2 Wheelin' Kids

Until recently, Branson had little desire to take off his training wheels and Natalya didn't really care about riding her bike.  But the weather has been so beautiful that we've found ourselves spending the majority of our playtime outdoors. 

Last Saturday Brian and I decided it was time for them to learn to ride a 2 wheeler.  We took the training wheels off of Branson's little 12" bike and had Natalya try it out first.  She took to riding a bike like a fish to water!  I couldn't believe how easily it came to her.  (But then again she's a 6 year old riding on a 12" bike!)  Once she felt comfortable, we transferred her to her big girl 20" bike.  She found her balance quickly and with a little instruction she could start, turn and stop all on her own.

Branson was so content with his training wheels that it took some serious convincing to get him to attempt riding without them.  With Daddy's help balancing the back of his bike, Branson could do it immediately.  As his confidence accelerated, so did he!  In minutes he was riding solo.  Stopping came naturally to him - but turning didn't.  He was so used to his training wheels that he didn't know how to lean into his turns.  It only took him a couple of days to get used to it.  (It was so funny watching him ride in a straight line, stop, turn around, and ride in a straight line again because he struggled turning.)  

Now that the kids have stopping and turning figured out, they ride as though they've been doing it forever.  Every day we go outside to ride bikes.  Our neighbor gave us a couple of street signs that say "Slow.  Kids at Play" which is great since we live on a corner.  The kids spend almost 2 hours a day just riding their bikes.  I try to time it so Annika is taking a nap and I can bring the baby monitor with me outside - that way my full attention is on the big kids.  Even little Irelynn follows them around on her tricycle.

Branson's birthday is in a couple of weeks and we bought him a big boy 16" bike. We're waiting until his birthday to give it to him. For now he looks kindof funny riding this one. :)  He's also going to pick out his own helmet.  We laugh every time he rides with his sisters pink Barbie helmet.

The neighborhood kids like to congregate on this corner whenever our kids playing. Just last week I counted 9 kids all riding their bikes and scooters. Warmer weather has caused us to make new friendships.

     

With this newly discovered passion for riding bikes, I can bet we'll be outside every afternoon between 1 and 5pm. I love it. Fresh air, sun and exercise sure beats watching TV indoors.