Swimming and Biking - She's growing up fast!

I knew Turner was very close to swimming at the end of last summer, and we got a sneak preview of how many of her swimming skills she had retained at the beach for Spring Break. I had a feeling she would be swimming this summer, but I didn't realize how confident she'd become over the course of just one week at the pool. I am so incredibly proud of her!

Two Saturdays ago (May 19th) Turner asked us to remove the training wheels from her bike. She had seen Anderson riding without training wheels and wanted to give it a try. We started by having her practice going down our front walkway into the grass, mainly focusing on balance and feeling that split second when it seems you are going to topple. I wish we had video documentation of this stage, but let's just say it required several hands to keep her steady at first and the results were frustrating to her for sure! We tried on Saturday, then again Sunday, and mid-week - all moving toward progress staying balanced as she went from cement to grass.

The following weekend (May 26th) she started to get a little more brave and we moved to the sidewalk with a quick turn into the grass. Direction is not our strength!
On Memorial Day (May 28th), we were astounded at this run down the entire length of the yard, particularly at her readjusting her feet onto the pedals and not freaking out!

Tuesday (May 29th) as we were playing outside I suggested that Turner try on the sidewalk. We gave it several runs with me sticking closely behind her, but I realized quickly she didn't really need my help. Once she realized that same fact, she hasn't looked back since! Wednesday after church she gained tons of confidence riding in a much bigger space (the street) and was self starting without balance assistance from me at all! We took Mark out to show him after he got home around 9pm and he was so excited! She was turning and braking as if this were an old trick. It helps that Anderson rides with her and her competitive nature doesn't want him to out-do her!

These videos were taken this past Saturday (June 2) so this is two weeks after the training wheels came off. Watching her learn this skill and work through the challenges and uncertainties has been a treasured memory for us. She's growing up so quickly, but it's just marvelous to watch a child learn and master a new skill. We are super proud!