S is for Sydney the Skater

Mother Nature tried to give us a break last night. With afternoon temperatures hitting the 40s, AJ's hockey coaches, who had already announced the evening's practice would be optional, cancelled it all together. But it wasn't quite enough to give us an evening off because Sydney's first Learn to Skate class went on as scheduled. 

She didn't get to use the white PVC bar she'd been hoping for, but suddenly it didn't matter. Put Sydney in a group setting with a "coach" giving instructions and she takes it seriously. Round and round the rink she skated, never questioning or complaining. Well, she did say the helmet was hurting her chin a little and the elbow pads were squeezing her arms, but that didn't stop her. And at least she didn't cry to go back inside, which several of the kids did.)

I'm proud and impressed with her progress. Within the first 15 minutes, she'd learned how to get up (one knee at a time) without help, and to "skate like a penguin" - pushing out with her skates as she went.

Her coach, who had her hands full with lots of first time skaters, quickly noticed which kids were using the bar as a crutch and challenged them to try skating without it.

What do you know? Look at her go! If she keeps this up, we may have a tough choice next year - hockey or dance class?

Miss Independent alternated between basking in our praise, and requesting I stop taking her picture. Jeff, meanwhile, alternated between watching her practice, and keeping an eye on AJ, who was skating with some big kids on the adjoining rink.

At one point, I asked Sydney if I should go get Daddy to watch her. She told me no. I reminded her that he'd be really proud of how good she was skating. Her face broke out in a grin as she changed her mind.

There's nothing like the promise of a hug to encourage her to skate the length of the rink to see Daddy.

As luck would have it, the letter of the week in Sydney's preschool class is "S". I printed out a photo of Sydney skating for her to show to her class. Good luck to the teacher today. I have a feeling Sydney will have lots of "S" stories to share.