Worth The While

"Work"... Yea Right!

Columbus, OH-- Not only did I get to dance around on Saturday and do some hip-hop fitness with Michael Nicholson and his fit-followers while being the "Stage Manager" for the 10tv Health and Fitness Expo.  I got to meet THIS guy:

Yep... That's BOSTON Flippin' ROB!!!!!!  From Survivor & Amazing Race fame.  I got to tell him how Lara & I TOTALLY rooted for him to win this time.  I have seen EVERY season of Survivor and he has always seemed to be the most geunine person even when he's being deceiving.  He was VERY friendly and patient with everyone in the crowd I put a mic in front to ask him a question. 

I asked him who he really hangs-out with now that taping is done.  His first answer:  My wife!  Good/OBVIOUS response... Amber is his wife he met on Survivor.  (SHE won the $1M prize 1st!)  Then they did Amazing Race together before having two beautiful girls.  He has a new show coming out on the History Channel I can't wait to watch!  He also said he does check in w/teenager Natalie who got 2nd to him on this latest season and he actually socializes w/crazy-Phillip.  Boy, I'd love to go out to a pub with those two.  OR... I'll schedule a play-date w/Amber.  Whatever... sign me up!
 

Finally... Family Fitness!

I've been waiting on this for a lonnnnng time!

Yep... that's my bike riding FAMILY!

Lara got her 2-wheeler from Grand for her birthday in January.  We were surprised how she toughed it out through MANY bumps & bruises to learn how to ride over the summer.  (Mommy eventually learned they DO sell knee-pads.)   Now-- even if we have a few minutes in the evening she LOVES to ride around the nearby cul-du-sac.

But what little kid doesn't want to go faster?  We knew we could no longer keep up with her on walks around the neighborhood.  Therefore, we HAD to go shopping. 

And then there was the question:  "What to do with the little one?"  We couldn't exactly leave her at home while the three of us went out for a ride.

She's in the comfort zone of her Princess Bike with training wheels.  OR... what I really see her doing the most is RUNNING after her big sister.

SO.. we got her THIS for her birthday in July!  Isn't it awesome?  Her feet barely touch the peddles but she is THRILLED to be riding along with the rest of us.  It's likely good we're starting her on this-- because now that Lara is a "master", it freaks her out to lose control and be on the back with Daddy.  

We've only taken spins around the neighborhood so far.  We're getting the girls and our bottoms accustomed to longer rides.  I can't wait for real bike trails... stops at ice cream shops etc.

**hApPy BiRtHdAy gIrLs!**

Back To School = Back To Blogging

After trying to upload pics from my camera to Facebook for a ridiculous amount of time with no success AND getting a call from my non-Facebooking Mom during it... I decided it's time to re-ignite the family blog.

Besides-- Lara started 1st grade today at a magnet school that specializes in the Arts.  She'll study things like angles in Math class using digital photography... so I figure in about a year SHE'll be updating you.

Yep, she's officially a 1st grader! 

 
 
Larry & I stalked both of her buses all the way to her new school this morning.  It's a weird feeling letting go-- but seeing our bill at the private pre-school drop because we only now have one child there will continue to comfort us.

Speaking of bills... we dropped MANY at the American Girl Store in Chicago and it was sooo WORTH IT! 

 
It was also a nice "End of Summer" road trip that capped off a much needed visit with our Rockford friends that are like family.  So Facebookers & Non-Social Media types-- there will be albums HERE titled "First Day of School 2011" and "Summer Vacation 2011".  I HOPE it'll be a much easier process once I re-learn how to do it.  Oh to be in 1st grade again...