No Training Wheels!

So Quinn mastered the balance bike ages ago (probably almost a year ago), but he's been fearful of pedal bikes.  Slowly, over the past few months, we've been encouraging him to pedal a tricycle and a 12" bike with training wheels.  He finally got it, but then became very attached to the training wheels.  Even though he could easily balance on his balance bike he was horrified at the thought of pedaling on his pedal bike without training wheels.  A couple of weeks ago I took the pedals and the training wheels off of his bike and had him ride it around like a balance bike.  Then this morning I threw the pedals in my bag as we walked/rode to our normal breakfast spot.  On the way home from breakfast I convinced him to try the pedals.  So we attached the pedals and off he went.  Never thought it'd be so easy.  He rode his bike all the way home and is very proud of himself!  :)

Beach, Boats and More Beach

It's been a busy few weeks.  Actually, more like a busy few months.  I have not posted much.  Finally a little flurry of activity over the past 2 weeks has meant that I actually finally have a few photos to share. It's been hot here in SD (not that I can really complain about that after living in NC).  As a result the water has been very appealing.  We were invited last week to spend the day with Biggy, Janet, and Don at Janet's beach house in Mission Beach.  What a great day! Even though it was overcast, the water was actually fairly warm.  Quinn and Jeff enjoyed some time in the water.  

And Quinn and Janet enjoyed a game of Oceanopoly on the stair landing in the house!

After dinner we walked down to the bay.  It's always great to see Biggy, Don and Janet!

Other big recent news is that we found a home for the kitty we've had since early July.  She's going to be living just down the street, so we'll be able to visit from time to time.

Thursday was Quinn's last day in the Caterpillar classroom.  He's had a great year with Mrs. Milligan and Ms. Prough.  I know he'll miss them, but luckily his two buddies (Madin and Oliver) will be joining him in the Fish classroom.  The new year starts on Tuesday!

Yesterday we took Quinn down to the waterfront for the Festival of Sail.  We thought he'd have a great time, given that he loves boats and has recently started talking a lot about pirates.  What we didn't anticipate is that he would freak out about pirates and cannonballs upon our arrival.  He was actually pretty scared the whole time we were there.  We went out for a boat ride during which time two of the tall ships were having a mock battle.  Q was not a fan of the canons.  Towards the end of the day he settled down and enjoyed touring a couple of boats...a bit of treasure from a couple of friendly pirates didn't hurt either.

Today was yet another beautiful day in SD.  We headed to the beach with our friend Denise and her son Evan, who is almost 2.  This photo was taken just before Quinn dumped an entire bucket of sand over Evan's head...oops!

The boys had a great time together playing in the sane, running through the water and checking out sand crabs.  Here is Quinn showing the crabs to Evan.  He was trying to get Evan to hold one, but E wasn't so sure.

Loving this nice, long weekend!