Toolin' around town

We have been working with both of the big girls on getting comfortable riding their bikes.  Mallory scored a new bike (sans training wheels) and Hadley happily adopted the hand-me-down bike.  We have found some good places nearby with smooth wide sidewalks and gentle curves and hills.  I think another couple of training sessions and they will be off and running, er, biking!  

For the sake of the girls and all those around them, we are making sure they know how to brake before turning them completely loose.

Notice the add on basket.  Mallory didn't care at all which bike she got as long as we added a basket. 

 Hadley "helping" give Mallory a starting push.  Mallory kept smiling for the camera which meant she would inadvertently turn her wheels.  Eek!

 This is what being a dad of 3 girls looks like...helping one learn to ride a bike, while another trails behind in a costume and sweater and the third chills out in the stroller.  There is no doubt that Clint has his hands full!  

And for that reason alone, I won't comment on his black socks.  Oops.  I guess I just did. 

Hadley - unhappy about something, which unfortunately has been the theme for her these past few weeks.

Hadley's turn

 

Notice the bulge under her sweater...that would be from the built in wings from her ladybug costume.  I am choosing my clothing battles carefully...and since she agreed to wear her soccer uniform this weekend, I tried to look past this humpback style.  

My subjects

I am taking a photography class at a local arts school and I am getting various levels of cooperation from my primary subjects.  

One won't put down her spoon, even for a moment to smile...

One thinks I really care about seeing her ice cream more than her pretty face...

And one knows that if she smiles and smirks enough, she will claim all of the attention for herself!

While my pictures may not be the best in my class, I am certain my subjects are by far the cutest!

The individualist

Both Mallory and Hadley have started playing soccer for the first time.  It has been an interesting experiment so far, particularly for Hadley.  Check out the difference in week 1 and week 2...

Walking to the fields.  Hadley insisted on wearing a skirt and I was certain she would be the only girl there not wearing shorts.  But I didn't worry too much about it because I knew she would be given her uniform at the field.  I figured she would want to put it on right away.  WRONG on both accounts!

Once we were at the field, Hadley reluctantly put on her shirt.  She would have no part of the shorts.

Hadley was not the only one in a skirt...

Not sure the point of this move but they were practicing putting their heads on the balls

This picture and body language pretty much sums up Hadley's attitude during the entire practice.  

Fast forward to week 2...

Hadley asked if she could wear her princess dress (Halloween costume from 2 years ago).  I let her wear it and instantly her attitude about soccer did a 180.

The girls played "Catch the Monkey" with the coaches wearing a monkey tail.  Hadley loved it!

One of our objectives of playing soccer is to expose the girls to team sports.  So I am hopeful that another week or two in her princess dress and then Hadley will be ready to be a "team player" and wear her uniform.  We shall see.  At least she is having more fun!

Some other pictures from both weeks of soccer

Mani Pedi

The girls in the oh so sophisticated Wenk Family Salon...waiting on their fingers and toes to dry while watching tv.  Where else can you request every finger and toe be painted a different color?