Bikes, Bikes, Bikes

Today was the day of the bike. It has become a daily ritual that the kids come home from school do their homework and chores and than change into their play clothes. I guess I'm old fashioned because I, like my mom, have the kids change out of their school clothes before going out for a good dose of sweating, falling, and quite probably ripping activities! Sophia, however, made it out today in her nice clothes - she made it out with no tears or stains. PTL Oh yes, back to the ritual part. The kids (all 5 of them) look forward all day to going to the park each evening. They have met many friends at the park and Josh and Ken are learning skills over there each and every night. They truly have a blast, and it is so conveniently right across the street! We are so fortunate!

So, on to the bike part. Sophia learned how to pedal her own bike!!! She was so jazzed. She only needed to be pushed when she was going uphill. Below you see Zack helping her out. He is a good big bro.

The second exciting part of bike day was that Zack learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He decided after seeing a very small girl riding her bike without training wheels that he was too big to have them on his bike so he asked Mike to remove them. He rides his bike very well.

However, as you can see from the second picture below, his legs are too short for him to get on the bike without help. He tried for an hour straight, and I am not exaggerating. He is a very determined little boy. I think at some point he'll figure out how to give it a running start and jump on, but for now. he is perplexed as to how he'll ride his bike without his mom helping him get started.


In this next pic, you see Josh and Ken working on their basketball skills. Kenny is actually doing a lap at the request of his trainer, Mike. They have an agreement. Kenny is Mikes diet trainer and Mike is Kenny's basketball trainer. They both annoy the crud out of each other when one of them is breaking a rule. But, I see growth in both. Well, in Mike's case, less growth! :) Ken practically has a shock treatment going each time Mike reaches for a soda or a nutty bar! And, on the court, Kenny gets tired of practicing technique and then Mike has him running to keep his head in the game. So, they both get their share of being annoyed. It is such a dude thing, and I just watch and smile and encourage at what I think are the right moments!

Towards the end of our stay at the park, the three youngers were playing basketball. They were having a good time as you can see. And, check out how hard they play. I love seeing them get all this exercise! And, for those who might wonder, Sophia can certainly hold her own on the court. Of course, she can't make a basket, but she certainly tries.


Tomorrow the training wheels come off of Josh's bike. Stay tuned for an update. He is eager to get out there and try. If you know Josh, this is half the battle. He likes to do things perfectly and if he can't, he generally doesn't try. I had to pinch myself today when I heard him say, "I am glad I don't play video games so much anymore because I love playing basketball and riding my bike at the park." That there is an incredible statement from a boy who three days of every week is a video game junky. Kudos to Gina who has been consistent in limiting him to 30 minutes a day each day he is with her. It's paying off! I am enjoying a well balanced little Texan! You should see how he struts around in his basketball gear!

Sophia was an angel baby today. She and I are enjoying the time we are getting to spend together. I plan to be working by January so I am enjoying every minute of the time we get together! Once my mom is out here, little Sophia will stay with grandma and enjoy every minute of it. My mom is the most awesome grandma there is! Sophia calls her graham. Not gram, but graham. She says the H.

Tomorrow is a very exciting day! Auntie Gina is coming to visit for the long weekend! The kids are excited especially Zack who has called Gina many times to go over the list of everything he wants her to do while she is out here. :)

This weekend will be a kid weekend for sure!!!