About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
Winter Wonderland
silver spoonsottawa, canada
(Feb.22.10)
2 of 6
Winterlude: Rideau Canal Skate
The next day, although on hunger strike, we managed to get Nate off the couch and out the door for a bit. We were under no illusions that he might skate, so we packed our friends' Chariot in their van and headed for our second annual attempt at a Rideau skate.
Taking a good stroller skating is a blessing for people like me who aren't too sure on their blades (as well as for tired, grumpy kids). Lucy didn't last long on her bob skates, but her first attempt at skating made for a fantastic photo op. We made it as far as the first hot chocolate pit stop when Nate started complaining of cold feet. The car was forever away. No one else wanted to leave. But I could see where this was going (Tantrumville).
I could sympathize with the kid. He was sick, far from home and being pushed around on the ice on a freezing Ottawa day, when he'd rather be snuggled up on the couch. We made it to the chalet and rubbed his feet warm and somehow managed to turn his mood around. I drooled longingly over the masses eating Beaver Tails (Ottawa's signature fried dough dessert) but there was no way I could wait in the line without more drama. I skated back to the car making a mental note that next year's Winterlude attempt would be easier (each year gets a bit easier as they get older, right?).
Next stop: St. Adele, Quebec