All for the Love of a Bike

Jackson loves to ride a bike, scooter, Big Wheels, tricycle, toy car or anything else with wheels. He wishes he could drive our car, but that's not happening anytime in the next 11-12 years. Last year Jackson got his first bike (found it at the supermarket for $15.00!), and it took some time for him to learn how to ride it.

As you can see from the picture, he was VERY frustrated that he couldn't figure out how to get it moving. Eventually, he pushed the bike around with his feet. He became a pro "Flinstone" driver. Even when he finally did learn how to use the pedals, he preferred to push with his feet as he was able to cruise much faster. I had to power walk to keep up with him when we went on walks.

This summer Jackson finally grew too big for the bike, and I left it at my mom's the last time we visited so she could give it to Jackson's younger cousin. Yesterday we finally gave in and bought Jackson a new bike. We picked one out at Toys R Us, and we bought his first helmet and pads, too.
He looks as if he's having a ball, right? Here's the shot immediately following:
Jackson is so frustrated with his new bike. He wants to push the pedals backwards, but this bike has brakes. I know with practice he'll get it, but his temper is very short. I guess I could promote Matt's favorite "De-motivator": If at once you don't succeed, failure may be your thing.