Falling Leaves!

Posted on September 24, 2022 by therafaelfamily

Jesse had a great day watching friends and playing games in the lobby!

First skating lesson

Posted on February 6, 2021 by therafaelfamily

First lesson, Fairfax Ice Arena, Coach Robin Schell, with friends Gavin and Natalie

I recently found video from Jesse’s first lesson. I’m dropping here so I can find it next year.

A few recent videos

Posted on December 5, 2020 by therafaelfamily

I am terrible at taking videos lately, but here are a few short ones that show Jesse working hard.

Entrance for salchow, but I missed the toe loop after it.

One-foot spin during public skate (quality is better when I’m on the ice, too!)

Waltz jumps during ice theater practice!

Inside 3-turn, forward crossover

Baby Lutz

First prelim practice for ice theater

Posted on November 2, 2020 by therafaelfamily

Last night was the new team’s first practice. The “story” is a battle between vegetables and candy — Jesse is a little asparagus. They are just starting to learn the program, but here’s the start of the fight scene.

I Want Candy!

Fun Friday harness time

Posted on October 2, 2020 by therafaelfamily

After his long lesson this morning, Jesse got a few minutes in the harness

Like a jumperoo!

Seeing it made me go look for a similar video from seven years ago. (As seen here.)

Uncle Bob, handyman and baby entertainer, giving Jesse an early start in jump training.

Morning skating

Posted on September 9, 2020 by therafaelfamily

Jesse went skating at 6:50 am, a rite of passage apparently.

He had a snack on the way (a few mini pretzels and a cereal bar)

The rink was pretty quiet.

Stroking before his lesson (and before coming to change into a sweatshirt because it’s apparently colder there at dawn).

Later in the day, he was still pretty energetic.

First day of school 2020-21

Posted on September 9, 2020 by therafaelfamily

Jesse started second grade at Silverbrook Elementary in what used to be the dining room.

He has a table with supplies and a whiteboard nearby.

I got no strings …

Posted on August 21, 2020 by therafaelfamily

Jesse got to be a marionette! First time in the harness, a reward after working to land a loop jump.

Once out of the harness, he did the flip jump on his own.

Almost empty ice

Posted on July 4, 2020 by therafaelfamily

At the Freestyle session this evening, there were only a handful of skaters, so Jesse worked on his jump sequence and one-foot spin.

At last!

Posted on June 13, 2020 by therafaelfamily

Phase 2 of Virginia’s reopening means the rinks are open! On the first day, Jesse was back — he was last there Tuesday night, March 10, for class. Here’s hoping he gets acclimated quickly!

Freestyle session June 12 at Fairfax Ice Arena.