(43-221) Let The Good Times Roll!

If you've been joining me regularly, on "The Bumpy Ride;" then you know that after the roller skating fiasco I wrote about in "Do Over," I decided to make things right, and take my kids for roller skating lessons.  I posted "The Great Skate Do Over" following my kids first lesson; and today we returned to Great Skate for Lyndzi and Kelsie's third lesson and Nicky's second.

When I took the girls for their lesson last week, I was surprised by how much they seemed to have forgotten from the week before; but today they picked up right where they'd left off.  Nicky had missed last weeks lesson because he was volunteering at the St. Mary's food bank with Student Council; and although he needed to refresh himself  a bit; he was skating competently, in no time.

Sometimes; a picture really is worth a thousand words.  Unfortunately, the roller rink is not ideal for taking pictures and we didn't get any that I felt were worth sharing.  We didn't have any difficulty shooting video though.  So with that being said; I'll now share a video of each of my kids at Great Skate today.  Keep in mind that the first time they went skating, they could barely stand up on their skates. All of my kids are all still a little wobbly, and cautious to say the least; but they're getting into the grove, and regardless of their serious expressions, they've all assured me that they really enjoy skating and they were having a good time. I'm so proud of them all. 

Nicky and Jenny's son, Wyatt

Lyndzi and Jenny's daughter, Bailey

Kelsie and Jenny's daughter, Carly

Now just for amusement's sake; I've got a couple more for you to check out.

The first, is one that Luis called "This guy used to get laid."

The next is "Quintessential Kelsie."

I'm so thankful that my kids are so resilient and have risen to the challenge of learning to skate.  Let the good times roll!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-207) The Great Skate Do Over

When I wrote "Do Over..." I told you about the night that I attempted to help my kids learn how to roller skate; and how it turned out to be one of the worst nights of my life; as a parent.  A few days later, I posted "Making Things Right..." and I explained that I had discovered that Great Skate offered roller skating lessons; and I was planning to take my kids there, so that they could learn how to skate properly and enjoy themselves; the way 
that they should have during their first skating experience.

Well, this morning Michelle and her son; Jenny and her 3 kids and our friend Christa, and her 2 daughters; met me and my kids at Great Skate; so that they could take their first roller skating lesson; and it was fantastic.  I was so proud of my kids.  They all went in with the most amazing, optimistic attitudes.  No one said that they were afraid; and quite honestly, after our last experience, I would have been fearful if I was the one putting wheels back on my feet; but not my three.  Everyone went in as if nothing had ever gone wrong there before; and I was incredibly relieved.

We got their skates on and everyone managed to make it over to the rink without incident.  When it came time for the lesson, the instructors told the kids to sit down so they could stretch.  They then said that if you'd never taken a lesson before, to remain seated after stretching.  They broke up into groups and all nine of our kids were then taught about the skates, how to position their hands if they were going to fall; and how to get themselves back up after falling.  I was thoroughly impressed.  Once the kids were on their feet, they were told to try to march to the wall; and they all did.  They were then instructed to skate back to the other wall; and to continue skating back and forth so that the teachers could observe them and move them into another group if necessary.

Nicky, Wyatt and Max were all moved to a slightly more advanced group; and all of the girls remained in the introductory group.  The hour passed fairly quickly and all of the kids had definitely made progress.  I asked all three of my kids if they'd be interested in coming back for another lesson; and they all said yes.

Open skate started immediately after the lesson was over; and all of the kids participated.  All of the kids fell numerous times; but they always picked themselves up and got right back to skating.  I couldn't believe how well they were doing after just one lesson.  Kelsie was even putting a little rhythm in her step and tried bouncing her shoulders and body to the beat.   I could tell that they were all very proud of themselves; and I was DELIGHTED.  I felt like I'd been vindicated, redeemed, and maybe even a little bit forgiven (by myself) for our last, horrific experience.   I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to give my kids The Great Skate Do Over; and I am so happy to say that a wonderful time was had by all.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-178) Making Things Right...

I'm a fixer.  That's what I do.  It's my nature to try and help others.  I can't help but attempt to make things better or to provide assistance if it's within my capability.  I'm a people pleaser.  And although I want EVERYone to be happy; the people that I NEED to please the most are my family.  With that being said; it should come as no surprise to learn that I've already devised a plan to "fix," the fiasco that was my kid's first roller skating experience; which I wrote about in "Do Over."

Being a take the bull by the horns kinda girl; there was no way that I was going to allow my kids first foray into skating to be their last.  I told Michelle M that I had to get my kids back to the skating rink ASAP, in order to right the wrong that was their last experience and she offered to join me along with her son.  I checked the Great Skate website and was delighted to discover that they offer lessons; and for a price that was not to be believed; so I called to verify.  I was able to confirm that they give skating lessons on Saturday mornings, from 9-10 and the price is only $5.50 per person; which includes skate rental and admission to the public skating session that immediately follows, from 10-1230.  Holy cow!  Is that a SUPER deal or what?  According to Bob (the very nice man that I spoke to;) they don't take reservations for the lessons; they just recommend that you arrive at 845.  There are no more than 8 students per instructor; and they separate the classes by experience level; as well as adults and children; so a beginner adult would not be in the same class as a beginner child; since adults and children learn differently.  Additionally, because I am the Queen of THOROUGHNESS, I would like to add that they also offer a lesson package of 5 lessons for only $25.  That's a $2.50 savings if you're doing the math; but the point is; I think that's a FABULOUS find.  5 hour long lessons, skate rental and 2 1/2 hours of skating after each lesson, for only $25; now that's a SPECIAL!  For now I'm only going to have my kids take the one lesson and see how they like it; but, if they'd be interested in learning some more; I think that this opportunity would be difficult to pass up.

I am SO excited about this lesson.  I feel like it's my way of making things right; and I only hope that my kids will learn how much fun skating can really be.  We are planning on going on sat. Feb 5, in case any of you would like to join us.  My friend Jenny, who's bringing her 3 kids; joked that the moms could bring their scrapbooking stuff and I actually think that's an incredible idea.  They have plenty of tables and you could still watch your kids.  We could plan a scrap -n-skate; or skate -n-scrap or something like that; but not THIS time.  No, THIS time I just want to sit and watch my kids ENJOY skating, or at the very least; have a better time than they did on our last visit.  I just can't wait!!!!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING