Yesterday, we went ice skating at the Pettit National Ice Center. The girls had been asking all Winter to go ice skating. The 400 meter, Olympic oval track has seen such greats as Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen. Now it has seen Katherine and Maggie Sepersky (with Chris). When we arrived, the Zamboni was preparing the track for us and about 500 of our ice skating friends. While waiting for perfectly groomed ice, we watched the figure skaters practice:

Once the ice was groomed to our high expectations, we took to the track ... And quickly returned to the spectator area. One dad with 2 flailing children was not going to work. Now, Maggie and dad have been ice skating before, but you wouldn't know it. So rather than abandon hope, we opted for "practice" - one daughter would sit on the bench next to the track while dad and the other girl walked about 20 feet up-ice and skated back. Then we switched. Repeat for about 30 minutes. Finally, Maggie was convinced to keep going without help. The problem was ... once you start around the 400 meter oval, there's NO TURNING BACK!!!

Maggie performed many triple-salchow-double-axels, landing graciously every time on her bottom. After about 50 meters (did I mention the oval is 400 meters?), the girls wanted to turn around. Daddy informed them that the rules are that everyone keeps going one way.

Once you get around the first curve, there was a breakspot (Hallelujah). We pulled over and the girls wanted to walk back. Again, daddy told them the rules said you have to keep skating - no walking back. Katherine replied "Where is this rules person? You SAY you know all the rules, but I don't think you know all of them!" Here is a picture at the breakspot.

After returning to the ice, an employee took pity on us and gave the girls a 1-minute lesson. This may have given Katherine too much confidence because for the last 300 meters, she wanted to do most of it on her own. We competed bravely in the 400 meter, completing ONE LAP in about 45 minutes. I'm not sure what kind of medal that gets us, but there sure was a lot of celebrating at the end. The girls did not want to do another lap at that time, but do want to go back again.

Just a few scenes from our day yesterday. I worked Tuesday evening, and for the second Tuesday in a row, I had to stay until 0330. Going to bed after 4, and waking before 7 makes for a very long day.

Last Wednesday, I put Katherine and Abby down for naps and climbed into my bed as well. But, it turns out that Katherine got out of her bed, and was distressed not to find me downstairs. She didn't think to check my bed, so she sat downstairs for at least an hour, not sure of where I was.

Yesterday I told her she could nap downstairs, with a movie.

Her rest time gave her plenty of energy to play outside with Maggie after school. We haven't had much snow play this season. They started out trying to make a snowman, as they could see that the neighbors have made 2! but they gave up and just played until I called them in after dark!
Finally, a snapshot of our dinner last night. It was sort of "free choice" as I didn't have the energy to plan a real meal. But, as we have done through most of Advent, we lit the candles on our Advent wreath and talked about waiting. The girls have been waiting to be able to light all 4 candles, and now we wait this week for Christmas to finally arrive!

Last Friday was Katherine's Christmas program at school. It also happened to be Maggie's pajama day at school. Boom Boom and PopPop came to the house for Katherine's performance. I think we might be able to solve the energy crisis if we could harness the excitement that such a day creates!

Katherine was so serious for most of her show. She cracked a smile here and there, but most of the time she was concentrating. It took all of her concentration to remember words and actions, play instruments, and not smack the naughty boy next to her. She did so well! Here are some selections for your enjoyment!

In other years, we've been gifted a snow day early in December, and have spent that day decorating the house. I'm not complaining about the lack of snow, but it did delay our usual festivities! Luckily we're having a pretty laid back year, so it didn't matter!

The girls were quite helpful and really enjoyed the decorating. Well, Abby is still un-decorating more than decorating, but such is life with a toddler. We've had a few broken ornaments, but the "valuable" ones are safely tucked into the highest branches!

I haven't captured my favorite scene on camera yet. There is nothing sweeter, or more hilarious, than watching and listening as the girls play with the figures of the Nativity set. You never quite know what the Holy Family might be doing.

Maggie is excited to be on a Basketball team. This is her first experience with Basketball. The rec department has a league for Kindergarten and First grade, with a heavy focus on skills, and a brief scrimmage each Saturday to entertain the parents. I am having flashbacks to my own days on the court, watching Maggie use every ounce of strength shooting a basket, hoping the ball might hit the rim. She has scored 2 actual baskets and she is quite proud. I'm also pretty impressed with my own memory of terms and drills and ability to offer tips and advice to my budding star.

In fact, starting after the holiday, I'm joining the coaching staff. Her volunteer coach (a team Dad) asked for another parent to help him keep the kids focussed, running in the right direction, and dribbling rather than running with the ball. Apparently I was the most qualified (only) interested party. Go Tigers!

You can see I've been teaching her some of my best moves already!

December has gotten away from me. Honestly I can't believe that it's only 2 days until Christmas. I think you could say that I am NOT ready. So, rather than do what needs to be done (wrapping, planning, cooking, cleaning) I thought I'd catch up on this month that has flown past! How about a series of short posts with lots of pictures?

One of Katherine's highlights was Reindeer Zoo School. We spent 2 1/2 hours at the zoo learning about the Caribou; where they live, what they eat, how they travel, the clicking sound that they make. She made a costume and then we even got to go behind the scenes to see the reindeer in the zoo. We got quite close! Of course the real highlight was a certain special visitor from the North Pole who checked his list and confirmed that Katherine was indeed on the nice list.....so far!

One Sunday, while I was working, Chris took the girls to the Public Library for a tree lighting and Santa visit. I was told that Santa made a spectacular arrival on a firetruck! Chris managed to capture all 3 on Santa's lap. Abby's face clearly tells you what she thinks of Santa! (Even when PopPop wore a santa hat to be cute, Abby was terrified.) She does enjoy saying "Ho Ho Ho" when she sees a santa picture. Maybe next year she'll stop crying long enough to enjoy the moment?