Dave's Toy becomes Alex's Toy

Dave decided it was safe to pull out his GI Joe truck from back in the 60s and show it to Alex.
Alex fell in love with it the minute it came out of the box.
 

 

Fun in the neighborhood

 

 

Firetruck

Yesterday, we went to a check out a firetruck with a friend.   Alex is so inquisitive.  He asked a bunch of questions.  I love that he wants to know so much...but sometimes I get nervous about what question he might ask.  : )
 

 

 

Growing Up Way TOO Fast

 

 

 

 

Our First Bike Race

On Saturday, Alex and Aubrey participated in their first bike "race".  This kids bike race took place between the women's and men's official bike race in a nearby town.    Alex and Aubrey got to race around the course with a bunch of other kids.  They even had official numbers and everything.    



Taking a litte spin around a closed off street to "warm-up" for the race. 

 

 At the start line.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures after the race.   I was just so glad to see that they had finished and that there were big smiles on their faces.  They were so happy to get their medal at the end.  They were a little nervous at the beginning, but they had a great time and can't wait to do it again next year.

Tour de Cure

Last weekend, we once again participated in the Tour De Cure bike ride for the American Diabetes Association.   As in the past, we have ridden in memory of Dave's Dad (Alex and Aubrey's Grandaddy), my Dad (Grandpapa), and this year we added my niece, Olivia's Grandfather (Papa) who had passed away just a few days prior to the ride.

Alex, Aubrey, Dave, and I did 20 mile ride together.    

I always get such a great feeling when I do this ride as I feel I am riding for such a great cause.
 Also, I just feel my Dad with us as we ride. 

Amusement

Last weekend, we ventured to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to check it out again this year.  We ended up getting a season's pass as we hope to get back there at least once again this year.  
 

 

Once again, Aubrey wanted nothing to do with the dressed up characters, but Alex loved getting up close to Cookie Monster.

We started out at Busch Gardens, but because it was so HOT that day, we ended up not staying very long and ventured over to Water Country.  Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures over there, but the kids had a blast.  We hope to get back soon.
 

Nature Trails

On the day after Dave's bike ride, we did a little exploring around the countryside surrounding Blacksburg, VA.  Dave saw this covered bridge on his bike ride the day before, so we all went back to get some pictures.
 

 

 After checking out the Covered Bridge, we went to the Cascade Trail to see a beautiful waterfall and the rambling creek on the way there.  Alex and Aubrey had a fun time hiking the entire 2 miles to the falls and the 2 miles back to the car.   (Well, they did have a free ride on our shoulders for a few feet to give them a little break.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near the end of the hike, Aubrey heard a lot of chirping coming from the side of the trail.  As we looked over, we saw these baby birds in the fallen log.  We tried to stay our distance so as not to frighten the birds.