A Not-So-Silent Night

The Midway Ice Rink is open until 10:00pm every night, but we had not yet ventured out after dark. Mostly because it gets so stinkin' cold once the sun goes down, and partly because we sleep when the sun sleeps.  

 But. The weather has been unseasonably warm, plus our Daddy was on a business trip and we needed some cheering up after dinner. We arrived just in time for the Zamboni to begin resurfacing the ice. It was cold enough then, but it had been warm that day, and it looked like many skaters had come because the ice was pretty trashed. But not for long!

We anxiously awaited our turn on the newly resurfaced gorgeousness.

It was perfection. Honestly? The best ice of the year. Amazingly smooth and rock hard.

 This is my little gymnast showing "how warm my heart is with happiness" as he entered the rink.

 It was cool enough for the ice to be frozen, but not cold enough to feel... cold. I know that doesn't make sense. We all eventually had to unzip our coats.

The Ice Castles have closed for the year, due to crazy meltage. But the rink lives on!

 Emmy was really workin' the ice tonight! She, finally, threw her fears aside and started really cruising. And crashing.

"Ouch. My bum."

Poor kid. You should see her knees today. I had to give them a rub down with some Comfry Salve to encourage the bruises to heal. She's a trooper!

Claire skates as little as possible. She can get around ok, but she'd rather ride. Did I mention that we're usually asleep by now?

 Amelia settled down and conked out. She was totally asleep. We skated around and around the rink, nice and easy, watching the sparkly stars, and she leaned back against her blanket and let her eyelids close.

Eventually Claire noticed that her compadre was sleeping, and took it upon herself to rouse her. Luckily Millie really likes Claire and thought it was pretty funny to wake up to Claire lying on top of her. I wish I had taken a movie of the giggles!

Today the rain is pouring down and it's has been rather darkish outside. If last night was our last night of skating for this winter, we certainly ended on a good note!