Hockey during the off season and other things that make life hectic

The longer I go without writing, the harder it is to get started. Should I just jump in with the latest news as if I haven't had a two week absence? Should I try to write one massive post about everything that's been going on? Or do I try to pick up where I left off and eventually I'll get caught up?

Maybe I'll just start writing and see what happens next. And by "what's next", I'm hoping that doesn't mean another two week absence.

This is supposed to be our calm month. We're in between soccer and hockey seasons, which should translate into a slower-paced schedule. Except in the last week one of our cars died. (Three days after we got a flat tire on our other vehicle.) There was hockey registration, and Girl Scout leader training (that's going to be my next adventure) and, oh yes, even though it's not hockey season, we still had hockey. Six straight days of it.

We signed AJ up for a week long camp in Cloquet. We were able to register him as a Squirt, which means he was skating with kids who were one or two years older and bigger than he was. It was a good challenge for him, and for the most part he held his own.

One unexpected bonus of the camp was one of the coaches who showed up. Jamie Langenbrunner - a Cloquet native who just wrapped up a nearly 10 year career in the NHL (and who apparently had a son skating in the same camp.)

How many eight-year-olds can say they skated with a professional hockey player? After the third practice, AJ dug through his hockey cards, and sure enough! Armed with the card and sharpie marker, AJ couldn't wait to head back to the rink where, on the next night, he got it autographed.

And a picture! Note the gloves in the photo below and in the picture on the card. "He was wearing the same gloves!" AJ noted in awe.

Another fun part of the camp - getting to skate with a new friend. AJ's buddy Lucas, who just moved her from Superior, also registered for the camp. The boys will be on the same team come winter, and had a great time practicing together.

But now we're done, and should have three hockey-free weeks ahead of us. With all that spare time, I'll hopefully find time to write.