Biking Ridgeline

I finally, FINALLY mountain biked Ridgeline Trail.  I have wanted to since high school.  It got put on the back burner, and I never planned it, and I was super silly for not pursuing something that was totally doable.  Ol' well, better late than never.   I have been interested in mountain biking since middle school.  I would ride my garage-saled bike from the 60s through the orchard and river paths behind my house.  I thought it was so thrilling, and I felt so cool doing it, metal clinking and all.  lol.  In high school, I got a local bike map, and learned the only official mountain biking trail in Eugene was on the back side of Spencer's Butte.  I was so excited to go someday.  Long story short, this was my first time at the end of September.     

The map said the trail was easy.  Chad mocked me when I put on my helmet, as if I were the dorkiest wannabe ever.  "Whatever!"  I said. "I have 2 babies to live for, darnit!  I don't know about this trail.  I don't really know what I'm doing!"  Well, thank goodness I wore that helmet, because, that trail was not easy, not to me.  It was 2-3 feet wide, with big drop-offs on the side, some crazy switchbacks, and plenty of hills.  Easy?  Huh?  At least, intermediate, c'mon.

So basically, I was in this totally freaked-out state of mind for the first half.  I was basically just trying not to fall.  It reminded me of my first time skiing, and I went down a trail way too difficult for me.  I had just enough control, screaming (literally, and speed-wise) down the hill, to not injure myself, right on the borderline of disaster.  Except the difference was that, if I fell, I would get REALLY hurt instead of just landing in snow.  Big whoop if you fall in snow!  Tumbling down a rocky, forested hill?  No thanks!

After halfway, hills got to be more fun, and less freaky.  My eyes actually wouldn't bug out before I saw them coming.  The scenery was beautiful.  When I was done, I was really proud of myself.  It was fun, and now I know what to expect.  But, more mountain biking with have to wait until better weather, and apparently I need to practice on some baby trails.             

Chillins

Miss Aijahlyn is our little sweetheart and snugglebug.  She loves to face out, so I don't see her face as much as I like....lol.  She can stay in her chair for LONG periods of time, making it very convenient to get things done, but then ofcourse I feel guilty for leaving her "alone" so long.  But, alas, the house doesn't clean itself, nor the clothes, nor the dishes, and ya know.  Her hair has always reminded me of baby bird feathers, it's so soft, and every day I rub my cheek against it.  Hmmmm.  And like all babies, her cheeks are ridiculously perfect for kissing  : )  She can be quite the conversationalist with a wide range of coos, or she's completely silent.  On or off.  She always smiles back at you, as long as she's not tired.  I'm always wondering what her personality is going to be like....and so far, she seems just as happy and mellow as Jet, with a touch of feist.  Lucky us.  We love you Aijah.

Autumn update

 Sheesh, fall holidays speed by, I tell ya!  Now that I've finally put all my old photos onto an external hard drive, I can upload new ones.  Yay.  It was really easy.  I can't believe I procrastinated so long. 

 Deterings with the family.  We went with my parents and Nicole.  Always so fun!

 We got a bunch of butternut squash and some caramel corn that we hoovered on the way home.

 We took a Portland trip to go to this authentic Argentine food cart.  Chad was finally able to have Argentine food for the first time in ages!  He confirmed it legit.  Yep, delish.  Now I don't have to hear explanations of what a lomito is, or an alfajore, I KNOW what they are.  Maybe it's a good thing it's in Portland because we would eat there too much.  We also went to IKEA.  I got cute stuff for the kids' rooms.  Happy me....lol. 

 Jet was a viking for Halloween.  It was Chad's idea.  We got the hat at the Scandi Fest this year.  So, we built the costume around that.  I didn't want to take the time to make a costume, but Chad made me.  It worked out really well.  I found a few old coats, belts and scarves at St. Vinnies, and put them together.  I did it all during 1 naptime.  I can handle that.  His boots rocked.  He had an axe too.  We went trick or treating with David, Lindsay, Hailey and the boys.  They were being really quiet at the doors, so David said they needed to be loud.  Ever since that comment Jet would yell, THANK YOU! and TRICK OR TREAT! after he got candy.  Luckily, the yelling went well with his costume.  Aijahlyn stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Durfee.  She was a bumblebee.  Pics of her are a-comin'.