It always sounds so easy. "Let’s go skating." Three simple words and you envision yourself peacefully gliding on Kate Wollman Rink next to the lake and those picturesque reeds swaying in the wind.

But first you have to find your skates in your overstuffed closet. And do OSFO’s still fit? Don’t forget the down vest, the scarf, the hats, the gloves.  Oh, mittens will do. But you have to have something to protect your hands from the ice!

Finally you’re dressed in your skating gear and you get overheated waiting for Diaper Diva to show up in the car. Once in the car:

"How do we get there?" she asks.

Simple you say. Just take Prospect Park West, take the traffic circle, then Prospect Park Southwest, another traffic circle, over by the Tennis House, enter the park, stay right, left into the parking lot…

Finally the car is parked and as you approach the rink you notice a long line of people who had the same exact terrific idea. Luckily, the line moves quickly…

"They don’t take credit cards," Diaper Diva grumbles. 

Obviously. We pay cash and add $6.50 so that Ducky can rent a pair of skates. She’s got the baby skates with her but Diaper Diva wants to try her on the real thing.

And what about a lock for the locker? You need somewhere to put all this crap…

Okay. Lacing up is an essential part of the process. The process. Yes, it’s the process not the product. That means slow down and honor the lacing of your  skates and the skates of all the children with you. Bend down and Enjoy it. Do it again. Tighter. How does that feel?

Oh my back.

Finally. Finally. The group of  four gets onto the ice and yes, memories return, of going skating with a 4-year-old (even a highly coordinated one).

She does a good job of standing up but only with the help of mom and cousin on either side of her slowly, slowly going ’round the rink.

After two times around, Diaper Diva is ready for hot chocolate at the snack bar. They get back onto the ice and after once around…

"Everyone off the ice." A voice over the PA system booms. Time for the Zamboni.

A total of three times around the ice and it’s time to go home. Ice skating. Such a nice, simple idea.

Riding home in the car. "Let’s go ice skating next weekend." And instantly, visions of peacefully gliding around the rink…