Flaming Onion Volcano!!

Sunday started off with a bike ride. Susan is thinking about doing another triathlon and we were out for a short 6-10 mile ride. Every time we go out, I wonder what it would be like to be riding a light weight road bike instead of the 35lb bike I'm riding now. On Saturday, Trek is having factory Demo near Dayton. Right now I'm planning to go so I can try out a road bike and see the difference. Susan seems to be enjoying her slick Trek bike - this thing is so light I can literally bounce it in my hand. We both need to learn a little basic bike maintenance, and I wouldn't mind learning a little more advanced maintenance. Like all hobbies though, this one can get pricey. At least its a health hobby!

One of my goals this weekend was picking up a new phone and camera. Unfortunately, all my relaxing, cooking and other activities got in the way. :( So, I'll work on the phone and camera after work. We also were unsuccessful in our couch shopping effort. I found a chair I really like, but it is proving to be a bit of a challenge finding a couch that will work with it. Especially given our limited space in the basement. We'll get after it again this week and see what we find.

We went to House of Japan for Abbie's birthday dinner yesterday. I think she just really likes the rice and the fun show while they're cooking the food. And, who can blame her?! I love when they do the flaming onion volcano and when the chef throws the eggs with his spatula....good times. As usual, Mom pulled off fun birthday surprises. First, she snuck in a cake (the restaurant was really great about letting us bring in a cake, then they cut and served it too!) and we all sang Happy Birthday! Abbie gets a little shy when we do this, but I think she really enjoys it. The best gift was a locket Mom got for Abbie. At some point, Abbie mentioned she would like a gold locket with a pic of her Mom on one side, and her Dad on the other. As usual, Mom pulled it off with flying colors. The locket itself was really cool too. One side had and angel engraved, and the other had Abbie's name and 7-03-08. Mom has always been good about great gifts and making kids feel really special. Abbie definitely got lucky in the Grandma department!

We finished the evening just relaxing at home. Susan made strawberry shortcake, and James and Megan stopped over to pick up a passport application.

This was one of the most relaxing weekends we've had in a long while. I'm hopeful our project stuff will continue to go well and we'll be cleared to leave on vacation to Charlevoix.

Happy Monday everyone!!