The Skate Park

When the countdown to the deployment can easily be calculated in hours, one really focuses in on the important things.  It is a time when fathers feel the need to share just a little more manly knowledge with their sons.  And where, you may ask, is the best place to impart this fatherly wisdom?  Why the SKATE PARK, of course!  Oh wait, that wasn't your first guess...no it wasn't mine either.  

As we drove over, I had flashes of the inevitable trip to the ER for stitches, broken arm, or maybe even both.  But we all left the park pretty much unscathed other than a good bump on the head for James (which is an almost daily event for our crazy boy) and Daddy breaking Jake's skateboard and with it Jake's heart.  It actually turned out to be a perfect morning.  Complete with breakfast at Chick Fil'A.  To be honest, it was difficult to tell who was having more fun...the little boys (all between one and four) or the daddies.

Guess it didn't hurt too bad since he can't remember what side it was on :-)

Before the "awesome" trick

Please note Jacob collapsed in a heap of tears at the loss of his skateboard

Jake actually really impressed and surprised me.  He is normally more reserved and cautious when participating in activities that can cause bodily harm...but he was riding down ramps and around the bowls with confidence and a little bit of skill.  It is fun to see your children challenge themselves...terrifying...but so rewarding.

James, of course, was in heaven.  He rode around on his little strider like he was just one of the big kids.  He rode down ramps, had a couple turn on the skateboard and when he needed a break he would find something to chew on.

I think my favorite part of the day was watching Arthur share something, that was such a big part of his life growing up, with our children.  Back in high school I use to watch him skate with his friends after school.  You know I had to have a pretty big crush to happily sit on the sidewalk as he did kick flips, grabs, and whatever else they needed those really puffy skate shoes for.  Back then he could ignore me nearly the entire afternoon, but then he flash me one of his flirty smiles and it would all be worth it.  Pitiful. :-) Let's just hope he doesn't teach those tricks to our boys...