Let's not talk about last weekend

Sooooooo Mommy sort of wrecked her road bike and the roof rack on the minivan last weekend. I know I said I wasn't going to talk about it, but I just changed my mind. I do that sometimes. Actually, I do it EVERY time I order a meal at a restaurant now that I think about it.  We peruse the menu and Brian asks me "what are you going to get?" and I will say "the salmon" and then promptly order the burger and fries when the waiter arrives 30 seconds later. When I am torn about making a decision I always find that it is easier if I am under pressure.

Alas, I was so tired after our family bike trip on Sunday, I completely forgot that there was a decision to be made about whether or not to drive the minivan into the garage. I just went ahead and did it. Then I felt the pressure! Let's just say it was a tense afternoon as Brian attempted to repair the garage, dismantle the roof rack, and assess damages.

But enough about that! I'd rather tell you about the previous weekend, when we went to the renaissance festival near Annapolis. A much happier tale. All the costumes and decor were right up Claire's alley. She insisted on wearing her fairy wings and her fanciest dress. We participated in the children's storytime show, watched a jousting tournament, and enjoyed live music and dancing. I apologize that there aren't any pictures of Tyler! He was quite content to chill in his stroller for most of the afternoon.

No, that's not red lipstick. Claire got a red snowcone as a treat. I'm sure it was made according to the authentic medieval recipe.

It was a wonderful afternoon!  I really want to dress up for the festival one of these years. What will I be? I'm sure that it will end up being a last minute decision.

Biking around the tidal basin

It has taken a couple of years, but we finally have all the necessary equipment for family bike rides.  New bike for Mommy that doesn't get a flat tire every time you ride it -- check.  Chariot carrier for the kids so they can ride in luxury while Daddy sweats like a pig -- check.  Expensive roof-rack and bike rack for our two bikes -- check.  Away we go!

For labor day we took the kids to DC and rode around the tidal basin to show them the monuments.  Why have we never done this before?!  It was a gorgeous ride.  The kids did great riding in the chariot, mostly because there were so many stops they didn't have time to get restless.   We started in Georgetown (where there are bike shops open at 10 am so you can fix the flat tire that you notice right after strapping the kids into the chariot) and biked on the Rock Creek Trail down to the basin.  I'm hoping we will get out and do it again in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming.

Brian and I had never seen the FDR Memorial before.  What a beautiful surprise to find on our ride.

The MLK Jr Memorial is relatively new, right?