Training Wheels, Schmaining Wheels

 We had been talking to Landon about taking his training wheels off since last summer, but every time we brought it up, he (in true cautious Landon fashion) didn't think it was a good idea.  One morning while Chad was doing driver's ed, I just decided it was the day.  Landon had already conquered roller coasters and the pool this summer, we needed to keep it rollin'.  So, I grabbed a wrench a proceeded to take off the training wheels.

Landon walked up behind me and stood there with his baseball glove, and said, "whatcha doin' Mom?"  I said, "takin' off your training wheels."  He didn't panic or start crying (which was better than what I expected) but he did put up a small protest.  I said, "we just need to give it a try.  You've already done so many big boy things this summer, you might as well learn this, too.  Plus, if you give it a try, I betcha it doesn't take you long anyway.  AND if you learn to ride without training wheels, we'll buy you a new bike."  He was quiet after that for just a minute, then put his glove down and said, "alright,  I'll TRY."

Well, we did TRY for a little bit but let's face it, this was a job for Daddy.  Not me.  I'd already done my part.  I talked him into trying it.  So after I made a feeble attempt to hold him up on his bike for a few feet on the drive way, we decided it'd be best to wait for Daddy to get done driving.  When Daddy got home and we told him the plan, he raised his eyebrows, and said, "alright!"  And they were off.

They started on the side walk, but the curve was throwing Landon off a little.  Literally.  He was bailing when he got to the ever so slight curve in the driveway.

So training was relocated to the entrance of the bike trail....nice and wide, and straight.
 

 And after just a few minutes, what do ya know....we had a two wheeler rider.  

This is as close as the paparazzi was allowed.  The instructor had sent me to the house because the trainee was way tougher with me IN the house, than out...with a camera.  I did manage to snap this victory fist pump though.  And when he rode back all the way...

 this one.  :)  It was time to start bike shoppin'.