Oh the memories of my childhood riding bikes with my big brother Sean! I still remember the first time I rode a bike, and of course the very first spill. We had a gravel driveway at that time and little stones were stuck inside my kneecap. I remember sitting on the bathroom sink with my mom, while she patiently cleaned up my hysterical mess of a self, making sure every scratch and boo boo was kissed and taken care of. But do you know what's kind of funny...? I don't remember the last time I have RIDDEN a bike.

Well, that is until now!

When this partnership first came on the horizon, I thought to myself, "Seriously, Ashley. You haven't ridden a bike in probably a decade." But wait, it has to be longer than that because a decade ago, I was nineteen and a college freshman. Was it middle school?? High school?? [Side note to my mother who I know reads my blog: WHEN was the last time I rode a bike?!?]

Kent Bicycles reached out to me just as school was starting in August. When they asked if Asa and I would also benefit from their bikes, we of course excitedly told them YES. Our kids love riding bikes, and they were just on the cusp of completely outgrowing theirs. Reese's fourth birthday was also on the outskirts and what better birthday present than a NEW BIKE!? We let Pierson choose his from the catalogue, and we let Reese browse, but didn't make the promise of one to her (as we wanted it to be a surprise). She saw an adorable pink Pinkalicious one and she squealed with delight--Pinkalicious is one of her FAVORITE book character's, and we read them often at her bedtime. Kent was amazing to work with us so quickly, and sure enough, we had it in time for her birthday party!

Is it super obvious Reese had a princess themed party? And she was thrilled when she opened her eyes and saw her dad rolling the bike up to the deck! [Thank you, Kent Bikes for making this SUCH a fun present and surprise!!]

Pierson chose an awesome green bike that will be perfect for him as he grows. It has front pegs for stunts [later, Pierson, LATER!!!] and maximum braking control with coaster brakes AND front/rear brakes. He is already zooming all over the subdivision on it and is excited for the day that he can try those pegs ;)

I wanted a bike that would be comfortable and easy to ride [I was actually scared that I had maybe forgotten how to?! Don't laugh!] And it turns out, the one that I chose was the perfect fit (that I am doing just fine riding by the way, haha). The Northwoods Ladies Pomona is super cute, lightweight, and is the perfect city bike.

Asa has a road bike that he rode around our park, but it is really old and worn. There's of course nothing wrong with a well worn bike, but he thought it would be fun to pick something brand new and a little on the different [for him] side. The Retro Hybrid Bike was calling his name, and he LOVES it. We have gotten so many compliments as we ride together through the neighborhood and lots of friends ask where we got them from.

Kent made sure we were well prepared safety wise, and sent some great helmets for the kids too. Pierson has had one pretty big wipe-out on a large hill in the subdivision, and we were incredibly grateful that he had it on!!

What I am most excited about is the memories that we'll continue to make while on these bikes. Motherhood is a constant rollercoaster; lots of ups and downs--but these days really are fleeting, I know that it won't be long that my kids are cruising around the neighborhood without necessarily needing me, and I am so thankful that in THIS season, we often all go together.