Family Fun

We have been thinking of new ways to spend time together as a family in order to form a deeper bond with one another. We have done movie nights, bowling, game night, and our most recent adventure was a family bike ride. TW loves cycling. Before bubby was born he would spend a lot of time cycling, but now with three kiddos the free time doesn't come as easily. Cycling takes a lot of time so in order for him to do what he loves, he had an idea of involving the family with his love of the sport. Last weekend we borrowed my parents' tandem bike and we rented a tag along (a bike with one wheel that connects to the back of our bike) for AA to ride and a trailer that would connect on behind her for AK and JD to ride in. So, get that in your mind! Picture all five of us going down the trail like one big train. After about 20 minutes of TW getting all of the bikes/trailers/accessories hooked together we were ready to go. But, oh wait...we (TW and I) have never ridden a tandem together just the two of us, never mind the fact that we are now trying it with our three kids hooked on behind us. We walk our "train" up onto the trail and get everyone situated. TW counts to three and we start to pedal. We didn't get two feet! We couldn't get going anywhere, we couldn't balance, and the handlebars of the bike were swirving back and forth. To try to put this comical situation into words is hard, but I am trying the best I can. The four people who were resting at the picnic table and bench sure did get a humorous show! So, TW counts to three again and we start to pedal. Again...we make it less than two feet. At this point I am laughing hysterically, TW is getting extremely frustrated, and AA is crying. What a range of emotion! I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard! I am laughing out loud just thinking about it. So, after some communicating and problem solving we try again. No luck! We weren't going to give up! We kept talking it through until finally we got the "train" moving. Wow, never knew you could learn so much about yourself and your spouse by riding a tandem together. Communication was key! Problem solving was key! Handling emotions properly was key! Trust was key! The main thing I had to face was my need to control every situation. I had to relinquish control. Wow, what a lesson. It was cool! We rode for about 10 miles to a stop that has a restaurant. The family had dinner and then we hopped back on the train. We rode almost back to our starting point stopping on the way at a spot that overlooks the river to do a family devotional. Then back on the train and back to the car. It really was a great time together! We are going to try to do this more often, hopefully at least once a week. Try to think of some new ways you can spend time together as a family. The memories you make will last a lifetime! My challenge to you: make family a priority this week; take the time to truly connect. See if there is any difference in behavior. Shine on!