more rough and tough of the two, would do anything to get his hands, or feet, on a ball. 

While I never took gymnastics myself, Cameron already has a firm grasp of the sport. The balance beam proved to be Cameron’s favorite part of the day. I’ll never forget seeing the determination on his little face, as he pulled himself up onto the beam, stood up by himself and began to walk. He was so proud. 

Of course, now he treats everything like a balance beam, including his Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter. 

While I won't be signing Cameron up for team competition anytime soon, I think it’s safe to say, we’ll be heading back to the gym again in the very near future.

For those looking for a fun way for their kids to burn off some energy, the pay as you play classes begin with parent and tot classes, for children 15 months to four years, and open classes with an instructor, for children over 4. Classes, which are held from 10- to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, are $10 per class or $40 for a five class punch card, which includes a sixth class free. 

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The Braden River baseball team has found its good luck charm this season in a pair of feathered fans. 

Two bald eagles built a nest in one of the Pirates' left field light towers. Braden River hasn’t been able to use the light tower all season, and, as a result, has had to use portable lights on that side of the field for its home games. 

Over the season, the Pirates have grown accustomed to seeing their friends every day. The players named the eagles Freedom and Spirit, and the team has stopped practice more than once to watch them fly overhead. 

“It’s pretty cool to see, and if feels like they are watching over us,” coach Craig Page said.