So Long, Training Wheels

This weekend was one of the all-time highlights of being Evan and Owen's parents.

We took the training wheels off the bikes on Friday, and by Sunday, they were zooming along like old pros.

The process was exhilarating for Nate and me because it all happened so fast. They went from crashing into everything to balancing their way through narrow pathways within just a couple days' time.

 

Tips for First Bike Ride Without Training Wheels

• Safety first. The cooler the helmet, the more likely your kid will wear it. If your kid has knee pads and elbow pads, use them.
• Wide open spaces. Our cul-de-sac was the perfect place to give them a little push and let them find their balance. We learned the hard way that the sidewalk is too narrow.
• Patience. There will be many crashes and much frustration. Short training sessions that end on a positive note are better than long, negative sessions.
• Push the right petal. Teach your kid to push off from the pedal that's highest up. That'll give them the momentum they need to get going all by themselves.

I don't remember my personal experience with learning to ride a bike, but I hope I provided the same amount of amazement and wonder for my parents.

Definitely a high moment for parenthood. And, now we're off on a family bike ride!

Easter 2012

Each year, our family Easter tradition involves Sunday at Gee and PawPoo's house and a massive Easter egg hunt.

It's important for us to be surrounded by family and to remember the true reason we celebrate this holiday.

Soccer - the Sport of Good Sports

I was excited. Nate was terrified.

But several seasons ago, we signed the kids up for soccer, and we haven't stopped yet. We were fortunate enough to be signed up with Lisa Thomason, an amazing lady who's youngest son is in the twins' class.

We have followed Lisa through multiple soccer seasons and several different leagues. The twins are showing progress, and the games are more entertaining than a circus.

What Kids Learn Through Soccer

• It's more efficient to pass the ball than keep running it all the time and wear yourself out.
• Good communication is key.
• There's no room for a sore loser.

Angry Birds Hats

Thanks, Aunt Sharon! (Evan left, Owen right)

Hands down, the most popular Christmas gift this year came from Aunt Sharon.

The twins are so excited about their Angry Birds hats that they have been sleeping in them and wearing them even on warm days. Way to go, Aunt Sharon!

Happy Halloween

Mario Evan and Toad Owen

Thanks to Grammi, for once again making out-of-this-world costumes for Halloween.

The twins are obsessed with Super Mario Brothers, so they chose Mario and Toad this year.

Best of Friends

Evan, Ella, Owen

Only seven months apart, Ella and the twins are inseparable, although it's abundantly clear Ella is the boss.

We snapped this pic at Lealls after Church.

First Day of Kindergarten

Evan and Owen at their first day at kindergarten at Carver.

 

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They're so young, but they were ready... So, at the advice of Carver Elementary, we sent Evan and Owen to kindergarten. Looking forward to an amazing year. This year, they'll learn to read! Hard to believe... They'll also learn math and continue with art and music classes. I'm particularly excited to see if they get some good fundamentals down in piano.

They wanted to be in separate classrooms, so Evan is in Mrs. Smith's room, with his best friend, Shaddon, and Owen is in Mrs. Bergeron's class, with great buddy Grayson from soccer.

Carver Circus

I was two hours late to work this morning, and for very good reason.

Evan and Owen were performing in the Carver PreK Circus, a "delight for the ears and eyes," as the ringleader exclaimed.

The program included acrobats, twirlers, magicians, monkeys, seals and much more, including jugglers:



and clowns!

Visit from Grandpa

Short but sweet!

We got to hang with Grandpa during a very quick visit to Amarillo. Wish he could stay longer, but it's hard for him to be gone long, with all of his animals missing him in Kansas City.

A funny (probably had to be there) moment:

"Goodnight, kids," said Grandpa.

"Are you going to say goodbye to us in the morning before you leave?" Evan asked.

"Of course!" reassured Grandpa.

"Be sure and bring us that candy we found in your bag," Owen said.

"Yeah, Grandpa, don't forget the candy," added Evan.

Twin Talk

I think I'm the last person in the world to stumble upon this, but it sure brought back great memories.


And I loved the ABC commentary about the fascinating way identical twins communicate in this clip.