"Come on ride the train"

C'mon N' Ride the Train by Quad City DJ's

When M was 1, I started riding my bike with a kid trailer, aka burley, on the back, with M in tow. We would start riding in May, end in October, and cover the near west suburbs with a big smile on both our faces. As each summer passes, M finds more and more things to do in the trailer, including singing, talking to all the passing cars, looking for bumps to go over (she actually gets mad when I miss them), reading lots of books, and, of course, falling asleep with the warm wind in her hair.

I started off riding in only great weather, but would progressively ride in wind and the occasional drizzle.

In 2008, P, M and I visited Portland to see Uncle and Aunt M. The weather was, of course, rainy and cold. One weekday morning, we were at a restaurant on a side street knoshing on a late breakfast and I couldn't help take notice just how many bikes with kid trailers whizzed by. I remember at least 10 in one hour. Uncle M remarked how common it is, no matter the weather. Anyways, since then I realized that I shouldn't give up what both M and I love just because it's a bit rainy out. Last year we covered almost all summer and fall miles on the bike/trailer.

I've been very bummed that I havn't been able to ride with M during this beautiful spring since baby A can't ride yet. However, every Friday I get to see my friend GD, his daughter and M's friend C, and her little brother S, 'ridin' the train.' How cool!

Daddybloggin'

Interesting post about SAHD bloggin:
http://edelmandigital.com/2010/04/07/dad-bloggers-deserve-respect/

Swings

I read recently in a review of Oak Park that the name of the town was a misnomer, since it's lacking vast parkland. Agreed, the town doesn't have a large green oasis, like a central park.

However, I think we have numerous, really cool parks in the area where kids can be kids. Better yet, the parks are small and intimite, fostering a great sense of community. Being from Atlanta, where one must drive 15 miles in traffic for a decent green space, I think OP

While M runs around the playground equipment looking for slides and stuff to climb, A has found her niche...

She sat there swinging on Tuesday for an hour, watching life go by with a smile from ear-to-ear. Amazing to see.

A-Maze-in

So, anyone who knows me well knows I go crazy for Libraries. Yes, with a capital Y! Where else can you go to get so much free information and resources?

Ok, so what if the Net is at your fingertips? The library gives the added bonus of so many untangibles: the smell of books, the faint sound of a photocopier in the distance, interactions with other patrons (why is a patron only used for library customers?)...oh, and stuff is usually free, so long as you have a, ahem, free library card. Crazy.

Anyways, I love going to the Oak Park Libraries with M, and now A. M loves going and getting a couple books and movies, but can't wait to get on their computers for some games.

She could play for hours.

Oak Park has a wonderful downtown location with a great layout, especially on the kids floor. Closer to us is the Maze Library, very quaint and cool architechturally with the exposed buttresses. It's small, but very condusive with keeping up with 2 kiddos at once!