You Never Know

So, after being inspired by 16 days of Olympic Competition I felt we needed to get Quinn going. One of the U.S. ice skaters (can't remember if it was speed, figure, or dance) has been ice skating since he was 17 months old. So, if we want any chance of having Quinn chase the Olympic dream I figured we better get started. Plus, I used to love ice skating, I was never very good, but I've always enjoyed that feeling of gliding on ice...
So, off we went to the ice rink. Yes, it may sound crazy, taking a 15-month old ice skating. Mike thought it was a big mistake and he didn't think they'd have skates small enough for Quinn. But they did. And we did it. Sort of.
It took a good ten minutes of waiting in line to get our skates. Then ten more trying to put Quinn's skates on...we actually needed a bigger size for him. And then it was time to go on the ice.
Things would have gone a lot smoother had Mike or I actually been confident enough on the ice. So I step on first and think, "Okay, this IS a stupid idea...I already feel like I'm going to fall and I'm not trying to hold Quinn up yet." But we pushed on with Olympic determination. Sort of. So then Mike sets Quinn on the ice, who wobbles a bit, but is laughing with delight. And then Mike steps on, and I swear he was thinking, "This IS a stupid idea...I already feel like I'm going to fall." So, Mike's leaning on the wall, holding Quinn up, and I'm holding on to the wall going backwards trying to help Quinn. And Quinn...well, he's all smiles and giggles. He thinks it's the most fun he's had all day. And I think my back is going to break trying to help hold him up. So, Quinn's first experience on ice was delightful for him, and a bit scary for the two of us. After that ten minutes Mike and I took turns skating around the rink while the other held Quinn where it was safe and not slippery. Quinn had a blast waving Hi and Bye to the skaters and would laugh with such joy when Mike or I skated past him.
We'd still like to try again with him...maybe this summer if we can convince his Uncle Brian to join us. See, Quinn's Uncle Brian CAN skate backwards and would, hopefully, be more confident than Mike and I put together.
In case you're worried, we're not putting all our hopes in Quinn being an ice skater in the Olympics, he'll be starting swim lessons in April. =) Maybe he'll be able to compete in BOTH the summer and winter Olympics.