bike ride + picnic

On our Sunday ride we ventured over to a new to us bike trail.

In the awesome eclipse light it seemed like we had stumbled upon a magical spot.

So Monday for lunch Anna and I rode with the girls for a picnic.

It wasn't quite as magical in the hot sunlight.  But it was still pretty cool.

We ate our packed lunches and played go fish under a shade tree.

I wonder if the people who lived close by thought we were nuts for picnicking in the weeds?

We are on the hunt for more rides we can take the kids on.

The view was pretty amazing and for a minute we could pretend we weren't 5 minutes from our house.

thoughts on life.

I have been a lame blogger.  I have been too busy living to record it all.  Though I really do want to record it all because it's so good right now.  The weather has been sunny and warm (except last Sunday and Monday) and all I really want to do it lay in the sun and read.  Or go on bike rides.  I got a new basket for the back of my bike and a sweet cup holder and I think I am pretty much set.  I haven't been baking or cooking much.  I just want to be out in the sun.

On Tuesday night, Ethan came home from work an hour early.  It was awesome.  We had dinner on the deck and then went for a bike ride.  We rode down the trail and to the church and back down the trail and around the block to home.

I am loving the age the kids are.  They are both so funny, articulate, capable little humans.  I love that they are reading and learning and most of the time a delight to be around.  I did have to send Add to her room two or three times the other day.  She likes to be bossy.

I love Ethan and I.  I love that we can have date night almost every week (THANKS MOM/PAUL & JACKIE/RICK)  We like to meet for lunch sometimes when I am done work around 2 and the kids get home at 3:40.  We have been playing lots of games with Cam and Michelle.  The table is usually covered in marbles or cards and always twizzlers and sodas.

Most of days are recorded with iPhone pics.  I want to use my real camera more.  But I think maybe I should start posting the cell phone pics too b/c looking through them all I am just overwhelmed with feelings of being blessed.

notes:
* a couple years ago, Ethan brought me home this bike and I was thrilled.  I still love it.  I love to ride it. I will probably ride everyday until it gets to be winter again.
* notice my cup holder?  It works with a smaller cup better, I went down a curb and my soda went flying.  It was kinda funny/sad.
* thanks to Cam for installing my back rack so I could hook up my basket, I LOVE it.

Today I go to the Ortho.  I look forward to these appointments like a pregnant woman looks forward to here monthly check ups.  Every month is one month down.  I can already tell a difference in my teeth.  Plus Dr. Trapnell's office is so efficient.  Last month I was in and out in 20 minutes.

pps.  i am working on using my camera in manual more, so please excuse my blurry pics.