No More Training Wheels

We had another big moment this week as the series of firsts for Austin this Spring continues.  Inspired by his friends in the neighborhood, Austin came home from school and said, "Dad, I'm ready to take off my training wheels!"  I quickly obliged and we went right outside to practice.  Michelle, Austin and I had a blast watching him take off on his own for the first time.  I'm one proud papa :)  

Austin doing his best impression of Zoolander  

He started out really nervous, but excited!  Here's one of his first attempts.  

Helping him get his balance

Showing Austin how it's done

He was always heading for the grass

Riding on his own, "WEEEEEEE!!"

Austin having so much fun with mom and dad

Michelle's work 

They were having a blast...so cute

Cruising... I love our neighborhood!

Ok, maybe he's not quite ready for the Tour de France...

But don't tell him that

Loving every minute of it

Dash was an audience of one

Working on his balance by himself

Michelle loves vignettes

I love going selenium

Yeah, he's rocking it

Rings

Some pictures of our wedding rings :)  

He went to Jared... couldn't resist

Husband & Wife :)

Michelle's favorite picture.  The sheet music is piano for Ben Fold's, "The Luckiest."

Austin's 1st Soccer Game

Austin had tons of fun at his very first soccer game last week.  Watching 12 five-year-olds chase the ball everywhere is both hilarious and maybe a little annoying.  It was a great time though and Austin's hoping the weather will cooperate so he can hit the pitch more often.  

Warm up drills

Austin apparently doing a pirouette... right before he fell.
I was kind enough not to include the picture of him on his butt :)

Calm before the storm

Austin leading the way for his team - the "Orange Krush".  As an Illini, I approve!

There's that Michael Jordan thing again

Pandemonium

"Guys, wait up.  I'm trying to fix my socks!"

Back to business.

The following pictures are what can only be described as the celebratory phase of the game.  Austin scored his very first goal and his team dominated.  They don't keep score and there's no goalies, but still.

Goaaaaaaaalllllllllll

Family Day at the Barn

Michelle, Austin and I spent some time at the barn today for Michelle's first lesson on Rhett.  The arena at Cape Cod Farm is awesome but it is an awfully difficult photographic challenge because it's quite dark.  Here's a few of the pictures from the day!

Michelle riding saddle seat

Rhett looking concerned about his first lesson

She's "tickled pink" :)

Rhett starting to get comfortable...

NOT! 

Hitting his stride with the trot

Cantering

Stretching out in his stride

They're both surviving and pretty happy about it 

Now he's just showing off

Buddies

Austin scratching Rhett's nose

I think Rhett likes it! 

Austin's starting to warm up (he's a little scared)

Muahhhh!

Busted! and a little embarrassed 

A rare picture of me.  I look much better behind the lens

Michelle getting artistic

This is where we part ways

I'm on to you...

Austin actually got on!