Peaches, Peaches, and More Peaches

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Last week I headed over to a friend's house to hang out a little while. It just so happened that on that very same day, she planned on making peach preserves. Not being one to sit around, I pitched in and gave her a hand. We pitted and peeled the peaches, diced them up and gave it our best. We had a great time and made something yummy at the same time.

We're planning on getting together again next week but without the peaches. Next time we're going to put up some corn.  

Bike Riding

(Written at the beginning of June. Guess I forgot to post. Oh well, better late than never!!)

Ok, so back in March Keaton got a bicycle for his birthday. We made sure to get one big enough for him and I found some training wheels that would fit. We got him set up and put him on it....well, he was SCARED  to death. The training wheels were of very little help. We had to walk on either side of him and pretty much hold him up so that he wouldn't fall down.

When summer break started he began asking to RIDE every afternoon. Our kind neighbor across the street tried to help us make the training wheels work but I felt like there had to be a better solution. Last Saturday afternoon we loaded up Keaton and his bike and headed down to Howard's (locale bike shop). Thankfully they hooked us up. Now Keaton can ride independently. We usually walk along beside of him to the stop sign and back. He is going faster and has learned to turn around. He doesn't use the pedal brakes. Instead he puts his feet down like Fred Flintstone. I know he will eventually learn to use the pedal brakes. He can learn to do just about anything.

On a scary note about bike riding.....yesterday when I thought Keaton was following be into the back yard he didn't. I finished spraying my roses and went back inside. The front door was opened so I knew he had gone outside. I stepped out on the porch and he was no where to be seen. I stuck my head back inside and asked Connor if he had seen him. He wasn't inside. When I went back outside to look again, I realized his bike was gone and he was no where to be seen along our street. PANIC started to set in. I headed down the street not knowing exactly what to do. When I got to the stop sign, I turned left and saw his bike in the next driveway. (Everytime we get to the stop sign he wants to go left.) THANK GOD nothing happened to him. I am so thankful he has learned to ride his bike and can do it independently, but man oh man did he ever scare me by taking off on his own.

What a Difference a Few Months Can Make

When Keaton received his bicycle for his 8th birthday he was a tad bit interested but scared. He had to be helped on and held on to. Even with trainings wheels he had trouble not tipping over. He had trouble peddling and steering.

March

Can you tell that he was a bit apprehensive?

July

                                                             

He has gone from basically being forced to ride his bike, to asking to ride frequently. He has even been known to take off on his own. He has to be watched like a hawk or down the street he will be (with or with supervision).

Man oh man, how quickly things can change!!

Monster or Mermaid?

As far as Keaton was concerned, that was the question.

Monster or Mermaid?

The answer: Athena

After Keaton's doctor visit, we decided to do a little sightseeing. We headed over to Centennial Park to visit the Parthenon and to see Athena. After reading the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Connor has developed an interest in Greek mythology.

 The Parthenon, located in Centennial Park, is impressive in size
 and  is surrounded by a beautiful park.

Connor, being Connor, wanted to read all the signs about the statues. He could easily spot several of the Greek gods he learned about while reading the Percy Jackson books. Sometimes he has a mind like a steal trap and doesn't forget a thing.

We are so very thankful to have a son that enjoys learning.

The boys outside those large bronze doors

and on the inside of the same doors.

Athena's shield with Medusa's head in the center.

Although it wasn't the science musuem, the zoo, or an amusement park, we still enjoyed ourselves. Nothing like spending time with those you love!