Thome’s on Ice.

When Brody was a peanut (in our eyes) we had our hockey obsessed boy give ice skating a whirl.  In hopes of him really enjoying it and wanting to do it more often.  Dan played hockey growing up, as did his sister and the hockey obsession is still strong within their family.  Some has rubbed off onto me, I will admit … however, we are not going to push the kids into sports they are not interested.  BIG waste of time! So if they end up liking it, great, if not – it’s not the end of the universe!

He tried it for a while when he was around 3 – and then it fizzled out! Over Christmas break, he was chatting away about wanting to do it all over again so we embraced it and got him right back onto the ice.  Dan was thrilled, and I was just as happy to hopefully join them if Owen was up for skating as well!

The whole car ride Brody was pretty calm and collected – which is such a great sign that he’s going to enjoy himself we could tell he was totally ready! Owen told us he was going to “check daddy into the boards” like a real hockey guy — which had us cracking up.  I knew it was still up in the air if he would embrace it when we got to the rink … but secretly both Dan and I have a feeling Owen will be our rough hockey player.  Time will tell!

Ooh these bite size legs in skates … oozing cuteness.

Owen decided to hang back with mom and devour snacks.  I can’t blame the kid! Jumbo soft pretzels and candy for days … he may have had the right idea all along!

Each time we go skating as a family I have high hopes of getting on the ice. First time I was pregnant with Owen- so that was a no.  Following season I was nursing Owen, and this chic couldn’t get more than 3 feet away from him without him wanting the boob.  No exaggeration! And now,  one kid always backs out – leaving mama to be the babysitter.  One day I’ll get my skate on, or at least attempt to.  I’m no pro, so having me be the helper to little ones who are learning – eh, probably not the best idea!   For now I’ll make friends with the concession stand.  

Itty bitty footsteps scraped across the ice.  Uncertainty and excitement poured from his bones.  Hockey has to be one of the toughest sports to toss kids into.  Hit or miss.  Once the skates are on and they stand, wobbly like a baby giraffe their fear sinks in a bit.  Once their confidence builds –  they step onto the ice, only to begin slipping around like a seal, tears and fear usually follows.

It is a sport that I can see will require constant bravery + dedication.

A few shaky laps around and the smile came whipping  baby stepping around the bend!

Owen started to get excited – and when Brody took a break he asked to put on skates and go out with Dad.

Thankfully his Aunt Kristi snagged a picture for me because seconds later his wobbly legs gave out and we were tossing a crying toddler onto the ice for a spin.  A spin that lasted 3 minutes – tears the entire way.  He was handed off to me by Dan, and he said “Oh, I liked that.  I’m done”

Time to hydrate and hit the ice again …. he went the entire 2 hours.

That caution sign could not have been more true for us that evening.  Slipping, crying, and yet getting back up again.  I am excited for these next few years of trying new sports with the boys.  I love that skating really teaches them to get back up and try again … there is not a “win or lose” aspect to it yet.  That has to be my favorite part.  Just building confidence and skills that will help their hopeful hockey careers! Can you not just see Thome on the back of a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey?