Matthew

Matthew just started playing soccer three weeks ago.  I think he's doing pretty good considering he's NEVER played or even seen it being played.  After his first game he got in the car and said, "Why did those red guys keep taking our ball?"  Layne and I just looked at each other and laughed.  I think he is starting to understand the point of the game....to get the ball into the goal!!   The last game was FREEZING thus the hat and jacket underneath the jersey.  He still seemed to enjoy it.

A few weeks ago Layne started trying to teach Matt how to ride without training wheels.  Let's just say it didn't go too well.  But this past weekend he tried again and he did AWESOME!  I couldn't believe how well he balanced.  Layne told him to keep on  pedaling, that's the first key is to keep pedaling.  So Matt pedaled for a second and then hit the brakes.  Layne asked him what he was doing and he said, "That's key number 2, you have to know how to stop."

In my excitement for him to ride a two-wheeler, I told him he could ride to pick up Kennedy from kindergarten.  That turned out to be nothing short of a disaster!!  He can ride, but he cannot steer!!  So he would pedal as fast as he could and realize he's headed straight for a curb and he would just scream and then finally hit the brakes and tip over!!  I couldn't help but laugh.  He took some pretty good crashes, but was determined to get back on and ride (even though I was begging him to just walk the bike for a minute). 

The only drawback to this new feat is that now Layne feels he will be ready for a REAL motorcycle.  I think wearing the gloves and helmet withouth a motorcycle is just fine.