We have a wonderful, paved, township-owned path adjacent to our house that includes a 0.5-mile loop through the woods. You can pretty much count on seeing us out and about on the path on any given day.
It provides some nice shade during the heat of summer. So, while training for a half-marathon (my first in about 11 years!!), I do my short (4 mile) weekday runs by doing laps around the loop. Colden has become my "pacer" by riding his bike in front of me.
About a week ago, I told Colden that he could go around the loop and catch back up to me (so long as he promised to stay on the loop, not stop and not talk to any people). "Really, mom?...are you sure?" I had to reassure him several times that I would continue along the loop and that we would bump into each other if he rode the opposite way that I was running. "OK - here I go!"
Colden's first taste of freedom...and my first lump in my throat for letting him go totally unsupervised!!
I think he pedaled as fast as he possibly could, and I got the sense that he was hyperventilating (ever so slightly) as I got out of sight. Needless to say, we successfully reunited about 2.5 minutes later (a long 2.5 minutes for both of us!).
He has done several solo loops since. I love that he still manages to sneak one last peak before disappearing around the corner.
(You can barely make out the little blue speck speeding away down the path)
(one last peak before going out of sight)
(Loop completed...successful reunion...happy/proud boy)
6.5 years old with the newfound freedom of being able to fly solo for a grand total of 2.5 minutes. Best. Feeling. Ever.
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Speaking of growing up...my 2 babies are mastering the art of showering! I believe the days of baths are numbered.
My loves.
Colden = 6; Reese = 3.5
Don't let their smiles fool you...this very quickly turned into this:
Which then quickly turned into some time outs. :-P
