Summer Buddies

 These two have a history that could fuel a tabloid. But this summer they have been inseparable. And in a crazy twist of events, actually live close to each other! The bikes have been out and they are making the most of the neighborhood pools. 

Rosemary Beach: Day 4/5

 Our final two days were all about bike rides and souvenirs. We ventured out a couple times.

A few things stood out.

1. Rosemary Beach is like a postcard. The reality lives up to the photos. 

2. Cobblestones will always be adorable.

3. Bikes are fun. Bike baskets are more fun.

4. Inlet lakes can be beautiful and full of alligators all at the same time

5. Souvenirs are best left in the shop. They will not assimilate into Kansas decor.

6. Onion Rings should not be shaped like donuts

7. Ice cream is the only way to say goodbye to a beach vacation.

8. I love my family (and I really miss Mathew)

This one was a winner! I predict another Rosemary Beach vacation in our future!

Cherry Red

 Everyone needs a dad that buys them a brand new cherry red cruiser so they can ride of into the sunset. 

Everly rides!

She is officially a two-wheel, super cool, hair-in-the-wind, bike rider!!

I feel a deep swell of pride knowing that every single one of my kids have now been taught this skill. It's almost as great as the moment every one of them could use the toilet.

The Falls

Until the summer turns truly roasty toasty, we like to ride our bikes to the waterfall. It's actually a super fancy landscape installation by a fancy neighborhood, but it's fun to climb around in (that's against the rules!) and dip our feet in.  We make the most of what we have!

Sometimes twice in one day!

Dumb Decisions

So, I committed to participate in a Triathlon. The entire thing was a bit of a mess.

Well, actually, I did really enjoy the biking practice with friends in the morning. It was a lot of fun and almost made the end goal worth it.

Almost.

The swim was SOOOO awful. I was lucky not to drown. And because I started first (I had to because I am so slow), I had an audience to my misery and ineptitude. Let's stop talking about it. I'm still hoping I can block the memory.

Then the bike.

Little tip: don't do a triathlon on a "mom bike". It's stupid hard.

And then....the run.

So I look happy? No...I do not.

The best part of this whole experience was driving home.

Never ever EVER AGAIN!