Don't you find the last day or two before Christmas to be the hardest on kids? The anticipation just eats away at them. We decided to try a brand new distraction for the day before Christmas this year. We took the kids to an outdoor ice skating rink more than an hour away (in another state, no less). The kids were really amazed that we were going to a different state for only a few hours. I must say, our theory of distraction worked. The kids forgot all about Christmas for half a day. The Three Little's did really well for their first time on the ice. The rest of us had been ice skating a handful of times.
Everyone started out hanging on the wall.
I love the smile on Goldilocks' face. Those smiles often are hard to come by.
Tom Sawyer never got the hang of it. He was pretty much ready to leave after a half hour.
Goldilocks did make it to the center of the ice a few times. But, she spent a lot of time going SPLAT!
Little Red Riding Hood is our sports-oriented child.
It didn't take her long to be skating in the center and keeping up with the crowd.
Tim did well, too. He was a great help with his younger sibs on the ice.
We parents braved the ice, too. It was fun and exhausting.
The younger kids fell asleep on the way home in the middle of the day. We were amazed by how tired they were! I don't think this will become a tradition, but I am sure we will do it again. Tom Sawyer really struggled with the sensory issues ~ cold ice, loud music and crowds. He was also hindered by having cerebral palsy. Goldilocks says that it was fun but a once in a lifetime experience! I am glad we tried this new experience.
Blessings,
Dawn
Sounds like a wonderful distraction!
ReplyDeleteFor very different reasons, I'd be much like Tom Sawyer--on my behind for most of the time, and then ready to go!! I fantasize about being proficient on the ice, but thus far, I'm too chicken. Also, the older I get, the more afraid I am of breaking bones!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, yes, really great SI activities create great nap times!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Laurie
I absolutely love the genuine smile on Goldilock's face! Beautiful. Little Red Riding Hood looks like she's been skating her entire life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to provide a distraction before Christmas. It was so tough on our kiddos, especially on E, who has no impulse control and has obsessive tendencies. Jay would have been with Tom Sawyer, as I'm sure you can imagine. He would not have done well at all.
Maybe if I start thinking now, I can come up with some distractions prior to next Christmas!