St. Patty's Day weekend

So we decided to go the St. Patrick's Day parade Saturday morning, 14 March. While it was nice and sunny out, the temperature was still only in the mid 40's, so pretty brisk. Elliott and Rosemary were bundled up under a blanket in the double stroller...pretty cozy from what I could tell.

Elliott and Rosemary seemed to have a nice time. Elliott was particularly entertained by the multitude of police vehicles and fire trucks.

One thing I mentioned to Alina (a few times, actually) was how much of the parade was taken up by local politicians (one of the hallmarks of suburban parades, I suppose?).

Bagpipe band? Check.

Irish Dancers? Check.

Guy selling $10 green hats? Check.

Every possible member of the county board, park district board, and school board (and their extended families)? Check, check, and check. We even saw a poor guy on a Suzuki snap his clutch cable and leave his bike on the side of the road. Ouch. That sucks.

The upside, however, was the candy.

Random person passing out candy: "Are they old enough for candy?"

Alina: "No, but Mommy and Daddy can eat it!"

Point of note, politicians soon up for election have better candy than the Cub Scouts, but the Cub Scouts have the precision scooter drill team (it was pretty cool watching 10-year olds performing drills on their little Razor scooters).

Sunday 15 March was also very sunny, but warmer...it actually broke 65 degrees. We took Elliott and Rosemary to brunch at a little hamburger joint at the local municipal airport. The tables literally look out right on the airfield, so Elliott got to spend an hour or so watching planes take off and land. Throw in a couple of helicoptors for good measure and he had a great time.

I managed to get the bike out during afternoon nap period and ride around for an hour. NICE. There were quite a few out this afternoon...all of us knocking the dust off. Can't wait for more consistent nice weather. The one thing I miss the most about the South...having a 10 month riding season versus a 6 month riding season.

Elliott even got in on the act this afternoon.

I got this hand-me down Power Wheels working in the fall (needed some rewiring), and he had about Zero interest at that point. Today he actually got on it, and once I showed him (reminded him, really) how to make it go he took off. Took off as in we proceeded to go completely around the block. And then the battery died.

What can I say, folks...start 'em early and get 'em hooked for life.

Until next time...