“We’re going for a walk – get your shoes!”
I feel that instruction is pretty clear. We are about to embark in a jaunt around the neighbourhood and all you need to do is wear some shoes (crocs, sandals, runners, I am not picky).
I said “walk”, right? Oldest son decides to ride his scooter. Number 2 barely agreed to put shoes on and is sullenly waiting on the driveway. Number 3 wants his bike. No, wait, the wagon. No, no, his bike. Hold on, nope, the Little Tykes car. Toddler opts for this beat up 20 year-old push-train. I have tried to pitch that thing numerous times, but some small person always comes to its rescue. It whistles. IT WHISTLES WHEN YOU MOVE IT. And it looks like I snagged it from the side of the road. For the record, I did not. It was a kind hand-me-down from friends when our oldest was born (but it looks really sketchy now).
We’re off to go around the corner. That’s all. Just killing some time before dinner. The Bigs take the lead and go ahead. I’m back with the Littles. Both are quite enthusiastic about the walk, especially since they are using equipment. This excitement lasts until we pass the third house. Better take a break and catch our breath from that intense shuffling. Go on without us, Bigs, we’ll catch up.
After we rally, Number 3 decides it’s just too much effort to “drive” his car so he is going to get out and push. I kindly start pushing it for him until he spots a weak moment and jumps back in and “lets” me push him in it. Parenting fail. But I plod on because he is having a really good time and won’t fit in there much longer.
At this point, the Bigs are a small dot on the horizon. We need to speed things up a bit. Toddler is unhappy with his train’s performance, so he decides to push it. Good choice, he’s much faster, but the whistle’s intensity matches the speed. It’s loud.
Turns out, that train is more cumbersome than originally thought, so toddler abandons it on the sidewalk. The Bigs are barely visible. I grab the train in one hand, push the car with the other, when toddler says, “Back! Back!” (translation: “piggyback, please, my sweet, beautiful mommy”). No.
Anyone see the Bigs? Anyone?
Next time, I’m just lacing up my runners and anyone who spots me sneaking out of the house can join in.
Your turn – riding toys – love ’em? Hate ’em? Bit of both?
Tough Bananas 
Evan’s got a little car with a push handle. We always make sure to buckle him in. So that he cannot escape.
See? You are just so wise.
This blog post brings back so many memories of when my boys were small. The frustrating times as they were gaining skills or at different stages of competencies which made it difficult to go out as you shared. You made me laugh and smile and a small part of me became sad for this is time gone as my boys are now almost 20 and 18. Different stages provide different joys and frustrations but it’s all worth it! I hope you have quiet times this summer where you can lace up your shoes and venture out alone. I am glad to see you are able to laugh about it all, as this is the key to savoring the journey.
Janice (great name, BTW) you are so right! Thanks for the response. Writing these posts about the boys has really helped me appreciate the funny and humour in our daily life. I feel much less exasperated these past months and more appreciative.
LOVE em. Oh wait- you meant like for our kids…
Whistle trains for grown-ups. It’s okay to dream big.
Love em, for sure. My favorite is when one pushes the other.
Aww they’re so cute! I always liked those little cars but I could never fit into them when I wanted to. I had one of those electric kiddie Jeeps. Those were fun! But yeah most ride on toys I couldn’t fit in! Haha so I’m pretty jealous!
Thanks. #3 said it was like he was “in a real dinky car for kids.” Love them.