Birthday part 2: Ice skating

Today we continued birthday celebrations with a trip to the ice skating rink. Since we aren't doing a n official birthday party per se, we are having even more fun celebrations with Kyle and Emily's buddies. This morning we hit up the ice skating rink. Emily has been asking to go ice skating for some time. Since yesterday was go-karting and more Kyle-centric of an activity (don't be fooled though, Emily & Haiden had a blast), today we went ice skating. (It was today also because this was something that Aaron could participate in, unlike go-karting). 

With all their practice on rollerblades (kids got upgraded rollerblades for their birthday) and having the buffer of their knee, elbow and wrist guards, Kyle, Emily and Simon were ready to roll. (Haiden wasn't available to join us today.) Aaron even used Simon's knee pads and one wrist guard (the other was in our garage) and his bike helmet. 

This was absolutely so much fun with the kids. Simon plays hockey so he is a fabulous skater. He was a great influence for Kyle and Emily who have ice skated a few times before, but trying to keep up with him was a great motivator to keep moving. And they did great! And they didn't fall very much at all. They were cruising way faster than they ever had been. 

The biggest surprise was Aaron. He was great on skates. He was super excited to get them on and wear them and get out on the ice. He almost just knew what to do. He held on to me very nicely and even did some steps on his own with decent grace. He did want to run on his skates, but lucky for him I was holding on to him. It was wonderful. 

Super cute Aaron on ice skates for the first time

The ice skating gang. Simon LOVES Aaron. 

Selfie with Aaron from the penalty box (my back was hurting from having to hunch down with Aaron so I needed a break)

Watching the zambonie resurface the ice

Go Emmie, go!!
Look at the kids go!!

I know there are several videos of Aaron ice skating, but I was super impressed with his willingness and two year old ability. 

Aaron skating with the girl ice helpers.

You'd think the kid was wearing regular shoes. Just walking / running around in ice skates

Fabulous day 2 of birthday celebrations. Great to be eight!