Ice Skating

Not sure if I mentioned this or not but A and L are taking ice skating lessons at the local YMCA. They are loving gliding around the ice.

Neither had been on ice until these lessons and they have been learning a great many skills to begin their ice sports. Both can skate forwards marching and gliding, backwards gliding, and turn spins. A can skate backwards and then jump, yes jump, on the ice and glide forward again. He has done a great job of getting up each and everytime he falls, which is a lot! L has had a tough time with getting up off the ice. Last week she got up twice on her own but today she was unable to try to get up. She is actually quicker on the ice than A but her personality is not allowing her to succeed as she wants to whine and be babied on the ice.

Dad went to lessons today and got to get in on the lesson action. The lesson is a half hour with an additional half hour to practice what they learned. Dad did very well. He almost wiped out a couple times but managed to beat A and L in most of the races. I won't mention how "good" he was the first time we took them to the open rec skate time. Let's just say I was glad there was a wall all the way around the rink! As for mom on the ice, I do my best to stay on my feet while participating with A and L as the 5 and 6 year olds whiz by me and attempt to take me out every chance they get. The older little ones are very quick but still have not mastered the skill of stopping so they just crash into the ice and slide to a stop. They haven't gotten me yet!

Well, A is on his way to being the next great hockey player and L is beginning her career as an ice princess (or a figure skater depending on her mood). R gets the priviledge of going to the child watch and playing with the other babies. He loves the center and crawls right in past the gate to begin his play time. Today he even crawled outside to play for a while. Poor little man is so comfortable with anyone as he gets left alone alot these days.

The children are excited to have the grandparents out next month to go ice skating with them. I think from now on, they will drag every visitor to the ice rink so be prepared!