Ice Skating

A couple of months ago, our neighbor girl mentioned that years ago the creek behind our house froze, and she was able to ice skate on it. Ever since, Seth and Sam have talked about wanting to ice skate. When I asked them what they wanted for Christmas, "Ice skates," was their reply. After giving them a reality talk about the impracticalness of ice skates because of the improbable odds of ever getting to use them in our climate, they let the idea go. I, however, did not. I got the idea of surprising them with an ice skating outing to the Lloyd Center. Because we got them a puppy for Christmas, we really didn't do much else for gifts, but we did do stocking stuffers--and one of these was a "gift card" for ice skating. When they found it, they were so excited!

So, two days after Christmas, with my parents graciously in tow to help watch Joshy, we went ice skating. It was quite the experience. At first, we weren't sure if they boys would like it...it's a tough learning curve! Sam, especially was SO determined to do it by himself, which meant he was practically walking and holding onto the edge. But, by the end, both boys were skating (in short, slow spurts and close to the wall).

And would you believe that was their favorite Christmas present? (Besides the puppy of course.) We've decided to make an "outing" one of their presents every year. It was a very special time as a family, and so fun to have my parents along. We even all had fantastic Thai food in a North Portland hole-in-the-wall restaurant to top the night off . We didn't get many good pictures, but the memories will last forever!

 Seth and I

Dad helping keep Josh satisfied; and our poor attempt at a family ice skating photo

 

Here's the last couple Christmas pictures from my camera:

 The boys REALLY wanted these hats at the Fred Meyer after Christmas sale, and Papa (sucker) treated them!

 It takes Joshy awhile to warm up, but by the end he was Papa's little buddy