Saturday, August 9, 2008

Look Mom! No training wheels.

It started with Ariel. Ariel who just turned 3. Ariel who gave up her tricycle for a big girl bike less then a month ago. She wanted her training wheels off. At first we dismissed the idea, and then I said, "Why not?"

Jeff brought out the tools and went to work on her bike. At first Belle showed little interest in riding her bike without training wheels. She watched Ariel as she teetered and balanced. She watched her little sister do something for the first time, something Belle was not ready to try yet. It didn't take long before Belle wanted her training wheels off too.


One thing I learned today is that Jeff is an excellent teacher. The girls wanted their Daddy. They prefer Jeff's strong support, technique that keeps them balanced, and the soothing way in which he instructs them. Jeff was a superstar today. He gave each of the girls his loving support and attention. I watched as their apprehension turned to pure joy. The joy of growing up. The joy of freedom.


By the end of the day the training wheels were back on both of their bikes. I think they enjoyed the experience, but love the speed and stability that comes with training wheels even more.

Ironically both girls crashed their bikes in the late afternoon when their training wheels were back on. Ariel ran into a mail box, but absorbed most of the impact with her helmet. Belle tipped over and skinned both her knees. It goes to show - bike safety has less to do with training wheels and everything to do with watching where you are going.

17 comments:

Mamarazzi said...

yeah for trying...those girlies are the cutest!!

what a great daddy too!

OHmommy said...

Yay!!!!

I love the "Why not" attitude. ;)

Rachel said...

What sweethearts! They're growing so fast and so big!
Daddy is such a doll.
Nice to see you again!!

JLow said...

Borrowing your metaphor, and getting completely off topic...

I had to put my training wheels back on the past week, when neither Hot Mummee and I knew how to handle a screaming-in-the-middle-of-night-a-few-times baby....

Our first kid Caitlin was an angel at that age, but with 7month old Caleb now we are pulling our hair out wondering what is wrong with him. The only thing I can think of is that he is teething, and also he gets his arm stuck when he rolls over in his sleep...

Panda-eyed Daddee.

Anonymous said...

WOO HOO! There must be something in the air . . . Princess learned how to ride her two-wheel bike this past weekend as well :-)

Yeah for the girls - they'll be cruisin' around on 2 wheels before ya know it!

louann said...

Glad you're back! =)

Must have felt soo cool without those training wheels but yes, they will always look for security.

Jenelle said...

It's so funny that your older daughter wanted her wheels off after your three-year-old did. Typical siblings! :)

Stephanie said...

So cute. My kids are still on tricycles and big wheels...one of these days. Thanks for the update ;)

Anonymous said...

What brave little girls you have! And they have a good daddy too!

Victoria said...

Fun times! So cute the little one would want to try first.

Anonymous said...

I really want to buy bug a bike with training wheels. He is so tall for a 2 year old. I think he is ready. I can't wait for this, but like you, it will probably be Daddy who does the teaching. Great shots.
Peace!

Nicole Brady said...

My 5 year old is small for her age, but I still can't get her onto a 2-wheeler, even with training wheels. She's going to outgrow her bike before I ever get her on it!

Good for you for getting both Ariel and Belle going! Maybe my girls will do better too if it's DADDY helping instead of me. I should have thought of that.

AEH said...

Cute story! And photos!

dlyn said...

I love that they ended up with them on again! We have a bank on our property and each of the girls found their way to the bottom on their bikes - no stitches at least!

krissy said...

I understand them wanting their daddy. My daughter refused me. Why?

"Come on Diva, Come on you can do it. Just try. Do it now. Come on. Just do it already. You better do it this time or I am not helping you ever again."

I will resist telling you the profanities I yelled when I fell while trying to hold her up and she ran over me.

Yep, definately a dad's duty.

Unknown said...

Kudos to the girls to be brave enough to try it even if it was only one day!

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

So cute! I'll bet they were so proud of themselves. J. sounds like a superfun daddy!