This time last year Esther and William had not been walking for very long at all and we were just starting to experiment with reins.

This week last year I was almost 35 weeks pregnant and I was spending lots of time with Esther and William at Leeds Castle, which is where we went today.

Today I think Esther and William walked further than they ever have before.

Why?

They had their beloved Toddlebikes!

Have you seen a Toddlebike? It is the most amazing thing. So simple in structure and use.

Twin Toddle Bikers!

It is a pre-balance bike for toddlers. Esther and William are almost too old to benefit from such a bike but because of their prematurity and because they are so very small it is actually proving to be the perfect way to get them moving and to prepare them for riding a bike.

Toddlebikes can be used indoors or outside.

The Toddlebike is so light that toddlers can carry it around themselves. I think Esther and William enjoy doing this as much as they enjoy riding on it!

Today we took the Toddlebikes out of the house for the very first time.

We went to Leeds Castle, a favourite family place.

It was good to go there with a mission to complete as it meant I was not too sad about Tilda not being there. She loved it at Leeds Castle. We all do.

As soon as we told Esther and William that we were going out on their bikes their excitement bubbled.

They biked through the house and to the front door.

They each carried their bikes carefully down the steps and then rode them to the car.

To the Car!

They cried when we told them that they had to get off to go in the car but were comforted by the fact they could actually put them in the car by themselves. That is how light they are!

William seriously wanted to hold his bike in the car all the way to the castle.

They truly do LOVE their Toddlebikes, almost as much as they love their engines!

Once we got to the castle gardens Esther and William were very keen to get on their bikes.

They toddled along the winding wooden path, uphill and downhill, with great balance and control. And with huge smiles on their faces. They were very proud to be out in the world on their bikes.

Through the Deep Dark Woods

They tried their Toddlebikes on different terrains. Bumpy path, smooth path, wooden bridges, woodchips, cobblestones. Esther liked the smooth paths best, she loved to go really fast. William liked the bumpy tracks and loved lifting his bike up kerbs and over obstacles. Both twins had such fun and so much exercise!

Toddler Terrain Testing

William was very keen to bike right up to our favourite tree, where we played Peekaboo with Tilda, when I had all three of my owl babies together. This tree, we say, is the home of the baby owls.

Tilda’s Tree

Esther and William toddled so far on their bikes today and at times they really picked up the pace. We all had a wonderful afternoon stroll and even enjoyed some sunshine. And when little legs were tired the Toddlebikes attached to the buggy with ease and did not make it any heavier to push. They really were a simple, stress free addition to our day.

Just Hangin’

The Toddlebikes also added a lot of amusement to our day and to many passers by who smiled or commented on the cuteness of the twins together on their bikes. William had a lot of fun pushing his bike along and then chasing it, pushing it again and running after it. Esther walked her bike for ages much like many people walk a dog. They just generally had a wonderful time.

Toddling

All the while exercising their bodies, breathing crisp fresh air and soaking up sun and vitamin D.

Today was a good day and we are totally besotted with our Toddlebikes.

Esther and William are part of the 2013 Toddlebike Trial. Keep an eye on the blog for our forthcoming Toddlebike adventures and to hear the opinions of other Toddlebike Testers you can follow the Facebook page here.

We were sent two Toddlebikes free of charge for the purpose of this review.