Pancakes in Paradise

Today we took the family to Paradise Canyon in Rio Medina, Texas for the second annual Pancakes in Paradise bike tour.  We rode in the inaugural Pancakes in Paradise bike tour last year and loved it. Of all the bike tours we have done (which are many) this is our favorite! There is nothing better than a beautiful, long ride thru the Texas Hill Country followed by a pancake brunch next to a lazy river.

Paradise Canyon

This year rather than taking the entire bike caravan on the bike tour, Matt went solo on his speedy bike while I stayed behind in the canyon with the kiddos. Worried that my own speedy bike was a little jealous being left at home? Don't be! On our next bike tour it will be my turn to cruise through the Hill Country. This is the best way: Active three year olds and long bike rides just don't mix very well.

The pack is ready to head out into the fog.

Matt is ready to head out on the ride.
 Howie is crying because it is taking too long, and he is ready to play

Howie was quite happy to be left behind. He had water, mud, a bucket, and a shovel, which is pretty much all a little boy needs to be happy. He played in the water with a bunch of other little kids and a dog for a solid four hours and wouldn't even stop for pancakes. Henry slept, as he probably would have done if he had gone on the bike ride.

Meanwhile, Matt very much enjoyed his 45 mile ride. I will brag a little bit and tell you that he was the very first person from the 45 mile ride to make it back. As Matt said, "I've still got it." After he got back we both enjoyed some well-earned pancakes and relaxed in the sun. Then hot, tired, and happy, we headed home.

Kite Festival

This Saturday we took our bike caravan on a ride along the Salado Creek Greenway. After pedaling for 8 miles on a quiet path surrounded by wildflowers, we happened upon a kite festival in the park. So we dropped our bikes on the grass, pulled out a blanket, and enjoyed a picnic lunch under a canopy of floating butterflies, airplanes, frogs, and squids. A day just doesn't get much better than that.