Adventures in Bike riding!

Events happened on July 3rd, 2010-- Reese has never really wanted to learn how to ride a bike...well, actually he wants to...falls a few times and quits! This has been our pattern every year. Things always come so easy to him on the first try and since this is a little harder he gives up and thinks he can't. We always practice for a month or so and then we both get frustrated and give up. Last year after I read and read on the internet for tips we almost had it but he was a tad bit too big for his old bike so it never quite clicked. About 2 months ago, Brian was riding his bike as a neighbor put out a very nice boy bike with a sign free to a good home. So Brian asked him and it became Reese's new bike. Today, we decided it was time for him to try again. We started on the new big bike. Several falls and tears later he was so nervous. He kept saying "I just can't! I can't ride a bike." We took a break and went to the old small bike to work on balance and stopping. I told him he could do this- he was smart, a great athlete, and God gave him 2 legs and he could ride a bike! He asked "so why isn't God helping?" I said he is but you have to do you part too!! First we worked on balancing on the hill with the small bike and he did it and did it again about 10 times!! He could balance but not peddle as the bike too small, but he had confidence back! So we went back to the big bike on a straight piece of land! Brian and Hammie came outside to watch and offer their praise. (Later, Poppa and R-E came out too!) Next, we practiced balancing with me pushing and then onto peddling and he has it!!! He made several excuses along the way- the grass it too bumpy, my fingers won't reach the brake, you're pushing me toward the hill! Just going straight now...no turning yet. We really have to go somewhere where he can peddle farther before having to stop. But I'm so proud of him for finally giving it a better try!!! After I asked him if riding a bike was hard, I learned that he's still not into it too much yet. He said he kind of likes riding his bike and that his fav part was going down the hill (on his old bike). He wants to learn how to turn. He says if he can stand in the deep pool at the ymca then he can ride his bike (his new bigger bike) down the hill & touch the ground. But he says he needs to grow 5-6 more inches for that to happen. Now, Noah and Reese are riding R-E pink toddler car (the kind with no peddles that you just sit in) down our big backyard hill!!!
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