Rock Climbing - Bud and Babe style

I think I’ve mentioned before that Bud is an awesome climber (I could probably prove it by linking to a few of my old posts but…yeah, no). So when I got an email from the college saying that they were having a Kid’s Day at the Climbing Wall I signed him right up! I have never been to the wall and it said that each child must be accompanied by an adult so I wasn’t sure what the protocol was and if it was ok if we brought Babe too, even though I figured she couldn’t climb. The lady told me we should sign her up too just in case she wants to try. Great!

Bud was SO excited and Babe was excited because Bud was excited. We were all excited! Bud couldn’t stop talking about how awesome this was going to be and he was going to “zoom up the wall so fast!” I didn’t doubt it. He recently did rope climbing in gym class and he was the only one in the first grade to make it to the very top of the rope! So yeah, I figured he’d be awesome!

We got there and they took Babe first. They strapped her into the harness, and after a short discussion about the fact that they couldn't get her harness as tight as they normally make it, she started up the wall.

It's not your eyes, my camera skillz are a little rusty so some of these pictures are a little (or a lot) blurry.

I just love this picture! She's falling off the wall and yet she looks so graceful!

She was really giving it her all!

Last big hurdle!

She made it! 

(There was one more hold but she couldn't reach it no matter how hard she tried)

Proud girl!

Then it was Bud’s turn:

After seeing how easy Babe made it look he choose a harder wall to start with. He got himself up on the first level…and was stuck! 

He couldn’t get himself higher! The girl that was belaying him tried giving him rock climbing shoes but couldn’t find anything that really fit. I asked if he could climb barefoot because that’s usually how he does it at home (he has the most amazing monkey toes you’ve ever seen!) and she said it might hurt his feet a little but he could certainly try it.

That was better! 

He still struggled a little but having his shoes and socks off made a big difference!

Of course, since Bud had no shoes that meant that Babe needed to climb shoeless too!

(If you look just under Babe's left foot you can see all the pink tape. It was holding up a Staples "Easy" button. When you push it, it says "That was Easy!" I think that was Bud's favorite part of the whole day!)

She wasn’t a fan though and quickly came back down.

Definitely a good time

Good times!

Lily

Conversations with Bud: Competitive streak edition

Bud's conversation with Nana (my mom) this weekend when he got off the ice from hockey practice...

Bud: Nana, when I saw that the other team had 3 goals and my team had 1, do you know what I did to fix it?

Nana: What?

Bud: I switched to the to the other team so I could win too!


That's my boy! Can't imagine where he gets that competitive streak from? Couldn't possibly be me! ;-)

Lily

Hey Now, He's An All-Star

Bud’s school has a program with the student-athletes from the local college (which incidentally is the same college where I work) that links up a team of student-athletes with a elementary classroom. The athletes will come and do special projects with the kids (mostly reading based projects) and just interact and have a good time with the kids. (They gave the kids t-shirts so you can imagine the excitement level for this program. Free t-shirts = kid crack)

He came home last night with a certificate from the program. He has been chosen by the student-athletes as the “All-Star” in his class! He’s also invited to the Collegiate All-Sports Banquet held for the athletes in May. I wasn’t sure if this was one of those “everyone gets a trophy” type thing or if it was actually something special so I got my relations involved (I love having in-laws that work at the school) and apparently this is a special thing! YAY BUD! I mean he’s always an all-star to me (I mean he IS a future NHL-er after all) but I’m so proud of him for being recognized by the athletes. 

(By the way, the team matched to his classroom? Totally the hockey team! AWW YEAH!)

Lily

They should have played the National Anthem

Ok, this is it for hockey for a while so allow me a hockey post just one more time. 


Bud had his LAST hockey practice on Saturday. What made all the driving, all the early mornings, all the MONEY worth it? This smile right here...

Our conversation after his practice:

Bud: LOOK MOM! I GOT A BRONZE MEDAL!!

Me: WOW, Bud! That is awesome!

Bud: I didn't know I was going to get a bronze medal. It's ok that's its not gold. 

Me: Yeah, it's ok that's it's not gold. It's just really cool that you got one!

A bit later, outside in the sunlight.

Bud: MOM! LOOK!!! It really is gold! Out here in the sun it's GOOOOOLD!!!! I got a golden medal!

Me: Awesome!

Bud: Can a brick break my medal?

Me: What?

Bud: Can a brick make my medal break in half?

Me: I don't think so Bud.

Bud: Good.




Lily

Hockey Update

Via

Hockey is almost over. Just one more practice and Bud will be hanging up his skates until next season. I’m amazed at the progress he’s made since October. He was barely able to stand up and now he flies on the ice. 

