Spring Hopes with Bikes!

Yesterday, the sunny, mild weather got us all thinking about bike rides!

Went in for old bike tune-ups and ended up with a new bike for Nora! She was much too tall for her old bike and this was just so cute. The frustrating, sad, and funny part of the story is that she cried the whole time we waited for the installation. Why? Because I said they could donate her old bike. Upset because "You gave me that bike for my birthday, it's mine, I just haven't pictured life without it." So, what did I do after an unconvincing conversation about donating things we will no longer use? Haul the dumb thing back to our house and put it in the garage. *sigh*  I figure that we will keep talking and she will make the decision to donate and actually it will be a better lesson and empower her to donate things herself. By the time we got home, she was all smiles again.

And here is Jack, with a great bike which belonged to his (now 16-year old!) Skyler. It is in great shape and we simply added Nora's old training wheels. Yesterday was his FIRST TIME EVER on a big boy bike and he took off! Sad part of his story is that the wheel, despite being professionally installed, fell off in mid-ride, causing a skinned knee and some tears. He ended up running along side his sister while I drug the disabled bike home. It's fixed again, but I might go get some more hearty training wheels. *sidebar* Can you believe how expensive training wheels are???? $25 - 30!!!!

At any rate, we are READY for Spring and certainly for Summer! We will be going to Oregon for a visit, up North to our family in Lyons, and starting soccer (for Jack) and dance classes (for Nora). Other activities have already started, with Science Scouts and Daisy Scouts; and of course, bike rides, dog walks, and yard work now that the deep freeze seems to be waning.

Belated Birthday Boy

I didn't want Jackson's birthday to get too far in the past for my annual mama musings post. He turned FOUR on December 15, 2012 and is the neatest kid. Energetic, loving, and smarter than a preschooler should be. His laugh is infectious; his questions are thoughtful; and his hugs are strong. He doesn't mind that I call him "baby," even as he reminds me he is growing fast. He runs at sonic peed (speed). He runs all the time; often with a cape and mask on. He still needs a nap, but refuses to take one; likes help with the tooth brushing and balks at baths. Jackson, at four, you eat these foods: pancakes, cereal, chocolate covered granola bars, chicken nuggets with ketchup, spaghetti (which he says "Pa-getty), and peanut butter (by the spoonful, just like his Dad). I can get you to do almost anything for a doughnut; and in the car, you talk non-stop. It wears me out, but I know you will get sullen and non-talkative in a few years, so I am trying to enjoy the moments now.

Masked Crusaders!

We made capes!

The mayhem!

At four, I simply adore being your Mom. Boo Boo Bear, you are an awesome kid, best son a Mama could ever have. I love singing "Soft Kitty" to you; love snuggling your small (but growing so big!) body; and love the way you repeat something that makes me laugh just to hear me laugh again. Kid, as you grow, I just want you to know that feel lucky to be your Mom. I worry so much about you; but am determined not to be a helicopter parent who is afraid to let you live. We really had fun at your Superhero Birthday Party! More importantly, I have fun with you everyday. Thanks for asking me to play with you; I don't mind being the villain, as long as you continue being the good guy.