Outside in the Sun

Warm days are for playing outside, not lingering inside. Both girls were eager to ride their bikes in the sun, so we doffed their helmets, strapped Finwe in the infant carrier, and stepped into the sun.

SOGRIA (Super Old Golden Retriever of Indeterminate Age) joined us by deciding to lounge outside instead of inside. I think this is where she ended up after White Dragon was through gnawing on her ears.

White Dragon was outside as well, but was really upset at not being able to be right next to us. She barked one single bark about every five minutes ("one ping, Vasily").


Larien will actually pedal her tricycle now instead of just being pushed. She gets the concept of steering but doesn't have the coordination to turn and pedal at the same time. I still push her quite a bit. Today, I did notice that she asked me to stop pushing so she could pedal. That's one time when I do not mind hearing, "I wanna do it!" I don't want to hear that with regards to pouring her drink, but bike riding, no problem with independence.

The picture that I managed to get of Larien is not of her on her bike, but when she was through. They biked for nearly an hour, and anytime Larien does something active for an hour she's quite worn out. Plus, at the Kid Zone at the gym this morning she did some Movers and Shakers class. She's definitely moved her body today. That, however, did not translate into taking a nap. She's up in her room for quiet time playing with legos and her play kitchen. Oh, well. I'm learning to deal with an overtired toddler pretty well by now. At least I know she's eaten well, something that doesn't happen all the time. Last night, she wouldn't eat her dinner because, "It's not nyummy." I should teach Larien how to say no in Russian. She's got that sound down well.

Last, but never least, is Inwe on her bike. She's getting so accomplished with this skill. She only fell once today during the entire hour. Today she experimented with standing up to pedal. "Look, Mommy!" I got a lot of those requests today. The bikes are so incredibly fun for me as a parent. Inwe is so happy to be on something that Mommy and Daddy have as well. She gets so excited about going faster, figuring how to stop, and pretending that she's going to run into me.

Well, Finwe wants me. No more writing for me. I may have to do a nap with him to get him to stay asleep.