Monday was a special night. They had the college hockey players line up on the ice holding their sticks up and as they announced each player they skated through the college guys. It gave me visions of the NHL was pretty awesome.

If he sticks with it he just might be the next Lundqvist (or Ryan Miller, if you prefer?). They’ve been playing cross ice games without goalies (It’s hard enough for them to score without one.) but Bud can’t stand the thought of the other team scoring so he races the other team as they head up the ice and blocks the goal. He’s surprisingly successful at blocking shots and clearing the crease. (Not that I’m scouting him or anything. Nope.)

We did have an “incident” we had to address though. He inadvertently tripped another player and that boy skated over to Bud and had some words (remember, they are 5) and Bud slashed him with his stick! The other kid slashed back and they started tussling and fell on the ice and kept slashing at each other. I was practically jumping over the boards yelling at Bud to knock it off watching in horror! (It was the end of practice and the coaches had congregated at center ice and weren’t paying attention.) When he got off the ice he immediately asked me (like he always does), “How did I do today, mommy?” I checked him into the wall and told him I never want to see that type of play (until the NHL) every again! I took a deep breath and told him that slashing anybody with his stick is unacceptable, even if the other player does it, he should not, under any circumstances, do it back, and he certainly shouldn’t start it! 

I don’t know who the other player was otherwise I would have apologized to the mom and made Bud apologize to the kid. They are a sea of red and white and are all but indistinguishable when they are skating around (I solved that by putting Bud in a Ranger jersey…so now the other parents know exactly who my kid is. Awesome.) The good news is that he hasn’t done it again. 

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of him being goalie. More padding and almost zero contact. That sounds like the right combo for Bud!

Lily

Watch out Peggy and Nancy, Babe is on her way!

I suck, I know! I've been very neglectful and I apologize. Sorry Wench.


Moving on...


Our fun weekend (dinner with friends that included me kicking ass at Fact or Crap, hockey practice, and Wii battles) culminated with an extra dose of awesomeness in the form of ice skating.

This was Babe’s first adventure on the ice and she did really well. By the end she was performing sit spins and triple axels had forward momentum and was even jumping! She’s a natural!

Even naturals fall now and then.

Bud had a BLAST! He also made a friend. It was her first time skating and he held her hand and gave her pointers almost the whole time! Too cute!

Lily

YAY SMIDGE!

Please help me congratulate Smidge on a job well done! She completed the ½ marathon (13.1 miles) in 3 hours and 6 minutes! So awesome!! Because she finished in under 3 ½ hours she was presented with the Donald Duck Award! YAY SMIDGE! I’m very, very proud of you! Enjoy Disney for the rest of the week! You deserve it! (If you can actually move your legs enough to get around. Maybe you can rent one of the motorized scooters? Just a thought.)

CONGRATULATIONS SMIDGE!!

Lily

Hockey night (limited edition)

When we signed Bud up for hockey we only paid for the first session (October – December) because we weren’t sure if he’d like it to do it all the way through March. At the end of the summer he talked about doing karate and I’m good with that but I told him he’d have to choose hockey or karate, he couldn’t do both, and hockey is only for the winter. He decided to do hockey and I was thrilled! A few weeks ago we started talking about signing him up for the second session. It’s a big commitment for the entire family but how else is he going to make the NHL? but he really does enjoy it and it’s worth seeing the NHL contract the smile on his face when he’s on the ice. I asked him if he wanted to sign up for the next hockey session and after giving me his “thoughtful” expression (face scrunched, finger tapping his chin) he declared it’s time to try karate. And then I melted into a puddle of tears on the floor, sobbing hysterically for the NHL contract that never was!

I have to say I’m proud of him even if he’s dashing my dreams. He wants to try everything, any new sport, any new adventure. I think he’s made the right choice. I really do! No, I’m serious. Really. (I mean, maybe he’ll get to train with the next Mr. Miagi. How cool would that be?) He knows I want him to do hockey (I’m not nearly as crazed dramatic in front of him – I swear!), and while this character trait may not be the easiest to put up with, he knows what he wants and goes after it. How can I be mad at him for that?! I certainly don’t want to push him into something he doesn’t want (serious) and I want him to explore his options. An informed decision is a better decision I never always say.

Plus, I guess we do have twelve a few more years before pro-hockey is even an option so I guess I can wait it out for another year. I’m a generous mom. I wonder when Babe will start hockey? 

Also, hockey night means pulled pork for dinner. I suppose I can keep Pulled Pork Monday's going even without hockey but it's so much more fun with hockey. Just sayin.

