Big Biker Boy

Jonathan is done with training wheels! He has been asking me to teach him, so on Sunday we took off the training wheels and had a go.  He figured it out after about three tries and without any major falls. He is pretty coordinated and had been riding for a while, so I think that helped.

The first 2-3 times I held on to his front handle bars while running next to him. After doing that we tried again, but this time I let go of his bike for a second or two and then grabbed back on. When I did that (without telling him) he initially was scared a little bit, but then he quickly realized that he had been riding by himself for a second or two.  That was enough of a confidence boost for him. I did that again, but then he told me that I was "distracting him" and that he really just wanted me to give him a push.  OK then...he got a push...and off he rode!

Here is a video a few minutes later showing off his new skillz to Mom and sister.

Random Life Shots

We now have that shot of the kids wearing each others clothes. I have a picture like this with Michelle. The kids thought this would be funny (they did this all on their own, and it is, but in a weird way. 

Here is a great shot of my new ride all washed and geared up after getting my own plates. We are now calling it the "DQWagon". With a few more touches this thing is going to make selling my truck a lot easier. I am not planning on getting rid of my truck, but having a nice replacement makes it harder to justify a third car.

I upgraded the main bathroom for "free" with all the gift cards we've been banking from our rewards program. In this shot I haven't yet filled in the cracks and painted the mirror frame, but it still looks good nonetheless. I'm about done with work on the inside of the house for the year. That's mainly because the warm weather is just around the corner and I'll need to turn my focus to the outside.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Yesterday was our second Daddy Daughter Dance at the Community Center. This year's theme was "From Paris with Love". Julia was given a bag full of francs to spend on "frites" and other French-themed food, but most of the center was set up as boutiques. Julia spent most of her francs on jewelry, soaps, and "perfume". She also made a bead bracelet that is now around Freckles neck as a collar.

We danced but I think Julia enjoyed other parts of the night more. I also noticed that in many pictures she is striking a pose with her leg...a sign she loved her new dress and shoes that were bought specifically for tonight. 

Smart Cookies

The kids got their reports cards the other day. We have some smart cookies.  Julia scored in the 98 percentile for reading.  In other words, at about a 5th grade reading level. If you look at the "domain scores", she basically aced each category. She "only" scored in the 78th percentile for math.  Ha.  Jonathan can already count to 100 and has mastered all of the skills on his report card except pronunciation and tying his shoes.  Double ha.

Cat Nap

Freckles loves to sit on laps...usually mine. She knows the routine at night and can't wait for me to sit down so she can make herself at home.  If we're taking too long she'll let me know by following and meowing at me. 

This was obviously a long day.  Ridiculous...

Kid Pics

Julia showing off her her first published story (written and illustrated by), Jonathan on his way to a play date with his buddies Sawyer and Aaron, Jonathan scaling the wall at City Rock indoor climbing center.

Bronco Buddies

Super Sunday!  Getting ready for the big game...  Go Broncos!

Buddy-Wan Kenobi

Sledding in Frisco

Tubing in Frisco

While Michele was in town we all decided to drive a couple hours north near Breckenridge to do a little tubing and sledding in the mountains. We made reservations for an hour and used every minute of it. We took turns going down 4 at once, with just the kids one at time, and with others. The kids loved it and so did the adults.  Afterwards we had another round of fun at their free sledding hill. We brought two plastic sleds with us but only returned with one in working condition thanks to the jump in the middle of the hill. Julia loved going off the jump with me (I had to put my hands and feet down for the landing, otherwise it hurt), and Jonathan won the gold medal for longest distance. He is so light and has such a low center of gravity that he shot all the way down the hill every time (much to the enjoyment of all the adults around). We loved it and reminded me how fun the winter can be around here.