Bikes and Ice Cream!

Our kids LOVE riding bikes! I think Nathanh first took to bike riding a couple of years ago when we went camping.  His little strider bike gave him a new found independence as he could go ride to our friend's campsite (right across from ours) all by himself.  And Thianna always wants to be just like Narhanh.  Anyways, Nathanh had mastered the strider bike and his bike with training wheels so a couple of months ago we took off his training wheels.  Unfortunately it didn't go so well and after a few days of refusing to ride his bike and crying for his training wheels we put them back on and said we'd try again later.  Nathanh said he'd give it another try when he turned five so we didn't push it.

His birthday came and went and we just got around to taking off his training wheels again.  This time went much better than the first and after about 25 minutes he got it!  After that there was no stopping him!  Thianna had also asked to have her training wheels taken off that night (she has to be just like her big brother:)) but she wasn't quite as successful.  She did a few pedals on her own but would quite quickly lose her balance.

Erwin told Nathanh if he could cycle around our little park 3 times without stopping or falling then they would cycle down to McDonalds together for a ice cream cone.  Well, that didn't take long!  And so they were off.

I wanted to insert a video here but it's not working out:(

The story doesn't end there though... Once Thianna found out that Nathanh got to go for ice cream with Daddy on his bike, she was determined!  So the next day she practiced and practiced until she mastered her two wheeler too!  It was close to bed time when she ran into the house to get Daddy to show him.  He tried to tell her that it was too late to go get ice cream but I quickly stepped in and said we'd just have to make an exception.  I knew her little heart would be broken if he didn't take her.  So off they rode together!

My video won't upload here either, so you'll just have to take my word for it:)

A few days later , with their new two wheeler skills, my dad decided to take us on a bike ride. They rode about 6 kilometres!  Not bad for little wheels:)

Lac Le Jeune

Well we have said good bye to preschool for Nathanh and pre-preschool  for Thianna.  I can't believe Nathanh will be going to kindergarten in September.  But for now we will enjoy our summer before big changes.

On Canada Day we headed out for a few days of camping to begin the summer season.  Erwin was able to take the two days following Canada Day off so we were truly able to enjoy an extra long weekend.  This year we rented a trailer for the first time so that we could take all of our bikes as well as the camping gear. It worked out well and we got to bike ride with the kids everyday on quiet, paved roads.

Our camping trip was to Lac Le Jeune, about a four hour drive from our home.  It was absolutely beautiful and just the relaxation time that we needed as a family.  Our days were spent riding bikes, swimming, playing at the playground and telling stories.  Nathanh loves hearing stories about when mommy and daddy were little and Thianna loves telling stories about Minnie Mouse!

Nathanh trying to be some sort of lake monster!

Thianna trying out the lake.

On one of our many bike rides.  Thianna has become so strong.  When we first got he bike she couldn't even make it up the slight incline of our cul de sac.  Now she is riding up some pretty big hills.  There was only one at the campsite that she had to walk her bike up.

One morning the campsite had a learn to fish program for the kids.  So, always wanting to get the most out of my tax dollars, I made sure we were there!  Thianna loved the experience but I think she liked the tattoo at the end more!  Nathanh was quite serious about it and stuck with it for an hour and a half!  

They looked so cute that we were asked to sign a photo release for them.  So who knows maybe they'll tu up in a fishing brochure!

Thianna playing with her "worm!"

Calling it a day:)

Being bugs - using the noodles as antenna.

We bought a little boat for the water.  Thianna preferred just swimming but Nathanh liked practicing rowing.  Of course they both liked playing in it!

We went to a moose presentation one evening, this is them being moose:) They got certificates and antlers...oh and the part they remember the most - Canada suckers!

Sadly our trip had to come to an end but I think it is safe to say thatThianna enjoyed her first camping experience- especially the marshmallows!

Stay tuned for more summer fun!