Ice Time

We took Ava ice skating today for the first time.

I should re-phrase, Daddy took Ava ice skating. Mommy sat on the sidelines with the camera and video camera....along with little brother Dean. We met up with Mr. Owen and Conal, as well as Uncle Tony & Uncle Joey. It was Conal's first time too and he did great. He clung onto that cone and wasn't letting go, it was adorable.

All in all, I would say it was a successful first lesson. Ava already asked if we could go again tomorrow, so that tells ya something right there.

Much like the first dip in the pool, I had a feeling the whole event may only be about 5 minutes total...or less. But I remained hopeful and encouraging, and I tried to prepare her for what was to come. She couldn't wait! To my delight, we were at the rink a good hour and a half.

I should mention that she started with tears...the skates were too tight. Daddy took care of that. Then he took her for a few spins around the ice in his arms. She clung to him for dear life. Eventually, she warmed up and Chet had her by the arms and she was skating around. Sort of. They had cones for the kids to hold onto but they were hard to come by. Ava got her hands on one a few times but Daddy wasn't a big fan.

Anyway, it's a monumental day for Daddy. He got to take his little princess ice skating. You know, Daddy...the hockey playin', backwards-sideways skatin', pro skate master that he is? Ha.

Actually, it was a pretty neat day for me too. Without getting overly mushy, I felt proud watching the two of them out there on the ice. One might almost categorize it as a "Daddy Date."

Apparently, Chet started skating at 4 years old. So, Ava has her old man beat by a pinch. Who knew? I have a feeling this was the first trip of many and that Daddy will be doing the roller-skating lessons as well. Truly a rite of passage.

(see slideshow below)