On the Saturday before New Year's eve, Bpu and I set out on foot to take the brown line to Millenium Park to do some ice skating.
While
on the 'L', Bpu and I sat side-by-side, facing the windows. We watched
the sky line and talked about the features of the train. She asked
about the train's destination marquee, and I told her how it worked. I
mentioned that we could make one when we got home. Bpu became very
animated about using her safety scissors, to the point that a nearby
mother stifled her laughter. As the mother was leaving the train, she
wished us luck with our project. I told her we would use our scissors,
which brought forth fresh laughter.
When we arrived, I skipped the lengthy line to ask if they rented toddler sizes (yes). Then we prepped for the 60 minute wait for skate rentals by using the men's room. While back in line, the family of 5 in front of us spent the hour in line horsing around and hitting each other (mom and dad hitting each other, children throwing elbows at each other). Bpu, of course, learned to throw an elbow. Although it will be useful if and when she plays hockey, I put a stop to that by saying firmly and loudly that it is never ok for her to hit people. The family did not take the hint.
We played 'tear the living leaves off the tree and throw them into the rink!' which I managed to transform into 'find the fallen leaves and throw them into the planter'. Bpu also threw a fit. We talked it out, and then watched the skaters. I reminded her to leave her hat and mittens on so she would be safe (Bpu loves to feel the ice and throw snow from her skates).
Once we got her rentals and put on our skates (hockey skates, just like Daddy's!), we made our way onto the holiday-weekend-crowded ice. We went for about 2 laps, and the Zamboni came out. And did the ice twice, which in the warm weather, meant waiting 20 minutes into nap time for the water to actually freeze before we could skate again. We spent the time reminiscing about the home of Brian Boitano. After another 2 laps, I was beat and Bpu was slap-happy. But she was very happy.
We took a bathroom break and quick bowl of soup at Subway. I carried Bpu from our 'L' station to the house, as sleep overcame her. We had a really fun outing.
When we arrived, I skipped the lengthy line to ask if they rented toddler sizes (yes). Then we prepped for the 60 minute wait for skate rentals by using the men's room. While back in line, the family of 5 in front of us spent the hour in line horsing around and hitting each other (mom and dad hitting each other, children throwing elbows at each other). Bpu, of course, learned to throw an elbow. Although it will be useful if and when she plays hockey, I put a stop to that by saying firmly and loudly that it is never ok for her to hit people. The family did not take the hint.
We played 'tear the living leaves off the tree and throw them into the rink!' which I managed to transform into 'find the fallen leaves and throw them into the planter'. Bpu also threw a fit. We talked it out, and then watched the skaters. I reminded her to leave her hat and mittens on so she would be safe (Bpu loves to feel the ice and throw snow from her skates).
Once we got her rentals and put on our skates (hockey skates, just like Daddy's!), we made our way onto the holiday-weekend-crowded ice. We went for about 2 laps, and the Zamboni came out. And did the ice twice, which in the warm weather, meant waiting 20 minutes into nap time for the water to actually freeze before we could skate again. We spent the time reminiscing about the home of Brian Boitano. After another 2 laps, I was beat and Bpu was slap-happy. But she was very happy.
We took a bathroom break and quick bowl of soup at Subway. I carried Bpu from our 'L' station to the house, as sleep overcame her. We had a really fun outing.
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