For as long as Alexis can possibly remember, we have made it a habit to go for a nice long (as in 9 miles) bike ride. Three times a week whenever the weather permits, we load up the truck and drive over to a bike trail for a little "family time." Except, it's not so much "family time" as it is an exercise in how differently Mr. Husband and I view exercise.

Mr. Husband is hard-core when it comes to working out. He works out at least five days per week and very truly believes in the mantra No Pain, No Gain. So his idea of a bike ride is to pedal as fast as possible in hopes of feeling the burn.

I am very hard-core when it comes to avoiding working out. Sure, I love playing sports, but if I'm not having fun, I just ain't doing it. You will never catch me running a marathon because I see nothing fun about running when a car can get me there much faster thankyouverymuch.

Somehow we both manage to get our way, thanks to the giant signs that hangs at each entrance to the trail. they says, "Stupid People Congregate Here." No really, IT MUST. I don't understand the phenomenon, but dozens and dozens of Pittsburgh's dumbest drive to that trail and then stand around chatting with one another. We've already established that I'm not the biggest fan of exercise, but I do believe that if I'm going to take the time to drive to a trail that is specifically for walking and bike riding, I sure as heck am going to do one of those two things.

The good news about the fact that people stand around all over the trail like a bunch of pins just waiting to be bowled over is that Mr. Husband gets slowed down. The bad news is that one of these days, one of us really is going to score that strike and somebody is going to get bowled over. I can't even begin to count the number of times that someone has suddenly stepped in front of my bike and nearly killed us both. Under most circumstances I'm more of a "Save yourself, I'll be OK" kind of person, but if you step out in front of my very fast moving bike? I'm totally taking you out with me. No. doubt. about. it.

The biggest challenge in the whole thing is making sure that the Toddler walks away having learned the right lessons. We hope that she will learn to love outdoor activities, will see exercise as fun, and won't learn too many cusses. Unless, of course, she wants to start screaming, "Get the (*&^ out of the way, you (^*&%&#$%& &^% %^&*$ %&**." I fully support her in any such endeavors.

(2006)

(2007)

(2008)