Today was a super fun day! Sawyer and four of his friends (and their parents) went ice skating at Anaheim Ice. Man! What an experience. I haven't been on the ice but two times that I can recall, including this one. I thought for sure that I would be the one walking around occupying Dempsey, but no, it was Jake.
Dempsey had skates on and was even on the ice for a time. It was precious to see my little one out there totally out of his element, just like the rest of us. It didn't take long for him to be D.O.N.E. with the whole notion of ice skating. Jake's ankle was bothering him so much that he was glad to have Dempsey duty and off they went only to be seen wandering around the upper levels thanks to elevator rides.
This adventure began with a short 20-minute lesson. I think it served the kids well to give them a little confidence on this foreign terrain. The chairs were especially helpful and I wish it was permitted to use them post lesson as well... I think that would have led to an even more enjoyable outing. Oh well. I assure you, on the photo just above, we were both thinking what in the world are we doing?
Below are my three favorite guys all experiencing something for the first time! That doesn't happen very often and I am so glad that our friends captured this for us because I was too busy trying not to kill myself or re- injure my knee.
Here are a few photos of the kiddos (and parents are interspersed). I think we all had a good time although only one of us seemed remotely comfortable on the ice.
These kids are all incredible. All six of our kids (each family having 2) get along marvelously! Could not ask for a better group to have shared this experience with. What you don't see in these photos is the fact that those girls were fearless and focused. They were living it up for all it was worth and it was a joy to watch them learn and improve in just a few short hours.
Sawyer took a bit more work and time to get to a "comfy" place with the ice. By "comfy" I mean that he was able to go around 3/4 of the rink without holding onto the side. This happened because I kept speaking encouragement and affirmation to him and I would skate ahead 6-10 feet, turn around, and wait as a focal point until he would run into me for a warm hug. Nevertheless, HE IMPROVED and found some determination down deep somewhere.
There were a few times I found myself getting choked up. The kind of choked up where you're not quite sure where it came from but you want to stay there and be friends with it. Sawyer and I would stop at almost every door and sit for a minute. In these moments he would share his fears with me and I would speak encouragement and affirmation to him. I would remind him that God did not give him a Spirit of fear but one of courage (2 Timothy 1:7). I would remind Sawyer that Joshua had to be reminded to be courageous (Joshua 1:9) and that David had courage because of faith in God when he volunteered to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Upon hearing these reminders he would kind of whimper-sniffle combo and pull himself together with a fresh resolve. As I'm telling him these stories and reminding him that he has power in Christ my eyes start welling up with tears. I am so proud to be sharing these moments with my boy and I am realizing that THIS IS WHO HE IS. He is the one who needs affirmation beyond what I think appropriate. He is the one who needs encouragement beyond what I would normally give. He is the one that needs to hear about his Creator because he is so in tune with Him and this world doesn't fuel that relationship enough. I love my Sawyer. I'm getting all emotional just reliving this day and these special moments.
Sawyer is sensitive. Not in a babied sort of way. No. In a way that speaks to the world of the heart of God. A true lover of people who cares deeply and it matters not if they are his friend or a stranger. He loves them. I saddens him to know there are legit bad guys out there... as it should ALL of us! Sawyer is eager to make you happy and that is a characteristic I must guard against because people will take advantage of him. There is a point where making people happy is a good and Godly thing. But there is also a point where it ceases to be that holy act and THAT is what I want to help him see. Special, special moments and responsibilities.
This is what we looked like going round and round the rink.
After skating we were ALL pretty hungry. We decided to lunch together at a local eatery. It was fun continued. Never a dull moment and not one instance of bickering amongst the children... or adults. As you can see, we were too busy eating and chatting to bother with photos.
Dempsey, sitting there, eying my soda...
