Look Ma! No training wheels!

Okay, so yesterday Eric and I were constantly talking about trying to find something that Nathan can be really good at. Something to get his confidence up. We finally agreed that we just needed to buy him another bike.

Now, the in-laws bought a 20-inch bike for him at Christmas time, which was just a smidge too big. Had to get training wheels (and FYI, supposedly TW are okay for 20 inch wheels, but not really). But with us living on Greble road, there was really too much traffic for him to get really comfortable with it. He fell over a few times, cried, and we didn't really make him try again.

But now we live on a cul-de-sac with 20 other kids. He's tried riding his bike, but since the TW weren't really fitting on well, he's still falling over. Still pouts and tears. I didn't want to buy a smaller one, because, let's face it, he'll outgrow it before the end of the summer.

But after track yesterday, we decided to go ahead and get the bike. So I took him down to WallyWorld to get one. Found one that was 18 inches, already had the TW on them. Went to check out through the car department. Big burly guy behind that counter told me that I was making a mistake. It was too small for him, and all his friends would just laugh at him. I really just needed to take him to a big field and let him fall a couple of times. I have never come so close to calling out a clerk in my life! Nathan was standing there listening to him. I'm thinking to myself, thanks, dude. I'm trying to give my child some confidence and you won't shut up. He finally seemed to register the glare I was throwing his way.

Anywoo. Got the kid home with the bike. He spends about two hours zipping up and down the street, then comes in to ask Eric to take the TW off. So the vids are his first attempts. I was taking another vid when he came full-speed ahead and crashed into me and Eric while we were standing next to the car. Luckily we were there to break his fall... You really can't see Nathan in the first vid until the 17 second mark. But the smile at the end was worth it.

Our kid can ride a bike! Eric now feels validated as a parent. Now, we just need to conquer the swimming thing this summer.