Ice Skating 101

Ice skating was never a big deal for me growing up.  I don't really remember how I learned to ice skate or when I learned.  It was one of those things we did once or twice a year over the winter break.  After getting married to Jimmy, I really got into hockey for a bit, especially when we actually had a team in Atlanta.  Through a friend who got tickets from work, we were able to go to games pretty regularly (thanks, Gil!).  I even have a Thrashers jersey to prove it!  But when they were bought out and moved, I was a little sad but didn't think much of it.

Prior to this year, we had taken EV ice skating once when she was 20 months old.  November of this year was the second time taking EV and she was hooked.  I think there were two major things, we went with a friend and she skated much better than EV and at the top of every hour was a little performance by junior skaters.  EV is super competitive so seeing her friend Kati skate well, she felt compelled to skate just as good.  She was also mesmerized by the junior skaters.

So, we signed her up for ice skating lessons.  And reality hit.  This is not easy.  It hurts when you fall.  And the ice is cold.  These three things makes EV waffle between I never want to skate again and I love ice skating.  She likes the idea of skating and wants to be as good as those junior skaters.  She hates that it isn't an easy process.

I am so glad we signed her up though.  I'm still trying to decide if we should continue after this session.  Although Jimmy has visions of her becoming an Olympic figure skater, I simply want her to do what she's passionate about.  I don't want her to be a quitter all because it's not easy, but I also don't want to push her to do something that she doesn't care for.  When she skates, she's competitive, she doesn't quit, she pushes herself, and she seems to be having fun, which makes me think I should encourage her to keep at it.  Other times, I see her frustration and tears in her eyes and I just want to let her quit.  No matter what, I want her to know that we are proud of her for her determination and for trying her best when she does go to lessons. 

She's growing up so fast and it's not always easy keeping up.  We're proud of you!!  And in EV's words, "for what?!"  For always trying your best, getting up after you fall, and putting a smile on your face even when it's not easy. We love you, Evangeline!!

Callaway Garden and Geocaching

We took EV out of school Friday and went to Callaway Gardens since entrance is free for the month of February.  We packed a lunch and lots of snacks and made the 2-hour drive there.  The weather was perfect and we had a nice time just hanging out as a family.

In addition to the butterfly exhibit, the birds of prey show, walking along trails, and picnicking, we also did some geocaching.  Do you know about geocaching?  I just heard about it recently, even though it's been around for awhile, and I find it fascinating.  So, of course we had to try it out and what better place to try than being out on a trail?  We ended up not being able to find our "treasure" cause EV had to go use the bathroom but Jimmy and EV did go out this morning and discovered three caches around our neighborhood.  EV really enjoyed it and I foresee doing this more often.

It was a nice half day getaway and time with the family.  This is the year for relaxing and enjoying the blessings I have.  I love watching the kiddos explore and discover new things.  After learning about the Barred Owl during the birds of prey show yesterday, jimmy actually saw one while they were geocaching this morning.  EV was so excited!!