Something New

Both of our big kids insist on continuing to grow.  Their legs keep getting longer!  Each year we go through their clothes and get rid of the pants they can no longer wear without looking like they're headed to an audition for Revenge of the Nerds XII.  These longer legs at the end of this summer also meant that their bikes were too small.  Michaela kept hitting her chin with her knees while riding...

and Christian...well, he looked like he was on a low-rider, so we thought it would be a good idea to get them new bikes.  Mike took them up to a local bike shop and they came home with two new sets of wheels.

Eliana didn't get a new bike, but she tried to convince me that she and Michaela could share.

Michaela wanted to burn rubber right away, so she lapped Eliana and I as we scootered around the block. (And by "we" I mean Eliana...I can't ride a scooter and take pictures.  I'm coordinated, as you know, but even I have my limits.)

She flew down the sidewalk.  But every now and then she had to relax...(her words)

A couple of days later Christian wanted to take a spin, too, so we headed over a couple of blocks to ride on a quieter street.

He did really well.  He's still getting used to riding with only two wheels; we just don't have a great deal of opportunities to ride bikes unless they want to go around the block.  Riding on the sidewalk is kind of hard when you don't have a lot of experience...there isn't much wiggle room.

He was quite happy until he wiped out the third time.  It was a doozy.  Apparently a couple of bloody scrapes are manageable, but three?  Not so much.  We headed home after that.

The bike is not the only new thing for Christian.  He is also starting Kenpo Karate.  He is VERY EXCITED about this.  One of his best friends is taking the class with him, which makes it even better.  He had his first official class last night, and his sensei tied his belt for him.  Pretty cool.

The place seems great...they take the discipline seriously, but the sensei is also a lot of fun and great with kids.  I am looking forward to watching Christian develop his strengths through this martial art.

I'm sure I'll share more of his experience as the months go by, as long as he doesn't karate chop me or any of his siblings. 

P.S.  In the first picture, Michaela is riding what used to be her tricycle, and it is now Eliana's.  It is not the bike that was replaced.  I just couldn't help myself from putting it there.  I didn't want anyone to be seriously concerned about her mental and physical welfare.

Comments

[Amy]

Karate? That is so exciting! I am excited that the girls can start activities. Well, Savannah can. She did the swim lessons this summer and will start fall soccer in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, nothing yet for Addison. We are only doing classes through the county right now since they offer great programs at unbeatable prices.

[lissa]

It looks like you guys are having loads of fun! We spent a lot of time on bikes this summer! It seems like the kids grow out of everything so fast! Including their bikes!