Skate Season

The rinks around town are open even though we're seeing temps in the 70s around here!

We headed to our favorite rink, Bryant Park, this weekend to get back to our skating groove.

It's pretty amazing the difference a year has made in the boys.  Freddie was much better, and more confident although a big fall kinda made him a little more cautious halfway through.

Hans wanted a penguin, so we gave it a try.  We hadn't tried one yet because it makes the outing go from free to $20 but it did make skating around with him a whole lot easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

He couldn't quite get it in motion all by himself, but it won't be long.

We all skated for about 1.5 hours and my leg muscles were screaming!

I may need to get myself out there solo during the week!

After skating we headed to Grand Central to hit up the Shake Shack there.

The boys had never been to Grand Central so it was fun to just wander around a bit.  The boys were amazed at the details in the beautiful old terminal.  They want us to plan an overnight train trip out of Grand Central in the very near future.  Sounds like something we can do although I am sure the novelty would wear off rather quickly once en route.  

A super fun day together!  Looking forward to lots more skating, especially if it doesn't involve parkas, scarves, gloves, boots time 4!

Skate Season

Cannot remember what Freddie's face was all about

We're in the last month of "skating season."  Considering we've just had our biggest dump of snow this season its hard to imagine that our rink will be shutting down in a few weeks.

Worst part is that gives me false hope that we'll be out and about enjoying spring in now time.  Spring is definitely not around the corner.  It'll be a few more months before we're baring our legs and wearing sandals.

Watching the zamboni!

Not sure how many times we'll make it to the rink before it closes, but I think we'll try a few indoor rinks to keep up the skills and interest in the ice year round.

I imagine a July trip to the nearby indoor rink will be refreshing!

Hopefully we won't need our parkas, but for now I'll take full advantage of all the snuggling being offered.

Skaters

It's zamboni season...er, I mean skating season!  Although the allure of the ice rink for Hans is mostly about the zamboni, Freddie is getting pretty excited about how much progress he's making.

Freddie still likes holding someone's hand when he skates but he is literally pulling me along.  He's getting more confident even with the rink being packed with skaters.  Hans is making lots of progress as well, keeping his blades on the ice and maintaining balance.  These boys are ice skaters!

Tis the season

The parkas are out and in daily use, and the outdoor ice rinks are open.

We got the skate bag out and headed to Bryant Park for our first skate of the season.

What a difference a year makes!  The boys were so interested in skating and wanted to stay on the ice for hours.

We went around and around and around.  All of us!  Even Hans wanted to continue to challenge himself to balance on his own.

Last year we would manage a few laps before the boys were ready for cocoa.  This year no one was ready to leave.  After a few hours Freddie was shuffling in and out of people, passing folks up, and pulling me along.

I think the "mild" temperature helped their enthusiasm this trip.  Hopefully they build up their skills and confidence before the 20 and 30 degree mornings arrive.

The favorite of ice skating is always the zamboni. We could not leave before seeing the zamboni take to the ice.  Hans had to watch it the entire time.

After skating we spent some time in Bryant Park, visiting the little mobile book cart to read for a bit and then take a whirl on the carousel.

Bring on winter.  We're ready!

Skaters

Freddie…

   

 Hans….

 

With a morning in the teens and wind chills in the single digits it is hard to believe the rink will be shutting down in just a couple weeks because spring is around the corner.  A few other outdoor rinks will be open a bit longer but we like Bryant Park because it's FREE!  We may find an indoor rink to get in a few more skates through the spring.

Sunday Skate

Freddie's ready for winter and all it brings, including ice skating.

Bryant Park rink opened earlier this month and we finally got in a visit.

Freddie did so much better this year.  He let go of the wall and our hands on the first loop and pretty much insisted he could do it on his own.  He shuffled around but he's getting the hang of it.

He had a few spills and asked that we bring his helmet next time.  Good idea.

Hans had to get out there too.

He has his own skates so he doesn't have to be left to watch.  He wants to keep up with Freddie at all costs.

He slipped and slided all the way around but wanted to keep doing it.  

Charlie passed him to me because he couldn't skate hunched over much longer.  I liked having hold of his hands and skating him around.

Looking forward to more Sunday skates with the guys!

Freddie Skates

Freddie was able to try ice skating for the very first time at Wollman Rink in Central Park.

He didn't have any problems walking and was fairly confident on the ice, even though he was pretty wobbly at first.  He eventually got his feet going in the right motion, but he still wouldn't let go of my hand.

He couldn't quite grasp why everyone was just skating in the same direction in a circle, but he finally went with the concept and declared himself the winner when we got back to the beginning. 

My calves *burned* after one lap and Charlie had similar aching complaints after he skated.  We need more time on the ice!

H-man tried on some skates and stepped out on the ice in his skates, but he wasn't please.  He isn't quite steady enough to stay up on those blades. 

I'm sorry I missed his debut while I was skating with Freddie but those teeny tiny skates sure were cute.

There was plenty of entertainment with the puddles and people watching for Hans.  I'm sure the four of us will be skating laps in no time.  (As soon as my calves get stronger!)