Crayons and Keyboards

Princess Cycle Club

Not sure which I am more impressed with:

1. Her ability to pull off the dare devil look, complete with the Mini Mouse costume, or

2. Her ability to pull off the princess crown / helmet and still look cool.

High Rolling

On my calendar for months, has been the Frederick Clustered Spires High Wheel Race. One only four races of this kind in the world, I was immediately hooked.

Some riders dressed the part, some dressed in modern attire, some rode new versions of old bikes, and one rider rode an original bike from 1891.

We weren't able to stay until the end due to a birthday party for our neighbors, but no doubt learned a lot about this unique group of riders.

With the race sponsored by a local craft beer brewing company and with the start/finish line in front of the brewery; some major sacrifices were made on my part.

Pale Ale or Season Rye beer? Touch choices had to be made.

Thursday evening free ice cream social...don't mind if we do.

Frederick embraces it's place in history. It was a pivotal area during the Civil War and the local museums and historical societies take great pride in teaching the community the importance of their town.

Opening their doors, the Historical Society of Frederick County hosted a free ice cream social. Free to get in. Free ice cream until you sweated vanilla.

Representing

On Her Toes

Decisions, Decisions.

Me and My Lady

Miss Belle pulled off a great photo for a beginner.

Saturday Night Special

With our recent move to Jefferson, we are centrally located to some great little towns. From our back patio, you can almost spit on Virginia and West Virginia.

We had a general idea of where we were headed Saturday night when we set off for dinner; Brunswick, Maryland for tacos and then head somewhere for ice cream. Dinner was so-so and the ice cream was a welcome visitor it the hot-and-humid afternoon sun. However, the best part of the evening was after the ice cream, which we found in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, was the impromptu hiking outing along the Potomac River and Appalachian Trail.

A little history, a little sight-seeing, a little train watching, and a little conversation with two hikers from Switzerland hiking the Appalachian Trail (headed north to Maine), made for a family evening that helps to but things in perspective.

Truly one of the most beautiful evenings we've had in a while.

Friendly Fish Fry

Bingo Game

Afternoon Ferris Wheel

Apparently, we had way more fun than the worker in the bottom right of this picture was having...

Photo Finish

Traveling carnival passed through Jefferson a few weeks ago; surprisingly keep date night for the family.

We couldn't get Belle to ride anything; however, Jax rode just about everything in sight and with a little pushing was up to challenging mamma to a race.

Robbie had no chance.

White Washed Wheats

Family Roots Re-Rooted

It still amazes me how after years of not seeing a family member or friend, you can meet them for dinner and pick up like you just saw them yesterday.

My oldest cousin, Dale, and his family are in DC for vacation and to see his younger brother David; thanks to a little coordination over Facebook we were able to meet for some good Mexican food in DC (yes, there are a few good Mexican spots up north).

Dale and his wife have known each other since elementary school, which I never knew until tonight, and they are two incredibly intelligent and thoughtful individuals - and Jackie's dad use to have THE most incredible train set you have ever seen - took up an entire garage and including mountains, water, moving parts...greatness to me when I was their son's age.