Wednesday, January 14, 2009

ice capades

We make it to Bristol's Speedway in Lights every year, but we've never made it to the ice rink that the speedway sets up. Last year we talked about taking Sarah to try her hand (foot?) at ice skating, but due to circumstances we were unable to do it. Of course, Sarah was bummed about this. So when the season started, she immediately began reminding us how much she wanted to go ice skating!

We were actually supposed to go the weekend before last (January 3). But that of course was when Sarah's cold grew into an ear infection. A cold ice rink and a child with an earache did not sound like a good combination. We changed the plan (again, much to Sarah's disappointment).

This past weekend, we finally managed to get to the ice rink! January 11 was the LAST day the rink would be open, and we (ahem) "skated" in right under the wire. By this point, I was beginning to think that the activity could not possibly live up to all of this build up and anticipation. I shouldn't have worried though. Sarah had a blast! She loves ice skating!

Being almost 7 months pregnant, with compromised balance and bulging belly to prove it, I didn't think it would be wise for me to attempt to skate. I watched and played photographer instead. So that left it to Nelson to help Sarah with her skating endeavor. He was incredibly patient with her as he guided her around the rink. She got more brave as the evening wore on. But she enjoyed all of it! :)

Without further ado, here are our pictures from the evening:


The rink itself. It's not a fancy rink. It's inside a tent, and its consistency was closer to snow than ice. But still, it's fun. :)




Getting "suited up" to skate.




The first lap.




The end of the first lap. See how happy she looks?




Taking a break. Sarah said she needed "to put her feet up."




Heading out for lap #2.




Going around again. She's a bit more confident now--she let go of Daddy's hand.




Nelson did a couple of "solo" laps. Here is one of them.




I love this picture. Not only does it show how much fun Sarah is having, but it was taken right after a fall. I am thrilled that she got right back up and didn't let it ruin her good time!




I tried to get a shot of the one time when Sarah let go of both the wall AND her daddy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture it. :( It was only for a moment, then she got spooked again. But at least she gave it a go.

Sarah is asking when we can go ice skating again, but as previously mentioned Bristol has already closed. There is a rink in Ober Gatlinburg. It's bigger and fancier, with smooth ice. Of course, it is also farther away and more expensive! But it is an option, and we will consider it.

2 comments:

Tana said...

the rink at Ober Gatlinburg is really nice...

Tara said...

How fun! I love the pictures, especially that last one! :-) Too cute!

That is so great that Sarah picked herself up right after falling and just kept going. You go girl! :-)