Super Saturday

In 2009 we began a new family tradition called "Super Saturdays." Once a month we spend an entire Saturday just playing as a family. We try to choose an activity that is especially fun and out-of-the-ordinary. For example, in January we spent a morning at Kangaroo Zoo--our local fun spot filled with gigantic inflatables where the kids can climb, slide and bounce to their heart's content.

Super Saturdays have been a huge sucess and the kids look forward to each one with great anticipation. In fact, as we were eating breakfast last Saturday Isabel asked, "Is today Super Saturday?" She was disappointed to learn it was still a week away. And even more disappointed to learn that we were going out after breakfast to pull weeds so we could get the front yard ready to plant spring flowers.

Once we got the weeds under control Brian decided to take a break and asked Isabel if she'd like to practice riding her bike for awhile. Last summer we tried to coax her to ride a 2-wheeler but no avail. On this particular morning, however, she must have had an extra serving of determination for breakfast because she jumped right on her bike and after just 2 or 3 tries she was riding like a pro. As she tried to master the finer points of stopping, starting, and turning she would occasionally fall. But every time without fail she would jump back up and say, "I'm not going to give up." She continues to improve each time she rides.

It was so exciting to watch my oldest child reach another major milestone in her development. I learned from her example that it isn't necessary to run faster than you have strength--in Isabel's case to try to ride a 2-wheeler before she was ready. But that when you set your mind on a task and work at it with determintation and pace yourself you can accomplish anything.

In my humble opinion, this was the best "Super Saturday" yet. (Think of me fondly as I spend next Saturday hanging out at Chuck E. Cheese.)