The Smith Kids Go Mobile!!

Yep, that's right! And before I know it they'll be zipping around in FOUR wheels instead of two!!!

We hadn't really been working with the kids that much on riding without training wheels, or even getting out and riding bikes at all period. We don't live on a particularly busy street, but we do live close to a high school and some of those kids fly by like Indy drivers!!! And people seem to back out of their driveways without being too careful for kids or joggers or dog-walkers, etc... We do have a few parks close by, but to get everyone over there with their bikes and ride seemed a chore, too. So there was always an excuse or two, or an answer like, "Not right now, maybe this weekend..." I'm ashamed to say.

So last weekend I was home with just the girls and we headed over to the park. Rea had never ridden without her training wheels before, but would you believe that the second we got over there, she put on her helmut and pads, and off she went like she'd been riding all her life! It was hilarious!! She kept going and going and never even fell once, and hardly wobbled!! I thought I was gonna be chasing her all afternoon, picking her up over and over again - I even had stuck some band-aids in my back jeans pocket, just in case. How faithless could I be????!!!!

So, Rea had a great first bike lesson, and I learned a few lessons of my own...

Since then we are all about bikes! Ma-lak and Rea are enjoying their new found independence, and Ni'ke won't be in training wheels for long. Today was a gorgeous and sunny day, and after a lazy Saturday morning of McDonald's for breakfast and playing computer games, I took the kids over to a local bike shop for a few tune ups. (For their BIKES.) Right now we only have 3 bikes, which is obviously a mathematical dilemma, but Ya'shar seems content to hang out on his trike for now, but I doubt that'll last long! It was fun to look around and see all the different kinds to choose from and learn a little more about bikes in general, because I know nothing. I'm thinking I really need a bike for ME! :) I haven't been on one in years, but it would probably solve 1/3 of the problem I'm having with training for a Triathlon...)

After airing up some tires, replacing a tube, adjusting the seats and tightening some handle bars, we were ready for business! As soon as we got home they were racing each other up and down the street, gaining confidence - and speed.... (sigh) Lord, protect them!!

Blessings to you all, and happy biking from the newly formed Smith Family Biker Gang!

P.S. For those of you looking at my pictures and frowning, yes, I know we need some more bike helmuts.... Don't worry!!!