Milestones

A few weeks ago, both the boys did the monkey bars at the park. The 3 1/2 year old went half way across one morning. The almost-six-year old went all the way across that afternoon (it helped that the park we were at had sloping monkey bars--the downward angle is a plus for learning on). At the beginning of the school year the five-year old told his teacher that the monkey bars was one of the things he wanted to learn in Kindergarten (though I think they're a bit out of her teaching range).

Tonight, the training wheels went off both their bikes. I had to replace a tire on Nils' bike, so he wanted the wheels left off while I did that. Anders decided the other day that he was ready to try without as well. I must admit, Nils is going to have it down first. He's much more balanced. If we could afford to get him in gymnastics, he would be a prodigy. Nils was actually doing it on his own as my wife pulled up coming home from work. It almost brought a tear to our neighbor's eye.

But, I'm just as proud of Anders. He didn't give up. He's becoming more willing to persevere through things and practice. They're also both doing well at pumping on the swing. Again, Nils is a little further ahead. But he's the monkey--more coordinated and athletic. Anders is more artistic, creative and a builder. The definitely each have their own gifts. But they're also doing well at learning new things and taking the necessary steps to get there.