Now I'm a crazy hockey mom?

"I did it Mom!" is what he yelled as he came off the ice after his first hockey practice.
That made the seven months of skating lessons worth it all.

First night of lessons with the walker, July 2010.

Open skate during Christmas holiday.

This weekend was Mason's first day on the ice with a stick.  It took 20 minutes to put on those pads and get fitted for a helmet and stick.  I remember saying, "Wow, when the girls first played basketball or soccer, we just put their shoes on, made sure they were laced tight, and said 'here's your ball - have fun.'"

Ms. Susan measured the stick for Mason's height.

He was so excited to wear his pads, helmet, gloves and bright red jersey.  His father had a tad bit of trouble with the Caps jersey.  Would have preferred it be a Flyers logo but handled it well enough.

The first drill they did after warmups was what Mason called "the super slide".  (this could be, in fact, what the coach called it, we just couldn't hear any of it.)  They were instructed to skate and then slide face first on the ice with arms stretched out in front holding their stick.  WHAT???  This goes against all mothering rules.  Why don't we just run with scissors or walk through glass barefoot?  : )  Ok, I'm exaggerating.  He did fine and guess what - reported that it was fun.  I can report that I am NOT a crazy hockey mom.  Just a mom crazy about her kids and their interests.  It's amazing to me to watch them learn and dream and explore new things.