Winter-y Birthday Fun (Part 1)

Brooklynn decided that for her birthday she wanted to go ice skating. It sounded like fun but I knew I couldn't manage a bunch of 3-4 year olds on the ice. So we decided on a family party. (Ok, I decided...she was still convinced there would be a party at the arena.) Only Tyler had been ice skating before and that was when he was 3! It turned out to be a pretty busy day and they didn't have any of the walkers for the kids. I pretty much counted on it being a disaster with the crowds, no experience, it was cold and ice is hard. I pictured lots of crying and begging to go home. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The only crying and whining and begging to go home came from Chris and I. The kids were a little cautious at first and weren't sure about the whole thing but they all kept at it and in the end had a great time. Brooklynn was pretty scared at first and she did cry. As long as Chris and I each had her hand she was ok. Later we were able to get a walker and then she was able to cruise around the whole place without help. She loved that. McKenna was a trooper and skated around and around and around and every time she passed us she'd yell out, "I've fallen 19 times" or whatever the number was, and keep on going! I was so proud of her.

McKenna zooming by in a blur.

Lauren and Tyler both did pretty good too. Lauren didn't want to leave. However, I don't think Tyler has any desire to take up ice hockey anytime soon.