Four-wheeled Bike

It's been gorgeous here - tons of days with blue skies and temps around the mid to upper 50s. So pleasant. We took an afternoon and ventured to our favorite local park. While there, we rented the below bike [those that frequent boardwalks can probably tell me its specific name] and had a blast cruising around the park. The cries of "Faster, Daddy!" still echo in my mind.
Despite the faces, we did have a good day. [I like the contrast.]

Barn Bash

We joined some friends for a festive fall evening. Activities included a game of "duck, duck, pumpkin", a bit of old school line-dancing, bobbing for apples, and a pie eating contest. All participated in the latter event so unfortunately we don't have any pictures, but it was a riot. Here's some of the apple-bobbing action.

OJ

I'm a big fan of orange juice. I'm not sure why but perhaps it goes back to the days of wearing the blue and orange of the Illini or back to my first mountain bike which was orange in color. It's anyone's guess.

The girls are also fans of the juice variety - particularly apple and grape. Our city does carry this juice, but only at certain locations around the city. I was getting a little tired of my "juice runs" to the stores further into the city since they're a bit heavy for Lori to carry. [Oh, man, do we miss our minivan. *sigh* ]

Well, sixty seconds from our door is a small convenience-type store. I spoke with the owner about stocking this brand of juice. And now he does! And it's cheaper! Hooray! This is yet another small step of learning to live - and hopefuly thrive - here. [And when I buy it in these big cases, it's cheaper still. Excellent.]

Forest

We went to a forest preserve for a day of hiking and picnicing. My personal favorite moment of the day was taking in the sunshine while lying on the picnic blanket after lunch. My least favorite moment - in that position, being suddenly jumped upon by a child.
Some friends recommended bringing some boots for the kids so they could play in the stream. Good call. Everyone had wet socks, but Lori wisely packed extra. Geez, she's smart.
We climbed a large hill. Excellent exercise. Thankfully thick bush prevented us from going further up.
Lia at the top.

ie, Keep Off The Grass

Jiao Zi

A local friend helped us make "jiao zi" - kind of like dumplings. Inside each jiao zi was a mixture of meat, carrots, onions, and a few other spices and secret ingredients. The girls had a great time making them ... and eating them.

Kitchen Theater

Often our kitchen is a stage for the most recent performance by our girls. This time on the handbill - The Nutcracker. Their favorite scene to recreate is the fight between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King - very suspenseful ... and humorous. What they lack in costumes is filled by passion. Perhaps the pictures can give you a taste.
Now, I've seen the Nutcracker on stage, but I just can't seem to remember the scene where the Nutcracker is grocery shopping or mowing the lawn.
A final picture of a performance well done.