He keeps getting better and better...

...our Rascal Hank.

How I love this spunky, wild, loving, sweet, rambunctious, tender little two (almost three) year-old of mine. If he isn't driving me crazy he is tearing at my heartstrings. He is a ball of energy but also the best at running to give me a hug and kiss before I leave, and telling me he loves me at the end of the day as I put him to bed. Just the other night after I said, "I love you Henry" he responded, "Thank you...thank you for taking me to the....thank you for taking me to the duck pond and turtles." Another moment I thought my heart might burst. We had been en-route to dinner on our bikes when he spotted the pond and after a little resistance I gave in to his requests to stop at the pond and let Hugh and Ruby pick up the pizza and bring it back. How rewarding as a parent to know such a small concession meant a lot to your two-year-old. 

Just today I looked at Hank and could hardly believe how old he looks. He is a great talker and thinker. I love when I ask him about something and he says, "because..." Or when he tells me his is big enough to do something. Hank is also my animal lover...so any animal reading this you may want to steer clear because his love can be a bit smothering at times. I'm just worried he's going to get himself bit one of these days. He already has some mad razor scooter skills, he zooms down that driveway so fast...yelling yahoo as he goes. And yesterday he smashed a snail with his foot (on purpose) then ran to the garage to find some "tools to fix him". 

He is one cute rascal...I think I'll keep him. 

Ruby Rides!

A few Saturdays back, Ruby learned how to ride a two-wheeler. No more training wheels for this girl! I don't know who is more proud, Ruby or Hugh. I was working that day and Hugh sent me the most awesome video of Ruby riding. I couldn't wait to get home and hear all about it. This is how it went down...as told by Ruby. 

"Dad was mowing the lawn and Maren (our next door neighbor) was trying to ride her two-wheeler with her dad. And I thought I could figure it out so I asked dad if I could get my bike out."

And the rest is history. Ruby pretty much taught herself that Saturday. She also describes this as "wobbling around a bit until I figured out how to balance." We had taken her training wheels off a few weeks back and Hugh tried a little with her, but Ruby would get frustrated and request her training wheels back. 

It has been so much fun riding around the neighborhood together. We've gone a few family bike rides with the two littles in the trailer and Ruby riding along side us (actually, she prefers to be in front :). I think my heart my burst each time I watch her in front of me pedaling away with enthusiasm and pure joy. I know that I feel joy just watching her! This has been a great reminder how wonderful it is to accomplish something because of hard work and dedication. 

Here's to many more family bike rides! Woohoo, Ruby!