Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

 

 

 

No training wheels!

 

 

It’s one of those parenting moments you always dream about, the time you teach your child how to ride a bike without training wheels.  Well, that day has come for us with Alex. 

 

It was cold and grey outside, like any February day around here lately.  But, at least is wasn’t raining (pouring) on Sunday, like Saturday was.  The kids were a bit stir crazy inside after lunch and nap time for Sara, so I suggested that we go outside and test out the ol’ bike without training wheels.  Alex’s eyes lit up and Lance’s eyes were questioning whether he was ready or not.  Sara just loves being outside so she started looking for her coat and outside we went!

 

I knew that he was ready for this, I just didn’t know he was THAT ready. 

 

Off came the training wheels and off he went!  Literally!

 

 

First the training wheels come off and the tires got all pumped up

 

 

 

 

We have a gentle slope on our driveway that makes it easier to start pedaling, along with a gentle slope on the road right in front of the house.  Perfect for learning how to ride a bike!

 

First was the driveway try, and he did it!  We were prepared for some bumps and bruises, but nothing yet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He was so proud of himself!  We are too!

 

 

Then on to the road!

 

What are you guys looking at?  This is nothing new?!?!

 

The tongue is apparently a constant thing…

 

 

I knew he was ready, Alex was just happy to be doing something new and daring and dangerous, Sara was very happy to be outside, and Lance was flabbergasted that he did it!   I just knew he was ready (apparently this is a moment of Mother’s instinct)!

 

He was off riding and turning, breaking and starting all on his own.  We could not believe it!  I’m sure there will some a time (next time?) where he takes a big fall and gets hurt, but for this first time – it was about as perfect as you can get. 

 

Alex riding a bike with no training wheels!!!

 

Sara was riding her trike and was learning how to pedal too.  It’s going to be happening soon!  And then we’ll have two wheelin’ kiddos!

 

Two dogs

 

 

Two dogs, two “first” babies, two companions, two friends.

 

5 years ...

Wow - where does the time go?

Five years has flown by and we've had our share of tough times and our share of wonderful times. Thank goodness for financial advisors! We've bought a beautiful house that we love working on, we have a very lively little boy who always reminds us of how cute he is and how special life is. Although this last year has been pretty rough with 2 layoffs, we are learning that we are strong and we are getting through this together.

Happy Anniversary Honey!

photos by firefly photography

Before Kids

Our dogs were our babies!

Here is Bella on a kayak with me

with Bella when we first moved into our house 5 years ago! I can't believe it's been 5 years!

With Bella and Rock as a puppy - probably 8-10 weeks old

A little bigger Rock, but still being held like a baby

Before Kids

We had so much time... and we didn't even appreciate it! But, we did have some fun.
Oceanside, CA (near San Diego) before we were engaged ~Spring 2003

This was when we were first dating back in 1998! We went on a ski trip up to Whistler and this classic of a photo was taken. Lance was only 25 and I was 21!