bikes, sea, sun and fun on the cape

The weather is finally turning nice here in Massachusetts. The first summer like weather of the year arrived in time for the weekend. Amazingly we didn't have something planned. So we were able to pack up the bikes and head to the Cape.

For those who are not from New England, if you say you're heading to the Cape it means one thing: Cape Cod. The Cape is home to a number of beautiful beaches and also to the 22 mile long Cape Cod Rail Trail. Being lovers of both cycling and the beach it can make for a perfect day. Some pictures:

Daddy and Riley moving out on the trail














Riley has fun reading about yummy sushi



















Our destination: Marconi Beach














One of the things that Shelby and I have always had in common is our deep and abiding love of the beach. This, however, was not shared by our boy last year. He wasn't a fan of the textures produced by sand. So we were wondering how he would take to the beach now that he's a little older. Fortunately much has changed...

One small step for a boy, one giant leap for family beach time!

Once on the beach it was time for lunch. Hard riding makes for hungry parents. So we sat for a bit:

Riley and Mama enjoy lunch














Airplane!














Riley not only loved the sand, he loved the WATER. All 46 degrees of it! (Ouch!) Some playtime pictures:

Beach = Good














COLD!














Beach Boy














Beach Boy and Girl














Playing in the sand with Mama














Burying Riley's feet














In the water with Mama:

In the water with Daddy:

This picture brings me indescribable joy:














Cold feet, happy boy














Riley is never one to miss out on toys, no matter where or whose. He's also not a shy boy most of the time. So when he spied the sand toys of some kids who were alongside us he went into action. At first he tried to make it look like he was 'just walking around the beach' as he got closer and closer to where the toys were. Then he dropped all presences.

Objective achieved














My new friends!














Finally it was time to head back to the car. Mama gets Riley ready in a picturesque spot:














We got back on the trail figuring that the wind, which was in our face on the way out, would be at our back on the way back. WRONG! The wind shifted and was now in our face again. The trail was also slightly uphill for most of the way back. So essentially we had an 11 mile climb back to the car. Not as much fun as being able to crank it up on the way back, but good for burning a few extra calories...if you're looking for a tougher workout that is. I wasn't.

All the hard work left Riley very thirsty at the end



















It was a great day overall. There are few things I enjoy more than a day where I go cycling and also hit the beach. With Riley the beach has become more fun than ever, even if we have to constantly work to keep him out of the water...

We love our Beach Boy!


Jonathan

opening day at lynn woods

Since November I've been taking over morning daycare duties. It's been something I've loved, since it's meant spending a lot more time with my son. There have been precious few downsides, but one thing I've had to give up has been hard: mid day mountain bike rides.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm passionate (read: obsessed) with mountain biking. I've actually been riding 12 months a year for 14 years now. So this has been a challenge.

With spring come higher temperatures though and that means that my sweet son doesn't risk hypothermia if I take him outside while I exercise. And tax day is always a happy day for me...it's the day that Lynn Woods Reservation opens up to mountain bikes for the season. So what does this all mean? It means Riley and Daddy are going riding! Some pictures and video:

Riley is ready to go!














Happy boy riding with Blue. When I opened up the trailer to take the picture he pointed to my bike and said, "Bike!"














Some of the great Lynn Woods Scenery














Ride video

It was great to get outside, get in a hard ride and spend some quality time with my boy all at the same time. And climbing with the trailer attached is going to be great for my training regimen...

Oh, and just for the record, I would never actually do something like this:














Remember, I LOVE my boy. And I want him to LOVE riding. You see I have this plan to develop a riding partner...


Jonathan

story time

A few weeks back Riley and I started going to Story Time at the Beebe Library here in Wakefield. Beforehand I wondered how much Riley would get out of hearing someone read stories, but figured it would be fun regardless. He does love to read books.

I hadn't figured on our interactive boy who very much loves to be the center of attention. Duh.

From the start Riley has loved this program and as you will see is always up front. It is an absolute scream to watch. So here are a couple of videos to give you an idea.

Marching around the room

I went to visit the farm one day...

Do we have an actor on our hands? We'll see...


Jonathan

easter 2009

A few Easter pictures:

Riley had five different people (including a two year old girl, wish I had pictures of her) trying to make him smile. No dice.















Cute boy, love the tie! He'd only wear it because Daddy was wearing one too...















"Quit taking my picture!" We hope not to see this attitude much as he gets older. Good luck to us.















We want to wish you all a happy Easter!


Jonathan, Shelby & Riley