Spontaneous

We were returning home the other day, and drove past the park.  One of the kids asked, "Hey Mom, when do you think we can go ride our bikes at the park again?"

I shocked all of my children with my response,

"Right now!  Go use the potty, get your helmets on, and grab your bikes.  This is great time to go to the park."

They were stunned.

At first, they were not sure if I was joking or serious.

I had to repeat myself, and assure them I was serious.

They were waiting for me to give them a long-listed excuse as to why we could not visit the park that day.  I have given plenty of excuses on other days.

One of the changes I am trying to make right now is to seize more opportunity for fun with the kids.  This season is short.  We have enough stress to deal with, and it does not appear to be going away anytime soon.  So, I am trying to make those memories that will be positive instead.  

The kids all have new bicycles from Christmas.  Everyone has a helmet that fits.  The park was newly renovated, and is perfect for riding around (where Mom can see them all clearly).  Opportunity is present!

We had a blast.  The kids get stronger and stronger in their pedaling and riding skills each time.  Some of the kids....Jersey #3 and Jersey #4 specifically....are way too daring on their bikes for my taste, but we all left with our teeth intact, so I call it a good day.

Just like riding a bike

We've been having some fun riding bicycles this summer.

Jersey #4 has figured out how to pedal her tricycle. She is mighty proud of her accomplishment....

We were finally able to convince Jersey #1 that she is fully capable of riding her bicycle without training wheels. She has been nervous about falling. At one point, she claimed she was not going to ever learn to ride on 2 wheels, because it was too scary. I assured her that we would go out to a big grass field to practice. The Referee and I ran beside her a couple times each, and it wasn't long before she was on her way on her own. We knew she could do it. We were a bit surprised by how quickly the progression goes once she has her confidence in place. Mere minutes after learning to ride on her own, she was riding all over that big field, up and down inclines, on the sidewalk, and in circles!

She took the safety gear very seriously. We require the children to wear a helmet to ride their bikes. Jersey #1 was so concerned about injury, that she put on her knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards before she would even try to ride. Of course, when she did fall, she hurt her foot....the only thing that did not have a pad on it!