I think the most fun was probably had in the Parrot Playhouse…

The birds loved Katie…a little too much. Thankfully bird poop comes off easily with baby wipes.

To the bat cave…

Carter compares his wingspan.

Lily’s wingspan.

Lily’s scary bat face.

Apparently, bats have good hearing. I think Heather looks like a natural with those ears.

We wandered around the park and saw some other animals too:

Nana and Olivia checking out  the animals. Something must have been amazing.

There were feathers to look at, but Lily thought that her own fingers were much more fascinating.

Daphne putting together a puzzle with some help from her mama.

Owls! I think they were both getting a little concerned about their close proximity to each other.

Watch out, Audrey: I think that fish is big enough to eat you for dinner.

And, that’s a wrap folks! …except for the obligatory family pictures, OBviously.

Cousins!

Cousins with parents! (Apparently, Lily thinks that she is a part of our little family. )

Cousins with parents and aunts and grandparents!

Olivia’s outfit was inspired by this sketch that Tim drew before Olivia was born. He showed me the drawing, and said, “Okay, now can you make that hat?” It’s been waiting to shine since before she was born, and her head is finally big enough! : )

She just started sitting up on her own, but she still leans to the side for balance most of the time.

She also just started crawling, and she’s getting faster every day. I can’t take my eyes off this girl for more than a second!

Our baby girl is getting so big!

When I was home visiting my family for Christmas in 2006, I threatened to make my dad dance with me. First, he literally ran down the hall and hid in his room. Those of you who knew my dad know that he was very good at very many things. Dancing was not one of those things. But, he eventually emerged and relented. He let me give him a quick refresher on the waltz! The next day, he came home from work eager to dance.  While dancing around the kitchen with me, he sang a song that he had written earlier that day:

“When you’re in Rome,

You must dance like the Romans!

When you’re in Spain,

the Tango’s the thing…

If you’re in Russia,

You’ll kick! like a Cossack!

Over in France,

You’ll fling and you’ll swing.

 

You’ll twirl out a jig

if you’re dancing in Ireland;

in Poland, you must

try a Polka or two.

But when you’re with Father,

All dances are waltzes,

CAUSE THAT IS THE ON-LY

DANCE THAT HE CAN DO!

That Christmas was the last time that I saw my dad, and I will always remember this and many other fun and crazy memories.

I love my family.

Check out Katie & Joey’s flickr pages!

• Joey’s pics

• Katie’s pics

1. Origins

Few superheroes will reveal their origins, but before they were training in martial arts, web-slinging, or defying gravity, they were riding a bicycle. This is how it all begins: hero 101. Riding a bicycle will help you develop many critical superhero skills and put you one step closer to being able to proudly and publicly don multi-colored tights and a cape.

2. Understand Psychological Warfare

Like all superheros (Superman, Spiderman, Batman), you too must learn that public opinion can quickly turn against you: from ally to adversary overnight. When you change from a motorist to a bicyclist, you will likely become the target of scorn by citizens of the public road way. No one understands this transformation better than the veteran Segway user, who goes from mild-mannered citizen to super-nerd with the speed only a Segway user can dream about.

3. Train Anger Levels to Avoid Turning Green

The best way to learn control is to put yourself in a scenario that makes you angry. Then focus on staying calm. You could have a Special Agent shoot at you while working on a life saving Hulk-anti-serum. Or, you could ride a bicycle and have two ton instruments of death launched at you from random unsuspected directions while the controller screams obscenities.

4. Prepare For a Life in a Spandex Super Suit

Commitment to this kind of ridicule can only be developed after years of perseverance. It’s a very very slow process, so start small. First, begin in socially acceptable scenarios. Wear a neoprene swim cap, and after couple months you can move up to a tight T-shirt. Then when you’re ready, and only when you are ready, pick out a pair of Black Lycra Bicycle Shorts. Nothing will put you on the superhero fast track quicker. After a couple years, instead of riding straight home in your little bicycle shorts, you will be comfortable enough to stop by the local supermarket and do some shopping.

To Sum it Up

So, remember: If you are a motorist with the propensity of becoming a villain, the next time you choose to taunt a cyclist, beware; you may be the catalyst for the next super hero and your own villainous end.

Critical Bicycle Tips and Gadgets

1. The Hard to Find California Bicycle Laws
2. How to Avoid Getting Hit and Winning the “Door Prize”
3. Gear Shifters Not Shifting?