Kent Bikes

A Family that Rides Together: Our Partnership with Kent Bicycles

20.jpg

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.

14.jpg

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. 

8.jpg
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. -Albert Einstein

Thank you so much, Kent Bikes, for sponsoring this post and helping our family stay on the move!
 

Princess Reese and Her Fourth Birthday Party

Every time I scroll through these photos my heart just kinda flops. Four years ago, I gave birth for the last time. The waiting was painful, because I was always an anxious pregnant person. For over a week, I was at 3cm dilated, and I thought surely she would be earlier than her brother (who was born five days before his due date.) Finally, when I decided to give up on all the natural methods of inducing labor, well, she came (three days before HER due date!) In five short hours from start to finish, Reese Elisabeth-Morgan was welcomed into this world and I'm sitting here today wondering HOW? How was it that long ago? How did she go from newborn to baby to toddler to KID, so fast?! 

Well y'all, this weekend we threw her a party, and it was a great one to say the least. Her actual birthday is this coming week, on the 14th, so you better believe I'm holding tightly to these last few days of her being THREE! 

Over the last year she has fallen in love with the Classic Disney princesses, so this year, that's what she verbalized wanting party wise. Last year, she had a Frozen themed celebration, and she was very clear that she wanted ALL the princesses for this one. We are so grateful to Proflowers to providing her with gifted bouquets, they were (and still are) absolutely stunning. The Day Lillies have made our home smell like heaven, oh my goodness! And we're also thankful for Sharis Berries for the complimentary strawberries, miniature birthday cake, cake pops and delicious cookies! As a blogger, I am most grateful for the lasting relationships that are built, and by far, those companies are two of my absolute favorite. 

Nords Bakery has done our cakes EVERY single birthday for both Pierson and Reese, and this one did not disappoint. Raspberry filled vanilla; our favorite!! And a Kroger Bakery win for the cupcakes. They threw in the princess ring cupcake toppers and the kids were in LOVE. We are so grateful for both bakeries for being prompt and doing such a great job with all that I envisioned for Reese's big day. 

Reese was so well celebrated and loved by all who came; though I missed my blood relatives immensely. My big brother Sean and his wife Beth, my parents, and my oldest brother Nathan--I am so grateful for my husband's family (who most of are local and able to come!) but you can't help missing your own mama and siblings right? :) Her friends from church are so good and sweet to her, and her cousins of course; we are very blessed by all! 

My mom sent her a Belle dress and when I opened it in the mail I literally almost cried. It is GORGEOUS. I decided to surprise Reese with it, and after everyone ate the desserts, I told her to come with me. I led her to my closet and asked if she saw anything that may be a surprise for her, and she shrieked, grabbing her face, "OH MY WORD!!!!!!" To say she was elated is an understatement. I dressed her in the beautiful gown and together we made our way to the family and friends waiting for her to open her gifts. 

She was so thankful for ALL the presents, and with each one opened she exclaimed all the squeals and giddy banter with those sitting around her. Really I can't express enough how thankful I am for the friends in our lives, and for everyone who came to shower our baby girl with love and memories! 

Last but not last least; it was time for the big surprise. Kent Bikes reached out to me about a month ago and offered to gift us with some bikes in their line, and I couldn't resist. The rest are coming a little later, but Reese received hers before her big party. We decided to assemble it and to have that be her very last present of the days. She got a bike last year for her third birthday but she's grown SO fast, that we knew it was time to get her a taller one. When I saw Pinkalicious being an option, I couldn't resist! Reese has SO many Pinkalicious books and even I am obsessed with her character. Thank you, Kent Bikes, for such an amazing moment we were able to capture. We can't wait to ride together as a family soon! 

Do you think she's animated enough? Ha ha ha!!! This girl, I tell ya! The life of the party, the most expressive and articulate three (almost four)-year old I know... there's never a dull moment.

Some current favorites of Reese's: 

-Her gray blanket, that she's had literally forever 
-Her bitty babies, Lizzie and Toby, both original American Girls of mine
-Drawing stick people with straight ("smiley") faces
-You are My Sunshine (still, from day one) 
-She adores all the cousins, but Idina, the middle kiddo of Asa's brother, is who she claims as her "best friend..." even though sweet Deena is four years older! 
-Princesses, clearly 
-Going to preschool; she's excelling and thriving by leaps and bounds!! 
-A BOY, named Mark (currently in her class, omg) who she refers to as her boyfriend? Oh heaven help me! We don't make it a huge deal however, since she currently goes to a Christian academy and I'm convinced every single tiny human in her class is wonderful 
-Cuddling
-Queso; YES...QUESO (that's our girl!!) 
-Going out to eat at restaurants (in particular, Chilis. Thanks, Uncle Clayton!!) 
-Dancing and singing and dancing and singing; I'm pretty sure she's half Troll
-Clothes shopping (YAAAAAAS! We will have so much fun!!!!!!) 
-Her dad's homemade 'Alfie Pasta' and all things pasta in particular (yup, she's mine!) 

Reese Elisabeth, we are so proud of you. There aren't enough words in this blog post or anywhere that can express my love to you. God knew what He was doing when He scared the heck out of me with you, and I am so glad that He did. You're a natural born leader, one tough cookies, and you have THE best laugh. You can make anyone smile, and you're an excellent friend. You're intelligent, brave, courageous and fierce. YOU, dear, are my princess, and the greatest one at that. Happy fourth birthday (officially in a few days), thank you for being YOU. While yes, I partially mourn the days of your babyhood, I also can't wait to see the good you will continue to do for this world. 

xoxox, 
Mama