Ice skating adventure - by Sophia Creach

About a week ago I went ice skating for the first time with one of my best friends. I know my mom only talked about me falling on my butt but some parts weren't as pleasant... I took a big header into the ice. It hurt but not for that long. I'm not saying it wasn't painful, but every good ice skater needs a hard fall every now and then,right? My dad says I usually take the biggest fall on my first time. I'm a first time faller I say. My friends dad gave me a dollar coin. I got chili cheese fritos. One time when I fell. This time on my butt. My mom tried to help me up... I still couldn't get up! It was so, so, so funny. It took me at least two minutes to get up. I finally just scooted to wall so I could pull myself up.  

By Sophia Creach

Winter Sport

Yesterday was a drizzly, chilly day. Not the ideal day for one's (or three's) first time ice skating. Still, we had postponed ice skating with friends at least three other times for various reasons. We weren't going to let a little drizzle get in our way this time.

Erick, Sophia and I were all complete newbies on the ice. Overall, I'd say our first time was a huge success.

The grownups managed not to fall down even once. And Sophia's falls were almost entirely on her butt, so that's a win. I was very proud of her. New things are definitely not her favorite things, especially when pain is a potential outcome. She kept at it in spite of being soaked and exhausted and improved quite a bit!

Having some friends with us didn't hurt at all. We discovered that standing close together is not necessarily a good idea for stability.

This was a common look on Sophia's face.

Erick opted to be photographed alone and avoid his flailing companions. Wise, wise man that he is. 

Turns out, I'm a fan of ice skating, as I am of most outdoor activities. I look forward to a time when I can stray more than a few feet away from Sophia and try a little speed. I have a feeling that when that happens, I won't be able to claim a completely upright victory. But a little fall now and then can be a good thing. It happens often enough to me that I know how to tuck and roll.

Don't worry, Mom, I'll be careful.

Perfect Combination

This weekend brought lovely weather to Missouri. It's especially welcome since it's right on the back end of some very cold temperatures. Not only did they keep us inside and away from Forest Park, they froze all the creeks and little waterways completely solid.

The ice comes up in layers, much to the delight of an explorer and the dog who loves to eat ice.

Making for very chilly kisses.

I have to admit that it's lots of fun to walk on ice, stroll on ice, even skate (scoot) on ice. We spent a very long time at the park on Saturday and ended up very muddy.

Completely worth it. Except, I did fall down the hill right in front of the Skinker stoplight. Fortunately, grace is not an attribute that I thought I possessed.

I hate the cold weather so much. I really do. The fact remains that I couldn't possibly appreciate mid-40's temperatures the way I do if it didn't sometimes get ridiculously cold. Not to mention, ice is fun.

These Days

Winter is long and cold. It's here in all its glory without a flake of snow to make it worthwhile. Still, we manage to eek the fun out of its darkness and goosebumps.

A record playing in the background, hot cocoa cooling down and the puppy squeaking his toy. Not a bad way to while away the hours.