R is for Riding

Last Saturday marked an incredible event.  No, I'm not talking about the Next Level improv workshop, although that was  cool.  I'm referring to the training wheels being removed from my son's bicycle.

Adam and I took turns holding our son upright while he mastered the art of balance.  At first he was listing to one side and then the other, toppling despite his parental assistant's grip on the bike buddy.

 Once he got up to speed, however, we barely had to touch the handle.  Adam even worked up the courage to let go for a second:

William wasn't the only one learning to ride:

Of course, Jadzia rode with training wheels, but this was still a big moment for her.  To date, she's only ridden tricycles and has been quite timid about pedaling herself.  This was her first chance to really try out her newly-acquired princess bike.  She pedaled it all by herself.

Later, Adam bought William some knee and shoulder pads and that really boosted his confidence.  By Sunday, he only needed help starting.  Then on Wednesday we went to the park with his friend Aedan.  He realized that he couldn't keep up if he always had to wait for Mommy to push him, so he figured out how to get going without me.  Now he can totally bike on his own, and it took less than a week for him to learn!

Balade sans enfants



Today is my husband's birthday, so what a perfect time to tell you all about the romantic bicycle ride we took last week at Niagara-on-the-lake. The town boasts a smooth, meandering bike path along the Niagara river, under the shade of mature oaks (and other majestic trees). I couldn't keep the smile off my face, and not just because of the beautiful scenery.

We travelled from our hotel past Fort George (headquarters of the British Army during the war of 1812) where I posed suggestively on a cannon:

Imagine always having to be the responsible one;  the person to decide "yes" or "no", whether an activity is safe, what volume is acceptable, and even which jokes are appropriate.  I didn't realize that's what my life is until that weight was lifted.

It reminded me of when my husband and I were dating, when we used to hang out, just enjoying each others company. For a moment I remembered what my world was like before my adorable, yet highly dependent offspring.  I remembered why I married this man in the first place.



We have fun together.  Fun. Remember that? Without the constant threat of over-tired tantrums and demands for snacks.  We biked to Brown's Point, and I have no idea if that's an accomplisment or not.  It didn't feel like a strenuous journey.  It was perfectly easy-going.

On the way back we stopped at a store advertising fresh cherries and shared a pint.  Nobody whined about their hunger until we were forced to stop, we just got a treat for ourselves and enjoyed it together.  Best. Day. Ever.

I love you, Adam.  Happy Birthday

New bike!

I have hereby thwarted criminal attempts to keep me off the sidewalks by purchasing a gorgeous 7-speed berry-coloured bicycle.  The kids rode trikes around the store while I chose.  It had to be pretty, yet strong enough to pull a giant stroller. I even got some pink and white tassles for extra girliness.

We had lunch at the Mandarin across the parking lot from the bike store, then it was time for my bike's maiden voyage (because the thing wasn't going to fit in a car full of kids).  Anyway the ride was fabulous, smooth and easy to pedal.  Brant Street is still a killer, but even though I haven't biked since November, I barely broke a sweat.  (Though that could be because it's still a little cold out).  Thank goodness I had a buffet lunch to give me energy!

Keep my hand-me-down teal bike, Hooligans!  If you want this one, you will have to brave the obstacle course that is my backyard.  I will not leave it out front. At least, not right away.