I have so many good things to say about skateboarding. It's art, exercise, and community; and I missed it. It was probably 2004ish since I was last on a half pipe; nobody was listening to pop-punk anymore. What started as "gym" during lockdown has turned into a full scale passion. Jr. North is driven to go, try new tricks, and hang out at the park (with his dad!). For the boy who was shy around strangers and doesn't like people watching him, he gets up in front of older kids and just rides without worrying about it. He's talking to kids, calling them out when they cut in. (a big part of ramp skating is taking turns) Confidence, exercise, passion, joy, and he's good at it too. Early March, we shoveled off the half pipe and let the sun work its magic. Dad gets his sea legs. Shoveling, a Minnesota tradition. Our now weekly pilgrimage to the 3rd Lair skatepark. Carving the bowl, February. Carving the bowl, March. (and dropping in!) At one point, clearing the seco