Losing a wheel

Perhaps we waited longer than most parents to exchange Luke's tricycle for a bicycle.  In our defense, we're pretty protective of Luke's head and given his balance challenges, we thought waiting until he turned 5 was the best decision for him. 

It also helps that Matt has now claimed ownership of the tricycle.  It was time for us Luke to move on.  To lose a wheel.  To gain some confidence and independence.  And a great bike helmet.

Oma babysat for Will and Matt on Sunday so we could take Luke on a special trip to pick out a new bike and helmet, without the distractions of two little brothers.  He seemed to appreciate the attention and was genuinely interested in finding a two wheeler.

The first place we tried had a couple of appropriately sized bikes.  Luke tried both of them and did alright, but certainly wasn't in love with the wobbly feeling he got bouncing between training wheels.  He spotted a tricycle, hopped on, peddled away, and then told us "this one is just right."

Eventually we got him back to bicycle hunting, and went on to the next store.  We immediately spotted a cool black and orange 16" bike.  Luke seemed to like it better than the others we had seen.  He peddled it around the store a couple of times.  He was happy and confident.  He told us he liked it!  Success!

Then we went to look for a new helmet.  Nate spotted this one.  Good photo op, but Luke wasn't the biggest fan of the '8' on the hat.  He just turned 5 in case you forgot.

Eventually Luke settled on a similar helmet with black and white racing checks.  I was so happy to see this logo on the back of the helmet!  It echoes my mentality! 

Luke got to try out his new bike and helmet as soon as we got home.  It took a little bit of convincing by Daddy, but Luke eventually got on the bike and rode around the cul-de-sac.  It took a little while for him to get used to the brakes.  He seemed to smile after a while.

Unfortunately just as he got a little bit of confidence in spinning those new wheels, Luke hit the joint between our street and our driveway.  He was pitched off the bike and landed with a thud on his shoulder.  He also scratched up his brand new helmet.  But that's what its there for, right?  We brushed him off, righted the bike, and off he went again. 

Luke shared his new helmet with Will.  Daddy took Will for a racing run around the cul-de-sac.  He loved it, and didn't mind wearing the helmet.

Luke would not share his helmet and bicycle with Matthew.  That did not stop Matthew from trying to get onto Luke's bike.  Thankfully he's too short to get his leg over the seat.  It is only a matter of time.  But for now... in a word... jealous.