Lottie - Future Figure Skater?

In the days leading up to Lottie's 4th birthday, I asked her what if anything she wanted to do extra outside of already doing Soccer Shots at daycare.  I gave her a whole slew of ideas to consider - dance, gymnastics, soccer, taekwondo, etc.

All of a sudden she busted out some socks and started "skating" around the kitchen.  She said, "Mommy, I want to skate".  It certainly threw me for a loop, but not totally off guard considering the two times I've taken her ice skating before, she has absolutely loved it.

With that, I signed her up for the Snow Buddy class at Extreme Ice Center.  To say she was excited was an understatement.  Her eyes lit up as soon as we walked into the facility.  And when I say facility, this place is HUGE.  They have 2 full size ice rinks and 1 small training rink for small kids.  I've never seen anything like it.  They also have a fitness center, bar, store, etc.

The minute Lottie stepped on the ice, I felt such a sense of pride and joy.  She did amazing, so amazing that after 2 classes, they decided to move her up to the next level.  I almost cried with excitement.  We had 8 great weeks of skating.  Stella loved watching her sister skate around.  Even Aunt Amy and Carter made it to a session.

We have decided to take the summer off with everything we have going on at the minute (a later blog post) but I have a feeling Lottie and I might be hitting up the public skating session at least a couple of times this summer.

Here is a look back at our little natural skating!  Proud mama over here!

Firsts - Lottie Ice Skates!

Firsts..............


There is something so special about being able to experience "firsts" with your kids.  Whether that be their first swing at the park, the first time they met Santa, the first time they used the potty, etc.  I could go on for days because at some point in their lives, everything they experience is a first. 


A couple of weeks ago, Lottie and I went to my sister's niece, Bella's birthday party at Pineville Ice House.  I can remember my parents dropping me off with my girlfriends when it first opened.  We must have been 13 or 14.  I honestly had no idea the place still existed. 


It has been awhile since I've ice skated.  I think the last time must have been when I went skiing in Colorado.  That was pre Lottie so I think it's safe to say, I was a tad bit rusty.


Lottie was super excited about skating!  She couldn't wait to get those skates on and get on the rink.  I rented a helmet for her so she didn't crack her skull open.  After we got our skates on and stepped our feet on the ice, you could tell she was a little nervous.  In fact, for the first 30 minutes I backward skated and held both of her hands to try to make her feel more comfortable.  Before you even say it, NO I DON'T BACKWARD SKATE!  But I will go on record and say that back in the day (maybe I was 10) I took a summer of ice skating lessons. 


After every lap around the rink, I told her that we were going to skate side by side and for her to hold the hand I wasn't holding out to help her balance.  Sure enough, after a few more laps, I was no longer backward skating.  She got it!!!  Sure we fell a few times and she may have fussed at me a few times for pulling her arms to hard, but in the end, we had an absolute ball!!! 


Before it was time to go, she even stopped holding my hand and skated for a few minutes by herself.  Proud mama to say the least.  This little trip was so encouraging!  I can't wait to get Lottie on skis in the next year or two! 


Aunt Amy and Carter met us there.  I swear Lottie skated better than Aunt Amy.  My sister had me cracking up!  It must have taken her 30 minutes to do one lap!  Hilarious!

Aunt Amy holding on to the wall!  :)

My sweet nephew and I hung while Lottie took Amy around the rink!