sweater weather? not quite.

This week we had the most beautiful weather here in Michigan! I was SO happy that I was able to enjoy time outside and wasn't cooped up at work. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we made it to the mid/high-70's and it was wonderful. The girls got to play outside in t-shirts and we spent a lot of time at the park and on our bikes.

Seriously though, this time last year we had snow on the ground already. It's a perfect showcase of Michigan weather and how temperamental our state is. I mean for Halloween the kids needed layers and five days later they are fine in shorts?! If I would have thought about I would've tried to plan a trip to the zoo or something else of that nature. But frankly, I probably wouldn't have had the energy to chase two kids around all day.

There is a nice playground in our subdivision that is the perfect size and is accommodating to both girls and their activity/skill level. Another huge plus about the playground? It is almost always deserted. So many families have their own climbers in their backyard, which I personally have always found to be silly (because they aren't cheap, right?) but at the same time you're able to just send the kids outside instead of accompanying them to the park.

 Piper is just arriving at that in-between stage: she's able to keep up with Kennedy but she isn't quite big enough to maneuver everything on her own. Unless she's trying to climb up into the structure we're able to sort of sit back and watch them run around like crazy.

                                                                                                   November 3, 2015: Bad parents?

For punishment, our preferred method is the chin-up bar. Kidding. Piper was watching big sister hop up and down from the bar and when we picked her up and walked near she instantly held her hands out. We said, "no, no honey" but being a toddler the word 'no' only angers and upsets her and she became frustrated when we walked her away. So, for shits and giggles Brendon let her grab onto the bar and he let her go. And then we walked away and left them to their own devices. Kidding again. She loved every second and could not contain her laughter. I was only able to stomach 15 seconds before I made her get down.

I hope you guys all got some great weather in your neck of the woods! Surely we'll be under 3 feet of snow in the next two weeks and I will look back with tearful eyes.

7 Mondays until Christmas!

Leia

"you're nuttier than a tim horton's maple log!"

For those of you who didn't realize that was a quote from the one and only Robin Scherbatsky, shame on you!

Today has no choice but to be a great (at least until I go to work this evening) because we have a Tim Horton's reward card filled up!

October 9, 2015: YAAAASSSS. 

Free coffee and freedom of outfit expression?! It's Friday y'all! I woke up with the girls while I left Brendon to sleep in, since Thursday's I am gone from 8:45am til after midnight, and we headed off to Tim Horton's after shaking off the sleepies. Kennedy clearly won that contest and by this time she hasn't fully pulled her outfit together.

Hooray! We made it to Tim Horton's (and face it, I wasn't ready to confront McDonald's for breakfast yet) and the unveiling of her outfit commences! We took dad's truck so we didn't attempt going through the drive-thru (duelly + unfamiliar driver + curbed-in drive-thru = insurance claim) so everyone got to see Kennedy Couture in action. 99% of the time the outfit she puts on is the outfit I let her keep on (with the exception of weather and important events where she could potentially brand me a lunatic).

We've now added Frozen ear muffs and gloves along with trail grade hiking shoes? We just roll with it.

Once we got home and settled in, everyone got to have their Tim's for breakfast. Piper was happy, Kennedy's donut was gone before we got out of the parking lot, and Brendon and I put forth zero to little effort to get everyone fed and happy this morning. That's a win on all fronts. 

Then to top of our afternoon, we took a couple trips around the block on our bikes as the hot mess express before the ominous skies decided to let the rain fall. I mean, family! We took our bikes around the block as a family! It's rare that we do much on the days I work but Saturday and Sunday I am working extra and won't have much time at home. The high lasted enough for my car ride to work; but now I'm ready to leave yet I have 7 hours left of my shift. C'est la vie.

Teal Cruiser, White Helmet, Piper's Seat

Let me tell you, we never had bikes until we moved to the 'country' and they were some of the best purchases we've ever made. Kennedy is constantly wanting to get out and ride and Piper gets more enjoyment than I thought possible from her seat.

Critical Cyles Women's Beach Cruiser: When I was trying to pick out which bike I wanted I chose based on leisure. I wanted it to be clear that my bike was for stress relief and relaxation. There shall be no mountain climbed with my bike! But really, I wish now that I had gotten a bike that wasn't single speed. Any slight incline is difficult, but that could just be user function. Being in shape was something I never claimed to be.

Bern Unlimited Lenox Helmet: Let's face it. I tried picking out a helmet that was more stylish so I wouldn't mind wearing it; and ultimately I don't mind wearing it, but helmets are dorky. But if you thought there was a chance of Kennedy letting Brendon and/or I get away with riding our bikes without one.. you thought wrong.

 YEPP Mini: This baby seat has been AMAZING. I have full confidence in it's safety, she isn't tucked behind me out of my view, and in no way has it interfered with the balance of my bike. There are some baby seats that cost less but for the most part, $150 was comparable between different brands/styles.



'I can ride my bike with no handlebars.'
Leia