Perhaps it's because that flexibility, those skills, and that fearlessness is so far removed from anything I ever have or could have done.  

And there is a special young gymnast that is dear to my heart.  Lydia is part of our church family and one of my very favorite all-around sweethearts!

Next to God and her family, gymnastics is Lydia's passion.  And it shows!  I love getting the opportunity to watch her compete.

Chalking/psyching up for her very difficult uneven parallel bars routine...

Are you kidding me???  This girl flies HIGH around that high bar!  Whoa!!!

Until eventually she flies OFF and does a flip in the air before totally sticking her landing!

That's her dad Warren behind her...

Fantastic routine, Lydia!

The banners inside her training gym Small Wonders prove Lydia's gymnastics prowess the past few years.

Warming up for the balance beam...

Love how Daddy Warren his helping spot her dismount!

Now for the real thing...the judges are watching (gotta love the old heavy guys judging gymnastics...)...

Ouch, Lyd!

Great job, Lydia!  Nerves of steel...all on that tiny 4" beam a few feet above the ground.  

Floor exercise is one of my favorites to watch, but I wasn't in very good position for great photos....

I just adore this girl!  She's playing the lead character in our church's Christmas musical that I'm directing.  God has given her so many talents, and she's using them for Him!

I have no idea how she does all those tumbling moves!  Wow!

Another great score, Lydia!

It was getting late, so we skipped out before she did her vaults. 

But what fun, watching my favorite gymnast doing what she loves...

...defying gravity.