Learning to ride a bike

So, I took the training wheels off of Lauren's bike a few days ago and put on this bar called a Balance Buddy. It's an upside-down U-shaped bar that hooks on to the back axles -- seems to give the rider more of a feel of control and balance. I told Ellie that if she worked really hard over the summer and learned to ride her bike, I'd buy her an American Girl doll, which she really wants after reading all of the books. Lauren's bike is a bit small for her, but it's not as intimidating as her larger bike, and we thought it would help her with her confidence.

Sure enough, Ellie got on the bike and within a half-hour, she was pedaling on her own. A bit unsteady, but rode a few car lengths all by herself! I was so proud of her, and as Eric said, I'll always remember when she learned to ride a bike.

Lauren got on the bike on Saturday. I'm pushing her around the court, she stops in front of Hugh and Laura's house, and says, "I've got the toots." Gets off the bike, sticks her bottom out, passes gas twice, gets back on the bike, says, "There we go," and starts pedaling again. What a lady. I think she might just be riding a two-wheeler before the end of the summer.