final hurrah

Sarah had been pestering us all vacation long to go ice skating at a nearby outdoor rink. We thought we would go before Charlotte and Emily left, but for various reasons didn't, and wound up going Monday night for Family Home Evening, the night before school started again. Not being an outdoorsy or even remotely athletic girl, I was not looking forward to spending the evening in the freezing cold. I volunteered to stand on the sidelines and take pictures, even though I sort of felt like the "Boring Mom."

Though I did freeze and was sorely tempted to slip nonchalantly into the nearby Gap store, I was glad we went because the kids had so much fun. John is quite the speed skater, and Sarah--who I thought would be clinging to the side railing--didn't fall once. I guess she takes more after her Canadian-born father than her non-coordinated mother.

Lucky for me, John and Sarah worked up a sweat while skating and shed their outer-layer coats, which I gratefully accepted. I sat on one and covered up with the other. I wrapped Sarah's fleece scarf around my head and ears, and I'm quite sure I looked ridiculous huddled on a chair.

Sarah took a break and came to comfort me in my teeth-chattering condition.

When the kids were finally tired and ready to leave, I convinced everyone to pause under the light for a quick SP. It took a little persuading on my part, but they humored me. It's a little blurry, but I'll take what I can get under the circumstances.

I was ready for the hot cocoa we had upon returning home. Call me boring, but I'll take chocolate any day over any activity requiring dangerous footwear.