The Fourth of July and a Bike Ride

We had a pretty low-key Independence Day this year. Jack is still a little young for fireworks and big activities and while it would have been nice to go to Huntsville to see the fireworks at the Space and Rocket Center, it is kind of hard to turn down watching the neighbors shoot of fireworks from the comfort of your bonus room.

Also with all of the rain we have had, we weren't dieing to go out. Jack had a ton of fun stomping in puddles in our driveway.

To make the day special, we grilled steaks and corn on the cob and I made green bean tempura to go with it.

After dinner, we ran into town to get blizzards at Dairy Queen and pick up a RedBox.

Once we were back home, we let Jack stay up until it got dark. He was really mesmerized by our neighbors firework displays. We had full view of at least 3 different shows that were happening across the street and on the other side of the field that is across from us.

When things really started lighting up the sky, he was content to sit in my lap. He was trembling a bit from the loud explosions, but couldn't take his eyes off of the show.

When we move, I am going to miss our neighbors big displays on holidays (though not their random late night fun with fireworks at odd times).

Friday morning, the rain let up and we decided that it was a good time to take a family bike ride.

Jack and Daniel have been going on weekly bike rides on Tuesday nights when I work out, but it was nice to go as a family. The temps were perfect and we didn't get rained on.

We went to Goose Pond Colony and got in about 5 miles of riding. We took a break at the halfway point to walk out on the pier. Jack really wanted to climb in the water, but we weren't prepared to do that.

When we got back on our bikes, Jack found a shell from a cicada on the side of a tree. We let him hold it and when we jokingly asked if he was going to eat it, he started to put it in his mouth!

We made a brief detour on an unmarked trail (also known as a "Daniel" trail). Unfortunately it was too wet and muddy. Daniel made it up a steep embankment (with Jack), but I lost my balance and fell into some thorns.

We have enjoyed spending time together as a family and keeping life low key. We needed to do that since life is about to get crazy again.