Alfie learns to ride his Bike.

We're just back from the park and while the dinner's cooking I thought I'd tap out a few words because I'm feeling very proud.
It was another glorious day and the boys wanted to go out so we decided that Brian would cycle them to one of our riverside playparks in the trailer. Mum, Dad and I were charged with the job of packing up a picnic and then driving out to meet them there. We decided at the last minute to put the boys bikes in the back of the car too, as theres a big green area where we were headed and it might be a good place for a bit of cycling.

Picnicking by the water.

Alfie has for a while now been getting more confident on his bike and B loosened his training wheels recently. So we decided today that while there was only grass to fall onto, this might be the time to take them off altogether. We were all amazed. After three or four tries when he needed some help to get started (essentially me running behind holding the back of the saddle for a few seconds), he figured out even the push-off and he was away.

 None of us could believe how well he was doing and Ruairi didn't want to be left out so he insisted on having his wheels taken off too.

Unfortunately at only 3 he didn't quite understand to concept that if you stop pedalling or don't look where you're going, you'll fall off. He spent a good bit of time looking at his own shadow and toppling, and ultimately it was decided by all concerned that the wheels should go back on his bike! His brother on the other hand was standing up on the pedals and flying round in circles like a pro by the time we left.

Now we're home, the sun's going down (as it does at alarming pace here) and because it's autumn time, when the sun goes, so does the heat. I have some corned beef on the hob, spuds and cabbage in the pot, and the boys are watching a recording of "Shrek" and eating popcorn while they wait. We could almost be back home!

I'm adding an extra picture today to prove that there are really lemons on the new "tree" as the more I looked at the other one the less I could make them out!