I don't know when children are ready for a big kid bike. Or if it's even necessary. I remember growing up, and I don't think I ever had one of these mini-bikes. I just remember getting a big one. I do remember learning to ride without training wheels using my older cousin's "mini-bike" though, so I guess they are somewhat necessary.
At Christmastime, when my vow was to not go overboard, and I failed miserably, Tommy didn't feel like he had really picked anything out for AK. So we went to Toys R Us, which I hate more than anything in this world, and we looked at different things, bikes being one of them. We didn't have AK with us, and had no idea what she needed, and didn't like the $100 price tag for a Disney Princess bike, knowing full well that's what we'd need to get a Disney Princess bike if we were buying for our girl. If we would have gotten a generic, say just a green one, that Drew could use later, then yes, we'd have gotten it. But for something she would grow out of in two years... and after I'd spent all that money on Christmas already, we just decided against it.
Two months later, Mom and I were at a thrift store looking for something, certainly not a bicycle, and I found the exact same Disney princess bike for $8. Addie Kate was with me, and good heavens how she squealed. She was so excited. I got on it, right there in the store, and rode it around. It worked just fine. Was barely scraped up, and even if it was, it was $8. So she got it. Of course she got it. Who would have left that there? And honestly, that just goes to show how quickly a child grows out of it - they can hardly use it enough to mess it up!
So, in our current living situation, the bike went home with my mom. It was forgotten for a little bit, but then we got it out and she rode it like a pro! Just in time for Trike a Thon at her school too. She's certainly a little girl - cautious, not the least bit daring, and slow... good gracious she is slow on that thing! But she's cute, and she's proud, and she's learning. And we are proud of her!
I went out to take some pictures, and Addie Kate and Tommy were all the way over the hill (my parents live on a small country road with nothing but family around, and the road has one big hill in the middle.) and in my aunt's driveway! I couldn't believe it! (And if you know anyone that wants a nice lake lot, and some great neighbors, call the above number!)
You can barely see Addie Kate, but you can certainly see Tommy in his staple, orange.
She'd ride all the way into the garage and practice turning around.
My girl. Man I love that sweet thing.
So then, because it's easier, Addie Kate got on her tricycle. When I see those sweet legs all bunched up on there, I knew it was time for another bike. Although it pains me. She sure was cute pedaling that thing around!
For a little comparison...
Addie Kate, April 2011
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