Lily

Hockey Night: Husband Style

When I realized this weekend that my husband had to take Bud to hockey last night I knew it was going to be a fiasco (and you did too if you read yesterday’s post) but I didn’t know to what extent!

The ice complex has a couple of rinks so it’s always busy when we go but last night they could barely get in the door. Apparently it was Picture Night…for every level!! They got there at the normal time, which was way too late for picture night! After making their way to the end of the line (at the other end of the building) and fishing out an order form, he called me to ask what picture package we wanted. (We decided to get wallet size only.) (I knew you were curious what we decided.) (You’re welcome.)

(Side note: Bud is 5. I think I have more professional picture of him then I’ve ever had done in my whole life! Between all the nursery school programs he’s attended (2 different ones just last year alone) and all the sports he’s been involved in, and with all the extras left over (because how many people can I give a picture to in the same year) I could make a photo collage to cover the outside of our house. Our house is about 3000 square feet.)

After we got off the phone, they continued waiting on the incredibly long line. They were still way back and Babe started saying “I gotta go, I gotta go” meaning she had to go to the bathroom...now. Not about to lose his spot in line he told Bud to stay put (yes, I freaked out in my head when he told me this) and took Babe to the bathroom. So he’s holding her over the toilet (I didn’t ask if he put paper down on the seat, sometimes it just better not knowing) and she won’t go. He asked her if she was done and she said “no” (it’s important to trust her on this) so he kept holding her there and finally he realized she’s pooping…and there’s no toilet paper left in the stall!

(Excuse me while I laugh hysterically for a moment.) (Ok, I’m better now.) (Wait, no I’m not. Still laughing….) (Ok, I’m not snorting anymore so I think I can keep typing now.)

I’m not exactly sure what he did to rectify the situation and I, again, think it’s better that I don’t know. There was no feces stuck to her posterior when I returned home so I’m going to call that a success.

They finally made their way through the line and got on the ice…just in time for the Zamboni doors to open and send the kids clambering off the ice…except my son. He thought he could outskate the Zamboni. My 5 year old son. My five year old son that comes up to my hip. My 5 year old son that is just learning to skate. My 5 year old son that has a Superman complex. Sigh.

After some frantic arm waving by my husband he finally convinced Bud to get off the ice. I don’t think the Zamboni driver would have run him over or anything…on purpose…but I don’t put it past Bud to get too close on purpose. I prefer my son not to become a frozen pancake, thank you very much.  

Which brings me to my next point. I have a life goal of riding on a Zamboni someday. I don’t know how I’m going to make this happen but it’s my eternal quest. Coincidentally, my husband has a guy in his training class that is a former NHL Zamboni driver. Neither me, nor my husband can figure out why he would stop driving a Zamboni to come work in Central NY for the phone company. Oh, and the guy is also an opera singer. I think I’d like to meet this guy.

 (Via)

Lily

 

Friday Flashback

After volleyball last night (which was super fun and we KICKED BUTT!) my friend’s daughter was doing some of her cheerleader moves (like toes touches and pikes). Never one to be outdone by a middle schooler, I kicked off my flip flops (and yes I had socks on. Didn’t you know it’s ok for “athletes” to wear socks and flip flops after a game?? It is!) and started showing her up with my toes touches and pikes. (Yes, I can still actually do toe touches and pikes. I even got more height than her. I was a gymnast until I was 10! Gymnasts can do stuff like that!. Then I started taunting her and made her cry. I also pulled her hair and stuck out my tongue.) Now that I’m all in the athleticky (I love making up words) spirit I thought today’s flashback would be a great time to break out these gems. I KNOW you are all jealous of those leg warmers...and the belt!!

Bonus points to anyone who knows why "as a gymnast" I'm wearing the belt.

 Please make note of the walkman in my sisters hand. We were both uber-cool!!!

You may also find the setting of these pictures familiar. Our entry way was a perfect "stage" and we used it for all of our productions! 

Lily

NHL, here we come!

“Mom, I wasn’t the best skater out there, but I did really good.” – Bud, after hockey practice.

How can you not love this kid?? I was so proud of him! He had a smile on his face the entire time and didn’t give up, even when he couldn’t stay on his feet for more than a few seconds. Even if he got a little mad when the coach “tagged” him while playing tag on the ice, he still had a really good attitude about the whole thing! (I don’t know who he gets his competitive streak from! It certainly couldn’t be me! Nope! Not at all!) He sometimes gets upset (slight understatement) when he’s not the best at something, or if it’s hard, but he just loves being on the ice so much that he can’t help but smile and have a good time.

