Best Gift in the World
By DianneN
@DianneN (246720)
United States
December 22, 2016 9:34am CST
As many of you know, my 8 year old granddaughter has been an avid enthusiast of figure skating, since she was just three years old.
She has competed many times, won first place in most competitions in New York City, Lake Placid, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. She works long and hard, and continues to learn the required myriad of figure skating skills required by the US Figure Skating Association.
Well, I am proud to announce that she gifted me with the landing of an axel! My myLot friend, a former figure skater herself, told me the axel was one of the most difficult steps to learn. @Much2say - SmilePie thank you!
And thank you, my ice princess!
43 people like this
44 responses
@snowy22315 (169940)
• United States
22 Dec 16
Thats cool, maybe she will end up in the Olympics someday.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (169940)
• United States
22 Dec 16
@DianneN well I will keep my fingers crossed! Also, probably the ice capades need support players..She could tour with Disney on Ice or something like that.
2 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
22 Dec 16
@snowy22315 She would love that, I'm sure. A few years ago, The Ice Theater of New York wanted her for their shows. My daughter in law had to nix it for two reasons. First, one had to be at least ten years old and would waive her age of 5. Second, the shows were past her bedtime. Lol! But it was nice to be asked.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
22 Dec 16
@LadyDuck She does love to skate. I'm sure she is very pleased when she finally masters something. She isn't a natural born skater, but works very hard. That's what her new coach said. He's placing her with girls two levels above her in competitions. I hope it won't harm her self esteem.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Dec 16
It really is an accomplishment! The axel is the last and biggest of the "single" jumps - and it seems to take the longest to learn but that's because of that extra half turn in the air . . . all from a forward entrance. Oh my gosh, that entrance the ice princess does in that video . . . 2 toe taps she does before the jump is a killer, at least for adults. Soon you will be seeing her do it from back crossovers. Well congratulations to her . . . a big clap clap from me! 
Thank you for the mention too 
!!
Thank you for the mention too !!2 people like this
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Dec 16
@DianneN See how she goes on her toe pics (like shuffling side ways on her toes), and then she takes a forward step to glide, then she jumps. My first coach had me doing it that way initially as kids "get it", but for adults there seems to be a mental block - at least for an axel entrance - too scary! Oh how I wished I had done this as a kid like your ice princess!!
Many hugs back to you and your family! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah . . . enjoy the holidays!!
2 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
22 Dec 16
@much2say Now I will have to rewatch it again! You certainly do know how to point specifics out! I would have loved to see you skate. Do you have any videos that you can email me? I'm sure you were as graceful as a swan! My granddaughter also has a coach just for her arms. Lol!
Have fun and enjoy your precious children!
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111164)
• El Paso, Texas
22 Dec 16
Considering I'm not a skater I still think what she achieved is awesome .... shoot, just skating on ice is awesome to me given that I had tried it back in the mid 1960s and after bumping my buns on the ice a few times I finally gave up.
The skating rink didn't last more than 4 years here, it just never gets cold enough to make keeping one open affordable.
2 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
22 Dec 16
Thank you. We are very happy for her. It took lots of practice and hard work. Her friend is struggling with it, but my granddaughter is encouraging her. I used to skate in the swamps and ponds in my backyard when I was a kid.
Too bad your rink couldn't stay open. They have many here in Florida that are used by adults and children.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
22 Dec 16
Well done young Hallie, I loved watching the video. Well actually I watched two but who's counting lol
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@DianneN Yes there was another video of Hallie that came up, she was in a blue costume and competing in a competition it seemed.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@BelleStarr Oh, I know. That was when she was 6 at her first competition in Lake Placid. I suppose if you kept watching, you'd see all her skating videos. Lol! I'll have to check that when I have time to breathe! Thanks.
2 people like this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
22 Dec 16
Watched her in action. Super skater that one!!! A congratulatory wish is on its way. Pass it on!
2 people like this
@averygirl72 (37716)
• Philippines
22 Dec 16
It's really a best gift to see her really making a lot improvement and perfecting her skills.
2 people like this
@jhechorain (1198)
• Susanville, California
22 Dec 16
An excellent gift to bring you joy when ever you pass by the photo. You will feel pride and love.
2 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
23 Dec 16
Thank you for saying that, Janet. She was the first of her skating friends to do the axel, but didn't want it posted on Facebook until the other girls are able to do it. She amazes us in every way. We shall see about the Olympics, lol! She still has a long way to go.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
23 Dec 16
Awesome, maybe I will see her on t.v. one day.
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
22 Dec 16
Your granddaughter is so good at figure skating to think she is only 8! Such a pride of the family. Congrats!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118435)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Dec 16
You must be so proud of her! She is quite the figure skater. Could we possibly be witnessing the birth of a future Olympian?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118435)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Dec 16
@DianneN I think being a Broadway star would be a very admirable career, if the Olympic skating gig falls through!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@moffittjc Perhaps she will be an astronaut and you can watch her blast off!
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
23 Dec 16
Outstanding I know how proud you must be, now I'm off to look at your video.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@fishtiger58 She sure did until the end!
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
23 Dec 16
@DianneN but pretty cool she did good
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
24 Dec 16
Wow- you must be very proud! What a lovely girl!
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
25 Dec 16
@DianneN She is a sweetie for sure- great achievements!
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
23 Dec 16
Wow, so beautiful. Is she going to become a professional? She has lots of potentials and definitely a great promising future. Congrats to you both.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
23 Dec 16
@Gita17112016 Yes, it does. Thank you for that!
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
23 Dec 16
@DianneN Emotional Family support and a nurturing environment has a lot to do with it too.
1 person likes this
