Ella learns how to ride a BIKE!!

 Ella got a big girl bike from Santa for Christmas this year.  She previously only had the balance bike, which we loved!  But she passed that down to Easton close to a year ago and she really hasn't had a bike to play on.  She finally got one for Christmas and Michael and I made the decision not to put the training wheels on.  At 4 1/2 we figured she could learn how to ride it all by herself, without ever relying on training wheels.  Michael and my dad worked with her on Christmas day and she did great.  Towards the end of practicing, my dad even let go for a minute and she was riding on her own without even realizing it for a few seconds.  But just about that time, she was ready to take a break. 

This past weekend, we got her bike out again for the first time since Christmas day. Michael held the back of her seat while she rode around and then quickly let go and she was doing it all by herself! I thought she would be scared once she realized he was no longer helping her, but she wasn't at all!  She just took off from there and loved it!  She even learned how to stop herself by reversing her wheels and was turning around in the cul-de-sac and the driveway with no fear.  We were so incredibly proud of her and had the best time watching her.  

Her entire entourage followed close behind in the beginning.

She still needs some help getting started, but from there she is completely comfortable on her own.

I love the pride in Michael's face as they watch the short video he took to send to Mimi, Papa, Granny & Grandpa!

She had one small fall and scraped her elbow but I told her that we had a rule and that she wasn't allowed to stop riding after a fall.  She had to get back up and ride again before stopping for the day so that she always ends on a high note. 

So after adding some elbow pads, she was back at it!

All done and time to take off the gear!

So proud of my big girl.  Ella Pearl...learned to ride her bike on January 27, 2013, age 4 years and 8.5 months.  It was such a great day and a fun milestone that the four of us got to experience together.  We took her for ice cream that evening to celebrate!

VIDEO: Ella riding her bike!

basketball

We love our dance parties!

You are my wild

I wanted to remember this day (Jan. 20) because this is the day that I thought, wow, this boy is giving me a run for my money!!!  He is most certainly a 2.5 year old BOY and some days are certainly "wilder" than others!

These pictures were all taken within 6 minutes of each other!  Just as I would get to one room to see what he was doing and re-direct, he would move on to the next.  Although I obviously decided that he wasn't doing anything too terrible and thought it was a great time to capture a memory.  :)

The title of my post comes from one of my favorite children's books.  I love the words so much!!!   

You Are My I Love You
by Maryann K. Cusimano

I am your parent, you are my child
I am your quiet place, you are my wild
I am your calm face, you are my giggle
I am your wait, you are my wiggle
I am your audience, you are my clown
I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down
I am your Carrot Sticks, you are my licorice
I am your dandelion, you are my first wish
I am your water wings, you are my deep
I am your open arms, you are my running leap
I am your way home, you are my new path
I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath
I am your dinner, you are my chocolate cake
I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake
I am your finish line, you are my race
I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace
I am your favorite book, you are my new lines
I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine
I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo
I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you

A fun day in Fredericksburg

Last weekend some friends of ours invited us to Fredericksburg for the day to enjoy the outdoors and hang out.  We had a blast and it was so nice to get out of town for the day and do nothing but have fun!  We ended the day with a little shopping and pizza.  It was also a good reminder of what a great town Fredericksburg is and now I can't wait to go back!