Great Skate!

You could not wipe the smile off Oliver's face. Both he and his big sister asked Santa for skates and skating lessons and the time had finally come for their first time out on the ice. Getting suited up in the dressing room Oliver had his skates laced up, his Habs jersey on and his helmet and cage on his head. He was grinning from ear to ear, saying "I'm a hockey player!" over and over again. Not so fast, little one, and he would soon find out that you don't go from mini-sticks in the basement to the NHL All-Star Game overnight. He and his Mom shuffled around the ice as Oliver discovered that skating was not such a simple task, but even still he was as happy as can be. Isabelle, who hasn't been on skates in almost a year, didn't have the benefit of a parental aide and fell numerous times. She was a real trooper though, determined to get up over and over again and by the end of the class, although surely sore from all the falling, she had made tremendous progress. Both of them retired to the dressing room with rosy cheeks and big smiles. They were so proud to have laced them up and hit the ice, and equally thrilled to have had Gran and Grandpa there to see their debut. We expect rapid improvement in the coming weeks, hopefully enough that when the canal eventually opens, they will be ready to test out their newfound skills. So far, Santa, your gift is a huge hit!

Isabelle, who at first could barely stand, raised her hand when the teacher asked who knew how to stop?!

Balancing Belle

Helping hand from Mommy

Pay attention, Isabelle, you're doing great!

Getting the hang of it

Oh what a happy boy!