Bike Riding

Going back to work has made blogging impossible the last two weeks. By the time I got the boys to bed after working all day, I fell asleep on the couch. I'm back to my part time routine now and have more time to update.

Our family has been enjoying this great weather the last few days. Ryan has been really into riding his big wheel, although he desperately wants his own bike (shh, don't tell him, but he's getting one for his birthday).



I have been tired of pushing a stroller with Jack, while jogging to keep up with him so Phil and I decided to get our bikes fixed up so we could ride. Phil and I do not understand those skinny little bike seats (please explain if you do know) so we went off to Action Sports to buy the fat "cruiser seats."



While we were there, Ryan tried out the kids bikes and rode all over the store. I can't wait till his birthday. I also fell in love with a turquoise and brown beach cruiser bike. It is so pretty. My bike also needed new inner tubes and some serious oiling.

For our first ride, since we had nothing for Jack to ride in, we had my mom watch Jack and we took Ryan on the mile ride to my grandma's house from my mom's house. He was exhausted by the time we got there so my grandma had to drive him home while we rode. It was still really fun.

Yesterday, I decided that I needed to get something for Jack to ride in so that Ryan and I could take bike rides during the day. I found a bike seat that attaches to my bike frame and I mounted it last night.

After Phil got home, we took a ride around our neighborhood. Jack LOVED it. He squealed and laughed the whole time.

Now that we have all our bike gear ready, I can't wait for Ryan's birthday so he can ride his new bike.

Dress in a Day

A while back, when Joann's was running a pattern sale, I picked up several patterns, particularly the Cynthia Rowley ones.

I knew I liked them, but wasn't sure how they'd look on me since I'm a pear shape, and a big girl, and a shift typically isn't particularly flattering. This week, I decided to give it a try. For those of you who sew, but also don't fit into one pattern size like me, you can mark your size for the bust, waist, and hips, then draw a new line to create a pattern that will fit you. This is what I did, and I was pleasantly surprised at how the dress turned out.

I also omitted the ruffle and added several inches to the bottom so it would be long enough for me. I really like the dark purple fabric and it is the softest cotton sateen. I looked through the fabric at Joann's forever to find it. Poor Ryan finally laid on the floor and said, "I don't think I feel so good, my tummy hurts. Mommy, I'm hungry!" (Malisa, Julie, does this sound familiar?) Anyway, I like it and think it will be great to wear now, but also later with some tights, a sweater, and a scarf when it cools off.