All Grow'd Up

Brennan (6) is becoming an independent little critter. In recent months he has begun showering on his own, answering the phone, feeding the cat, carrying the baby up and down the stairs, using the microwave and computer, as well as reading everything in sight.

And today he learned to ride a bike without training wheels. We were at Grandpa's and I put him on a bicycle and gave him a push out of the driveway. He veered across the street and promptly smacked his face on the side of the neighbor's mailbox, knocking him clean off the bike. It was hilarious, though poor Brennan screamed like a banshee. But I insisted he get right back on and soon he was cycling with enthusiasm.