Another First this Summer

There has been a bug going around our neighborhood. It is the "learn to ride a two-wheeler" bug. We have slowly seen this bug attack the 4 and 5 year olds around us. It was just a matter of time before it came to Dayne. Now I must admit seeing kids younger than Dayne learn to ride made me determined to have Dayne learn too. So off went the training wheels two weeks ago and we told him they weren't going to go back on. We knew he could learn to ride the bike and when he did he would see how super fast he could go. Now he didn't believe us and after a few tumbles he was done. He didn't want anything to do with the bike! So we didn't push it but still said we knew he could do it. Then tonight we decided to give it a try again... and now we are two very proud parents! Dayne learned to ride his two-wheeler! We knew he could and we wouldn't give up on him even though he wanted too. The best part is how proud he is of himself. He is all smiles and now can't wait to ride his bike while I run along side him. He says he wants to race me. I think he might help me to improve my time! ha ha. Here is the video of him!
We are so proud of you Dayne!!

Ahhhh summer

One of the best things about being a teacher- besides seeing that "oh I get it" look on a child's face - is summer vacation. Now I don't want to start some kind of debate here because I know this can hit a nerve- but I do love getting this time to spend with my children. It makes working all the long nights during the school year worth it. Our summer vacation started last week and we have had lots of fun so far. We enjoyed time with Mor Mor and Grandpa who came from Arizona to visit and watch the kids while I did curriculum writing. We decided to check out the Como-Harriett Street Car and it was a lot of fun. Of course since Dayne loves trains it was a huge hit for him. MorMor and Grandpa on the StreetcarDayne was so excited.

Lylah enjoying the views

After the ride!

Another exciting event in our house is Lylah is all potty trained. We decided it was time and went for it. Even though it took a solid week to totally master all aspects of this she did it! I am so proud of her. She never had an accident at nap or at night- wore her big girl undies right from the start and never looked back.

Father's Day we went to out for brunch. We had a nice time and enjoyed some yummy food. My parents visit ended that day. But it was fun to spend the morning with my dad. Another great thing about summer is Popsicles. Lylah loved this one!

I guess I will tell a little about what I have been up to. While Dayne is at his playground group and Lylah is at daycare I have been training for my first Duathalon which is in a few weeks. My sister Meredyth asked me to do one with her. I had another one already planned for September so I knew what I was getting myself into- except this one is longer. It is a 5K run, 25 mile bike ride, 5K run. WHAT AM I THINKING? I think I am nuts. But it gives me something to work toward. I have been working really hard- have lost 45 pounds and have actually started to like running. Here is a self timer photo of me after I ran for an hour in some blazing sun. I was quite proud so I had to take a photo to remember. I am smiling so that is a good sign. The other day I rode around our city for 2 hours- man my butt hurt! All in the attempt to be ready for July 11th. So there it is. Our start to summer. I have more to post once I upload some more photos so stay tuned!

Until later!
Melyssa

New Edition

We have a new addition at the Carlson household... but it lives outside and will soon fly the coop.... they are new baby birds that live in the hanging flower basket on our front porch. So while I try to keep my flowers alive I will get to watch the baby birds grow!