Two wheels! (Okay, four)

The boy is growing so fast and in some ways I feel sad for the toddler he no longer is, but excited for the boy he's becoming. As he rode away from me for the first time on his new bike tears rolled down my face. I don't cry easily, never at a Hallmark commercial but seeing my first baby turning into a little boy is hard for me to accept some days.

Jackson was a little leery at first about shopping for a new bike but he did show some excitement. He's a cautious kid and at this time scares easily and is afraid of new things. I was fully prepared to have Ron spend the time constructing the bike and Jackson refusing to get on it. However, this time was different, Jackson was excited to try out the new bike. He got on after some instruction from Dad and before we knew it, he was doing circles around Dad's van.

Jackson even rode down the block with me to get our mail and all the way back on his own. I'm so proud of that boy. And I think I told him so oh.... sixteen times last night!

Nature Valley Bike Festival

This last week we spent some time with the Nature Valley bike races in town. On Wednesday we were able to check out the St. Paul Criterium race. We were able to catch the kids' race first. It was decided that Jackson would participate in this race next year. Then we walked the course, taking in all the good viewpoints for the men's race. Jackson had a blast using his clapper every time the pace car came around. We kept our eye on Floyd Landis and were excited to see him racing up close! Not nearly as cool as watching the Tour de France, but we'll take what we can get.




Then on Sunday we made our way down the Stillwater hills to see the Stillwater Criterium. It was a hot day and at 7 mos. pregnant the heat took its toll on me. I struggled walking the race route, but we made it through the men's race. We watched Landis lead the race for some time only to be taken in the last 10 or so laps. The boys had a fun time, as I shuffled behind them.

Another weekend behind us...

We had another busy weekend, but a nice one since Ron was home on Saturday, and I was off on Monday. It was so very nice to be able to spend a good chunk of time together as a family. On Friday night we had Russ, Heather and Grayson over for a little play date. Once we got the boys to sleep, the adults had some time for conversation. Saturday started with a trip to the Minneapolis Farmer's Market for some tasty food purchases, and a trip to a local park for some free-play time.

Saturday afternoon Ron and I helped my Dad put a railing up around his deck, while Jackson slept soundly. After that, it was off to Como Zoo to see the animals. Jackson roared with the lions, and was amazed to see the three giraffes (his favorite animal, as of late).

Sunday, the three of us took a bike ride to meet up with my Dad's family for breakfast. Jackson seemed to have a good time riding in the go-bug, and managed to fall asleep on the way home. Sunday afternoon we spent some time with family at my Mom's, barbecuing up some pork chops, hamburgers, and dogs. We were in the garage chowing down when the tornado sirens started up. It's a whole new ball game when there is precious new cargo in the family. Just 15 miles north of where we were, a two year old boy was killed in the tornado, an awful sad news item to learn about that evening.

Monday morning brought us to another local park, where Jackson had a blast going down the slide all on his own. And after nap we piled in the car, picked up my mom, and headed north to Fawn Doe Rosa. Jackson "baaaa-ed" with the goats and got a kick out the elk.

What a great way to spend the weekend. I just love getting Jackson out in the world to see how he reacts to all the new things.

Opening doors and a go bug...

Jackson's latest trick is opening doors. The bedroom, the bathroom and the upstairs are no longer off limits for this little terror. He has figured out how to turn our glass knobs on the first try, every time. It's a whole new world, for both Jackson and for Mom and Dad!

Spring has finally sprung! We took Jackson out for his first bike ride in spring, 2008. As we tooled up the street, Jackson complained and kicked his Stride Rites. I'm not sure if it was because by the time the bikes were taken down and the tires inflated, we were inching closer to bed time, or if he just isn't the next Lance Armstrong. More on this to come.