Pictures in Wonderland: Vans Skatepark at The Block

My four-year-old son has become fascinated by skateboarding.  His grandparents bought him a one-notch-above-plastic "Hot Wheels" skateboard last week and he's been practicing in the house, on the way to the car, and once even IN the car.

I told him I would take him to the Vans Skatepark at The Block in Orange.  What I didn't make clear was that we would just be watching--he wouldn't be actually riding his skateboard.  It broke my heart a little when he jumped out of the car with his board under his arm and headed toward the Vans' sign.  

"Sorry, Bud we're just going to look at the skateboarders, you're still too little to go out and ride," I told him.  He argued with me a little and we compromised that he could bring his board in to watch--which we did for over an hour.

We asked the guy behind the counter for some stickers--which they have always given out free--and he asked to see Ben's board.  "Dude! You're board rocks!" he said as he turned it over to examine the Hot Wheels graphic on the back.  Ben just responded with a tight-lipped nod of agreement.  

He knew that already.

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Seeing all the old styles of Vans in the shop in front of the park put me in a '70s mood, so I made you this mixed tape filled with songs that I listened to when I wore my Hawaiian print Vans slide-ons:

                             

Comments

[Amy]

oh yeah skateboarding...cool. My 13 year old and my 8 year old sons both have their own skateboards. Love that song btw

[The Glamorous Life]

Awww....sweet.
On our fist visit Tucker was too young too. (I think you have to be 7 right? or is it six?) well, being the SUPER parents we are...we totally LIED. And he went in with his 'big' bro. And were any of us surprised when he totally 'shredded'? Nope. Although I was surprised when he made 'friends' with some 'interesting characters' in the half pipe. And all I could do is watch from the balcony rethinking my decision to let my BABY go skate with these street urchins (I kid. I love me some skaters)....especially the teen aged one that came over that day and said "hey lady, your little dude totally rocks the pipe. Good Job"...like he thought I TAUGHT him how to skate. Awesome.

Next time we go-I am gonna pick up Ben so he can keep me company watching....and I almost promise I won't lie for him and get him in. almost.

[Mental P Mama]

That is the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Bless his little patient heart♥

[Serendipitous Girl]

How CUTE is he?!

My mom used to teach with Tony Hawk's mom. We still get her Christmas letter and um ... it's hard not to feel like my year pales in comparison : )

And P.S. I STILL want a pair of black and white checkerboard Vans.

[Julie @ Angry Julie Monday]

That's awesome. My son wants a skateboard soo bad. I think we are going to get him one for his 4th birthday in May. At the Volcom skateboard park in Costa Mesa, there are some people that actually give skateboard lessons. It's pretty cool.

I might have to take my son to Van's. He will really enjoy it.

[Suz]

So sweet...he wants to be a skater boy. Love the pictures and the music...I forgot where I was for a few minutes there. And when I was done w/ the music my hair was myteriously BIG again.

[Catherine]

Wonderful B&W picture, Suz ! I can almost feel his frustrating deception, ....in his body attitude, and the shade enhances that impression.
Little 4 years old will become tall enough .... one day. We all passed this stage, no ?

[Joe Sweden]

I think I HAD that mixed tape! CHeap Trick, Boston, Queen, Styx! Yes, I had that mixed tape. Cool shot of your son.

[Curt McCormick]

Suz that skatepark is so cool, and your son is awesome. Our sons would love that place!

[sandie]

van's slip-ons!!!! i had an assortment of them over the years...custom, of course :D i remember the checkerboard tops most of all tho.

[Elaina Avalos]

Cute story. I hurt a little for him too! But I'm sure he'll be back when he's big enough. :)

Love, love, love the mixed tape!

[Susan M]

Awesome mix tape! AND awesome pics.

[Brain Bunnies]

Watch out, before you know it you'll have a skateboard ramp in your driveway. Hey, don't forget us moms aren't too young to skate. The Skateboard moms group is always meeting over at Vans. I, myself haven't had the guts to join them. Someday!

[Marie]

Patience in a four year old, thats one impressive boy....Love the mix tape!

[Maria]

HE is the cutest thing! I LOVE your pictures!

[Rochelle]

I wanted a pair of those Vans so bad back then! I'm definitely going to take my son to that Skate Park after we move, he will have a blast. Love the pics.

[Grant forest]

That mixed tape rocks! Very nice work. Nice shot of your son looking down into the park. That one skater almost mirrors him. Like he's the older version of your son in the future. I like the b&w too. Makes it all the more moody. But mostly I want to say CHEAP TRICK ROCKS!

[fancy feet]

My husband would love this. He was an avid skateboarder back in the day. How cute is your Ben!!

[LuckyMe]

I was an ELO fan back in the day. Ahhh, Strange magic! Thanks for the tape!

[Jaime]

Aw what a cutie! I can't wait to have a little skater of my own one day. :)

[alan]

Cool pictures and oddly enough, I recently blogged about "More Than A Feeling" also. Thats really cool!

http://alntv.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/lyrics-you-should-knowmore-than-a-feeling/

[Baby Favorite]

You reminded me of something that happened 7 years ago in regards to my son and the Vans skate park. I have since blogged about it!

[Baby Favorite]

And OMG, I just read about your Hawaiian print slip-ons! I had those, too--in 1981--7th grade!

[Carrie]

Oh Suz bring him over here to hang with us we have ramps and Jyles would love to help your little man.