As for myself, I took the easy way out and got there early and dressed him in the lobby area. I totally chickened out, but whatever. And I’m really glad I didn’t go into the locker room because I definitely would have gone into the wrong one. When we were there a few weeks ago they used a different one and I definitely would have used that one, instead of the one that they were supposed to use. See! My fear was not without merit. However, I did end up going into the locker room with Bud right before he went on the ice but that was because the coach told me to follow him so he could give Bud more equipment. And yes, there were other mothers in there. Crisis averted. But I’m still making my husband do it from now on!
Overall, it was a very good experience. I’m looking forward to the season. 

Lily

A "Bud"ding Hockey Star

Bud starts hockey tonight! He couldn’t be more excited! We had him put on all his gear last night just to make sure I know what I am doing everything fit. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous. For me. I have loved hockey since I was 10 but I’ve never played anything but street. I’ve never worn fancy pads and equipment so I don’t have a clue about all the intricacies of putting them on properly. My kid will be the one wearing everything backwards and upside down!

And I have to get him dressed in the locker room. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an NHL locker room or anything, there will be other mothers in there (Please God, let there be other mothers in there. Amen.) but I hate feeling out of place and clueless. I will be both of those things, for sure.

I was hoping that I could pawn off locker room duty to my husband but he thinks he’s all important with his new job (he starts today! YAY!) and he’s leaving me all alone to handle Bud’s equipment and making sure Babe doesn’t cut herself on all the sharp skates they keep laying around the locker room! (Insert Home Alone hands on face screaming sequence here.)

I pray know everything will be fine but I always get the jitters when I go into a new situation. I hate not knowing what to do and where to go. To make matters worse, we missed the first practice so all the cluelessness that was expected during the first practice will be that much more obvious when the seasoned parents stroll in tonight.

As long as I don’t walk into the Big Boys locker room and am faced with large men and their cups I should be fine. Right? RIGHT???

Lily

The Next New York Ranger

I know Monday is usually reserved for weekend recaps but I forgot my camera card yesterday, so today will just have to do.

We had a really great weekend! On Saturday Bud participated in a “Try Hockey for Free” program. He did it last year and LOVED it but it was too late in the season to sign up. When I gave him the choice to play hockey or do karate this year he didn’t hesitate! Hockey is in his blood! (Ok, so I may have poured it in there myself, but nonetheless, it’s in there!)

Since it was a “try hockey” program they provided all the gear he needed (donated by the NY Rangers, thank you very much! See there are so many reasons to love them!). We haven’t done too much skating in the last few years (did you know skating with a baby strapped to your chest is dangerous?) so Bud hasn’t really refined his technique. This is all to say that he falls…a LOT…when he’s on the ice. Nevertheless, Bud didn’t care! He had a smile plastered on his face the entire time!

And because the program is so awesome, and the coaches are amazing, and they know what they are doing, they allowed the newbies to use chairs to keep their balance on the ice. This worked out great because he was able to get the hang of how to move his feet without falling every 10 seconds (not that it did away with all falling…there was still falling, with chairs on top of kids…but all in all it was great).

The only downside was Bud got the hang of using the chair and he really started to motor around the ice and was having so much fun. Why is this a downside you ask? Because he wouldn’t give up the chair, even though he was totally ready to do it chair free. Finally, at the end, they did sprints across the rink and the head coach told him he couldn't use the chair anymore. He said “OK” and skated off just fine. The coach just looked at him and raised his hands like “Why the heck were you using the chair if you can skate?” That’s my boy! Taking the comfortable route because it’s more fun and you can go faster! 

It's going to be a fun season!

Lily

Soccer Mom

Tonight is Bud’s last soccer game. This has been a much better experience than t-ball (thank the good Lord!) and Bud has really enjoyed being out there and running all around. That’s not to say that he didn’t completely space out and play Buzz Lightyear with his arm last game but overall it’s been a really good experience. 

His coaches made vacation plans ages ago, before they even agreed to coach, so they will not be there tonight. I don’t know what it is about my husband but there is something that makes people ask him to cover for them, and now he's dragging me with him! He routinely filled in during t-ball and last week they asked us if we would fill in for them tonight. May I mention, neither my husband or I have ever played soccer before. The extent of my soccer experience occurred when I was a long term sub at the local high school and I covered a gym class and it was soccer day. During that class a girl fell and broke her collarbone. What I learned from my soccer experience was how to fill out an accident report. Let’s just say that I’m glad at this age all they do is run around chasing the ball because at least I’ll know we are at the same skill level. 

Before we go tonight I really only have one question. Do I get to wear the whistle?

 (No, that is not an optical illusion. That other kid is really that much bigger than Bud.)

Lily