The Bicycle Diaries

The anticipation of yesterday was building for days.  I knew my husband and I were going to surprise the kids with early Easter gifts, brand new bikes.! We researched these bikes for weeks, secretly got their input, and prepared them for the possibility of an early Easter bunny gift arrival.  The reason we were going to do an early Easter gift was I had a picnic bike ride on the Lower Enola Trail planned for their day off.  There was one issue that stood in the way for our bike ride, our youngest, Ava is still riding on training wheels.  My mission in life was to get Ava ready to hit the trail on Friday sans training wheels.   I knew this would not be a problem, she is more mature, coordinated, and well, how difficult could this be?
 
I won't hold you in suspense, lets get right to the best part of the day.  I could NOT wait to grab the kids from school!  I asked Miguel to put their bikes in the drive way with their helmets, little cute bells, and baskets so that when we drove in they would see them right away!  When they saw them I was more excited than they were and they were through the roof happy!   They were super ecstatic looking at their bikes, getting their gear on, and riding up to the neighbors house to ask them to ride their bikes.  Everything was so wonderful and just how I imagined it until.... it wasn't. 

I was proudly watching Ava try to learn how to ride her bike, she was wobbly, a little scared, but her daddy was reassuring her the whole time.  Then there was that moment when she has it, you let go and she takes off on her own and we all cheer and yell..Yay Ava!  You did it!  I quickly woke up from that dream as Miguel let go and Ava crashed and burned!  She was ANGRY!  She jumped up and screamed, "DADDY!  Why did you do that?"  Well she was DONE!  Miguel was FRUSTRATED.  This represented shades of years gone by and our bike trials with Ava.  Everyone in the neighborhood rallied around her, I wiped her tears, there were heartfelt speeches, but Ava was not to be moved, she wanted training wheels.  I was like okay, we can do that.  Her Daddy on the other hand, said, and I quote, "I will cut my leg off before a training wheel goes on that bike".  This begins the Ava and Daddy stand off...
 
Miguel, "If you aren't even going to try the bike is going back."
 
Ava, "I want the bike Daddy".
 
Miguel "Awesome, lets go try again"!
 
Ava "NO!"
 
Miguel "Bike is going back".
 
This went on for sometime,  Miguel actually said to me, "where does she get that stubbornness"!  I said, "I have no idea!" (Did he actually say that?)
 
The story has a happy ending for Ava.  She is riding her bike...see below!







Ava happily on her bike!
 

Ava's Bike
 
 




I know what you are thinking, first it's vegetables, then training wheels and before you know it...fill in the blank...but really?  Look at that face!  Did I mention she is my baby, the last one?  Do you want some more excuses?  I have about 7 years of them in my back pocket!  Honestly, all of my kids get over on me, I hate to admit it, but I am a spoiler!  Right HERE! Guilty! 

 Everyone got bikes including my husband and I for our fitter lifestyle.  We are planning on riding different trails over the coming months.  We did not go today because of the rain, but we plan to go on Saturday!
 

 

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Fitness UPDATE: Anyone that showed up to Jim Mack's on Wednesday for a workout, I apologize for my absence, my daughter had a fluke soccer practice.  I hope to see you there next week, weather permitting!
 
I made a decision!  I am training for (key in suspenseful music) the Harrisburg Half on September 11, 2016. My sister is super organized, so she printed out my schedule, she makes sure I run, she really is my motivation partner for these runs. I could NOT do it without her! 

Harrisburg Half Marathon October 9, 2011
Left to Right Abby (sister), Val (friend), Me

I start the Jaime Eason weight lifting program tomorrow, that is 12-weeks long, I will post my progress on here, if anyone wants to be my virtual training partner, friend me at libbymiguel Crespo on facebook and message me. 
 
One last noteworthy win:  Last night we went to the grandparents to paint Easter Eggs, normally this is a barrage of can I have this candy?, that cupcake?, extra pizza?, a million lollipops? of course I say no.  Next think I know they have it and I say "why are eating that?" and they say, "Paw Paw said, "its his house, his rules".  Thanks PAW PAW!! WELL, last night it was one slice of pizza and not another word about anything!  I was awe struck! They played outside, painted eggs and for once food was not the battle of the century!  Go kids, you rock!

 

Mama OUT!