Forgive me if I wax poetic, but I truly hold dear our Monday skating outings with our homeschool friends. The kids are so adorable skating together and the ones who are comfortable on the ice are so willing to encourage and guide and teach their friends. They never complain or poke fun at those who aren’t as accomplished.

On any given day there is serious skating going on as well as some serious play. I skate in and out, near enough to hear their discussions and give a little tip or encouragement, but far enough away that they feel independent enough to try new things and forge their own relationships.

The photo above was taken one minute before the zamboni came out and a mere fraction of a second after they all gave me a great pose and fantastic smiles! I put down the phone and they all sped off for one last lap before they got kicked off the ice.