Skating in Pelham and the rest of our week.

After Sunday's big snow, we were worried that we wouldn't get to go ice skating with our home school group. But, as all Alabama snow, it simply disappeared by late afternoon. However, our snowmen on the back deck stuck around til Friday. That was a wonderful treat to look out and see our little family of snowmen.

Well, Monday came and the day was bright and cheery. The wind bit like a knife. The roads were safe and we loaded the van. The children were very excited. None of them had every experienced ice skating. Wow, snow and ice skating all in one week!

We met several families at the McDonald's near the rink for a late breakfast. Then off to the rink!

Chloe took to the ice right away. Never fearing that she might fall. She thought of it as roller blades and she was gone! Smiling the BIGGEST smile the entire time!

Nate hugged the wall for a bit, and I don't blame him. After awhile, he took to the ice without any problems. He got so good that he was skating across the rink instead of around the rink with the flow of things. (Is this a sign of things to come?)

Sarah was looked fondly upon by the Sharits' and they escorted her & Sam around the rink. It wasn't too long till Sarah was out and skating on her own too! She said "Mrs. Heather is the best skater ever!"

The previous night, I had pulled out a pair of size 6 purple corduroy pant with flowers embroidered around the pockets and wanted her to wear them on "ice skating day." (Yes, my sweet little twig is growing up so fast. Her little long legs are sprouting as we speak!) So, anyway, Sarah was protesting. Then she remembered that "Mrs. Heather has purple corduroy pants just like those!" Being a quick mom as I am, "Would you like for me to call Mrs. Heather and see if she will wear her pants tomorrow?" Oh happy day! Heather hadn't picked out her outfit for the day and she was joyed to matched Sarah for the day!

Well, Sam and I didn't fair as nicely as the Big Kids. He stayed on the wall or on the ice the entire time! We laughed, we cried, we watched everybody go by! He really did enjoy himself. I promise. This wasn't torture.

Well, now as for me? I would love to say that I haven't lost one ounce of grace, stability or vigor, BUT, I have. I put on a pair of skates, nearly broke my neck WALKING down the ramp to the rink and took them off. I spent the rest of my rink time in tennis shoes on ice.

We had a blessed time with our group. Chloe and Nate both came home with bruises about the size of tennis balls on their knees. They never once lost their smiles, and that was worth everything!