It is official

Yes, it is official.

My boys are growing up. I'm happy and sad at the same time.

A little over a week ago, Ryan lost a training wheel from his bike. At the time he was devastated. "Mommy, I can never ride again." I tried to explain that it just meant he didn't need them anymore. He cried for a good five minutes I know. At that point we left and headed to the north YMCA for the summer camp orientation.(More about that in a minute). By the time we got back, he had completely forgotten about the fact he had lost a training wheel. Well, I was worn out from the previous days and opted to take a nap with the little man. By the time we got up, Ryan was riding on two wheels!!!!! Yes, he was still a little wobbly, and needed a little help, but he was doing great!! As it so happens, another dad from around the corner taught him how to ride. Later on that day, Mike used his techniques to teach the girl across the street how to ride. Now Ryan takes off with Makenzie and Ethan (another older boy down the street) like it was nothing. WOW!!! Every day we are riding and his legs get stronger and stronger.

Alexander has also gotten a bike. Go figure. The man that taught Ryan how to ride was wanting a different bike to ride with his daughter (he has a triathlon bike like Mike's and was just too fast). As it so happened, Mike had a bike that has been in the attic for the last 4 years we have lived here. He traded that bike for his son's first bike. It's way cute, and Alexander totally loves it. Although he really can't pedal just yet, he loves to sit on it and be pushed. "I ride my bike!!!" It's just the little things.

Of course, silly bandz have also made an entrance to our house. You would think, being a boy and all, he really wouldn't want them. But oh no--every day he begs. Mike found some at work and the Chevron station. I've ordered a few packs online. He asks every day if they've come. Bless his heart, he has no concept of time. The crazy thing is, Alexander is just as in to them. He wants to wear his wherever he goes. Peat, and repeat. He wants to be just like his older brother. How precious.

And being like his older brother, he is trying to potty train. Although he is a little short, and can't really stand to potty, he sure tries. He had had no luck until this past Saturday (5/30). We had been out in the sprinkler playing with some of the neighborhood kids. When we came in to change, he wanted to go potty. I let him try for a few minutes then he climbed on it backwards. All of the sudden....PEE!! Yipee. The beginning of potty training has begun. By the end of the year, no more diapers!!!!

As far as summer camp goes, Mike and I decided to take Ryan out of daycare this summer. We just felt he wouldn't get enough activity being there. They only take limited field trips and play outside a little. SO.....he's going to BAR-Y camp by YMCA. It's outside, all day, every day!! They hike, do archery and crafts, and swim every day. This will expend any type of energy he may have to release. He is really excited and talks about "next Monday" all the time. I love that he is so excited about trying something new. After meeting the counselors and learning a little more about it, I think this is where he'll be for the next few years during summer break.

On Memorial Day, we rode in the family Bike Lexington ride. It started downtown, and went out and back for a total of 10 miles. Ryan did about 8.5 miles of it. He got a little frustrated at times, but all in all did awesome. The only thing left to do now it purchase him a pair of padded bike shorts. His little boy parts are a little sore. Mike warned me that would happen with the miles he's been putting in. Just the day before he had ridden almost 6 miles with Mike to the Chevron station and back a couple of times. It won't be long and he'll need a bigger bike.

We also went to the pool at Tates Creek since the big ones opened on Saturday. It was so much fun watching Ryan trying to swim again (BAR-Y also has free swimming lessons) and Alex learning again that water wasn't going to hurt him. We only stayed about an hour, because I needed to nap and so did Alexander. All in all it was a great day!!

I'm posting some pics of the boys riding their bikes as well as the morning of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, it's a little blurry since I wasn't the one taking the picture. Oh well....

Happy June everyone!! Have a great summer. I know we will.