The new skateboard

John has been lobbying for a skateboard for a few weeks. I think he got the idea that a skateboard would be fun from observing a family that lives across the street from us. The Borders family consists of the parents and four girls, ages 10 through 2, and the three oldest girls all ride Ripstick skateboards up and down the sidewalks on a regular basis. After John began showing interest in a skateboard, I researched skateboards and Ripsticks online and was convinced that a Ripstick would be too advanced for a kid John's age. The recommended age for the very flexible board was age eight and up, so I felt that John's age of four was too young for sure.

So one night this week when we got home from school the Borders girls were outside and we went across the street and asked if John could try their Ripsticks. The girls were so accomodating, showing John how to ride the board, giving him tips for balancing, etc. However, John had a very difficult time stayng upright. I decided that maybe we should start off on a flat, traditional skateboard. Then when John is older we could try more advanced devices, such as the Riptick.

Scott and Amelia were away on Y Princess camp out this weekend so John and I experienced some quality mom and son bonding. We had a particularly enjoyable weekend where John was quite well-behaved, so I told John that today after church we could go to the toy store and pick out a skateboard. John was so excited! He selected a 28-inch Buzz Lightyear skateboard, and we left the store feeling elated an excited about this new toy.

That is until we actually went outside and John tried to ride the skateboard. And then John grew very frustrated quite quickly, that he couldn't maintain the balance he desired on top of the board. He tried a bit, and I don't know if it was the heat or the lack of being successful on the board, but the excitement over riding the skateboard wasn't as long-lasting as I would have hoped.

Below are shots of the kids trying the skateboard.

John got the idea to sit on the board after observing the girls across the street, which he seemed to enjoy. I love the mittens, which John thought he should have on to protect his hands. So cute!

I hope the kids get more excited about the skateboard as they grow more confident in riding it! We will continue trying this summer.