Skiing for the First Time

The girls' first time skiing was a fun family event. In Boise, we have the fortune to live 20 minutes' drive from Bogus Basin. It was a crime not to get our girls into lessons. And they had a couple of friends who wanted to join them, so we have our own little private lesson group.

It took Rachael and Rebecca a little time getting used to skis -- stiff boots, - sliding backwards down the hill, learning how to stop, and learning how to get up. In the end they were fearless despite the falls and near-misses.

Take a look at the photo album to see the girls in action. 

Rachael Lost Her Second Tooth

Ok, I just had to post this since I don't want to appear to be an obsessive parent. Rachael lost her second tooth in just after a month after her first. Daddy tucked the girls in that night almost blew the Tooth Fairy gig. But with some quick sleight of hand and fancy footwork, the Tooth Fairy arrived handled everything perfectly.

Our First Loose Tooth

Update

The loose tooth is out! Funny enough, she lost it at the dentist's office. And it wasn't at Rachael's regular dentist. See, Rachael had a play date scheduled today with one of her girlfriends. The hosting parents realized that the play date was scheduled the same day as their daughter's regular dentist visit, but they wanted Rachael to tag along. 

While there, Rachael showed the dentist her tooth and the dentist didn't give the tooth a day before it fell out. Within 30 minutes it fell out! The dentist was cool -- she gave Rachael a plastic tooth necklace so Rachael could store her first lost tooth. The tooth fairy will be paying a visit tonight. And it's a proud moment for mom and dad. Check out the photos.

Earlier Today 

Play this video only if you've got a strong stomach for loose/wiggling teeth. Rachael's tooth is hanging on by a thread. I captured this will my cell phone. Crappy quality, but you get the idea. Stay tuned since this bugger could fall out any day now.

Rachael's First Solo Bike Ride

Last Friday, Rachael did it! After weeks of practicing in the schoolyard, Rachael brought her bike-riding experience home and performed her first solo journey without training wheels. In the beginning, at school, she'd ask Mom to watch her bomb down the curved brick path -- crashing or taking out anyone in her way. Dad even got the chance to witness her tenacity.

So, today, she asked (for the 100th time) for Dad to remove her training wheels. Dad agreed, broke out the socket set and pulled the wheels off for good.

Here's the raw, uncut footage of Rachael's first bike ride without training wheels. We shot this in the alley behind our house. About 20 minutes following this video, Rachael and Dad did a glory ride around the block. Now she's got to learn to use the brakes instead of her feet!

We're excited (and a little terrified), to say the least.