Memories in the Making: Two wheeling it

Adam and Jack spray painted the old bike for a new look
(and gave Jack red hands for a few days)

He DID it. Jack learned how to ride his bike without training wheels- and is killing it.
Last summer we never really got the opportunity to work on it. We were attempting to settle into our new home, and with a gravel driveway we didn't have the optimal location for bike riding. His bike sat most of the summer untouched other than a few family bike rides that we took down at the trails of Paola's fairgrounds.
I hadn't really put much thought towards teaching him, assuming/hoping that next summer we would find the time. But Bella Black changed these plans :) Bella's Mom babysits Jack and NonaJane during the week. Nona is there about 9 hours a week, and Jack is there for about 4. Well Bella learned how to ride her bicycle without training wheels when she was 3- and rides like a pro! Jack was getting upset that he couldn't keep up with Bella- we told him that until he lost the training wheels that he would never be able to turn as sharp or ride as fast as Bella. It only took about 5 minutes for that comment to sink in- he was asking Meagan to take the training wheels off their spare bike. Bless Meagan as she didn't even hesitate. She took Jack right out into their street (on a tiny pink bicycle), holding onto his seat and running beside him (as my 9 month pregnant body watched lazily from the drive). It seemed it only took a few runs and Jack was off. He was hooked too. Everyday this week he insisted on practicing at Bella's house (where they have a nice quiet and flat street for riding). We bundled up with hats and gloves- again NO hesitation from Meagan and Bella to take part. Bella rode along side Jack cheering all the way. Meagan kept Jack calm and would advise him "don't think- just GO!" In 4 short days he is already riding with confidence. Making sharp turns thru the street, and even taking his bike "off-roading" thru small hills. Bella is excited to have a friend that can ride bikes with her, and I'm excited for family bike rides this summer! Nona LOVES riding in the seat on my bike. So we will either get another one for Matthew (on Adam's bike) or we will find a bike trailer for them to ride in.

Adam hooking up the 'train cars' to the mower to give the kids a ride.

Jack is pretty darn proud of himself as well- he likes to inform NonaJane that he only has TWO wheels now. But NonaJane accomplished her own feat this week! She figured out how to pedal her tricycle and is zooming around the driveway and garage. She informs us "I ride my bike ALL BY MYSELF". Heaven forbid she get stuck on a hill or a crack in the drive though. She detests asking for help and instead prefers to get unreasonably angry :) I know what everyone is thinking- she obviously gets this trait from me. But can you blame the girl for wanting to be independent? If you have to push her than she doesn't feel like she did it ALL BY HERSELF!
Either way, the kids are thoroughly entertained with their new skills and we have been getting plenty of fresh air. A win-win situation.