Mr. Independence or Mr. Disappear?

On Sunday DH and K went for a bike ride. T really wanted to go, but I had him stay home with me and KL. T was outside driving the Barbie Jeep and I was making dinner. I ran downstairs to get the Ragu and noodles and came upstairs to look out back and not see or hear T. I ran out the front door and found him halfway down the neighbors sidewalk riding his bicycle with his helmet hanging on his arm and trusty Aggie following closely behind. Then I went into the motherly speech of how it's not safe, I was worried when I couldn't find him, etc... He gave me a hug on the leg and said "don't be scared mom, it's okay". (Note: this is not his first escape. I was running around the house trying to find him home a few weeks ago, and the neighbor from across the street was bringing him, and Aggie, saying they were in front of her house. DH and I have gone off in different directions around our block looking for him, only to find him in the van. We have also resorted to putting a padlock on the gate.)

That night while putting the kids to bed, DH and I were talking to them about the importance of staying in the yard and he said, " but T come back dad!" DH had to leave the room so he didn't openly laugh. It's nice to see the innocence, but scares me that he's so darn independent.