She did it!

When I was growing up, riding a bike was a right of passage. It was something my dad took great pride in teaching his kids to do. My mom laughs that he could teach anyone to ride a bike. He kept telling Ellie to give him 5 minutes, and she'd be riding her bike. Well, she did and he did!

Our church parking lot is very flat and the perfect place to ride a bike. So, Brian and I loaded up the girls one afternoon and took them to meet my dad for a little lesson. Brian had tried to teach Ellie, but she would not listen to him. It was one of those things that was best left to someone else to teach.

Ellie began the lesson a little stubborn as usual, but it didn't take long for her to soften her listening ears and to really pay attention to what Papa Jim was telling her.

Papa Jim was incredibly patient and NEVER raised his voice.

I can just hear him saying, "Ellie" as she stares off into the great beyond.

Perhaps she was watching Annie "ride" her bike.

Maybe she was watching Mollie pose for the camera while she rode her new bike.

Finally, she paid attention.

And within 5 minutes, I kid you not. She was doing this.....

My all-time favorite picture of Ellie and my dad! He looks so proud!

That was it and she was OFF!