I'm surprised I wasn't born in an ice rink. Growing up, I practically lived in one. My father helped to found the largest club hockey program in the city. He has coached more hockey teams in my lifetime than I have fingers and toes. My little brother was in skates at three and hasn't taken them off since. He played at Indiana University and I'm pretty sure will die of old age still skating for a men's league. My dad didn't stop playing until he was over fifty- he too played in college. Although I was never really good at it, I started figure skating in grade school and continued all through high school. Some days I would wake before the sun came up to be on the ice. My first job was at an ice rink. The smell of ice continues to be one of my favorite things...

We've been waiting until the babes' feet were big enough for skates. The time is here. If I may brag a little, they are both quite good. Naturals. Lessons start in March. We're getting a head start by going to open skate every Friday...

I can't wait to see this little one in white skates and sparkly skirts...

Or this one, chasing the puck around the ice in head to toe gear...