A boy's paradise

This week Chuck decided he really didn't have the time to devote to the dirt bike he and Sean bought from a Craig's List post. The thing didn't run, and they had big ideas of finding the problem and fixing it. They worked on it one afternoon, but summer will be winding down soon, so Chuck decided to look for another one that would provide some immediate enjoyment.

Watch out. Here comes trouble and his sidekick,
Emma.

They found another one on Craig's List and we drove about an hour to get it. The man said his son had no interest in it, and it sounded like he was not real comfortable riding it. He said the boy wouldn't go fast enough on it to keep the front wheel steady. Chuck looked at me and said, "I'm afraid we'll have the opposite problem."

It was late in the evening when we got it home, and they were ready to take off on it. They didn't get far. Sean came back into the house, shoulders slumped, and said, "Needs a tube." I wasn't sure what that meant. He explained the back tire tube was bad. He was pretty disappointed. Chuck had to work the next day, which meant a possible 24 hours of sitting and staring at this newer motorcycle and not being able to ride it.

I agreed to take Sean to the nearest motorcycle store the next day to get a new tube, and Chuck said he would try to come by on a break and get it trail ready.
Once we had the new tube, Sean immediately called Chuck to let him know we were on our way home and he should meet us there to install this new tube. I think he texted him a couple of times, too. He was so anxious to try it out.

Chuck stopped by on a break and they put the
new tire tube in, pumped it up and it was
ready to go.

This property is perfect for it. His feet barely touch the ground, and it's a pretty heavy bike for him, but he was rarin' to go. He hasn't had it out of first gear yet, but he's pushing first gear.

His toes just touch the ground, but he's not afraid.

He's getting the feel for it, and each time he gets on he learns more about it. He's dumped it a few times, but seems to know how to let it go and hop out of the way of it.

Chuck is having a good time watching Sean enjoy it.

I can't even describe how this kid loves this motorcycle, and this property. He has always loved being outside. He loves being here, and there's plenty to keep him busy.

Here he goes through the gate to the lower property.

After Chuck went back to work, and Sean had ridden around a bit, we came back up to the house and I talked to him about privilege and responsibility. I explained that he is fortunate to have a nice home, a room filled with the toys he loves, and now this motorcycle. With that comes the responsibility to act like a gentleman, with a good attitude of being thankful for all that he has, and good manners. We talked about how important it is to behave well, and to be a role model for others. I don't want him to get to a point of feeling entitled to things.

I'm happy for him to have fun things, and I'm so thankful for Chuck. He's so very good to both of us.