Tree-cycle

P's Harley-loving paralegal will be thrilled to hear about Luke's new obsession...

It all started with his Christmas present from Gram and Paps, a shiny red Radio Flyer tricycle. Here we are, three months later, and he still can't quite coordinate his feet to propel him any direction other than backwards - much less to actually pedal - and most of the time, he is screeching in frustration within five minutes of having been given access to the beloved gift. But beloved that gift is, nonetheless. Trust me. Every time (every. time.) we pull into our driveway, Luke shouts, "TREECYCLE" (that's the 21-month old word for tricycle; I promise I didn't encourage it, but ya gotta admit, it's cute...).

And apparently, Luke has decided to compensate for his inability to enjoy his own true tricycle by deeming anything with two to three wheels (and open-air seating) a "tree-cycle." This afternoon, I needed something from the garage, and Luke of course followed me out there: "treecycle treecycle treecycle." When he walked inside, however, he went straight for his push-scooter (the wheeled toy he has actually mastered), and then let out a gleeful, "TREECYCLE!" (Oh, how I've missed you!)

Then as we're out driving around, he starts in on the mantra again - but this time, it's a motorcycle dealership he's spotted (eyes like eagles, that kid's). Bicycles, mopeds, golf carts... just about anything qualifies - and causes no lesser degree of excitement. How cool is it to have a kid who really knows how to enjoy life - and make the most of things, even when they don't work out quite as planned?