3... 2... 1... BLASTOFF!

 Last night I got one of the best surprises that I've had in the last couple of years (minus of course the trip to the Bahamas)! We've talked about it many times before but last night Jason showed up and surprised me with it! The kids weren't quite sure what it was at first. Cruz was of course fixed on watching the wheels of the bicycle and didn't realize that he was actually going to get to ride. For the first time in a long time I felt like a kid again myself. I ran inside and put my tennis shoes on as fast as I could. We strapped both the kids in and they seemed to get excited just sitting next to each other. Jason and I snapped our helmets on and hit the pavement. There was a slight pause of anxiety as I mounted that bike as I haven't been on one since I got pregnant with Cruz. But as soon as I pushed those pedals I immediately slipped back into it. That 30 minute bike ride was the liberating, exciting, and full of promise. There is nothing like feeling the rush of wind against your skin. For the first few minutes I didn't even think about our kids, I got to be the kid again. I probably repeated 'oh my gosh, I am so excited' a hundred times. I was like a kid on Christmas morning! I finally slowed next to their seat and peeked in. They both were grinning ear to ear. Occasionally I would look back at them and see them holding hands and enjoying the ride. For Cruz, the avid adrenaline junkie, I know he was loving feeling the speed that makes stroller rides pale in comparison. Both the kids remained quiet the entire time minus the occasional giggle. There was no screaming, there were no tantrums, no punching or kicking. Cruz submitted to feeling the new sensation. This seemingly 'recreational' piece of equipment brings me to the point of tears I am so excited. It is full of hope and promise to me. Promises for evenings together as a family. Promises of the chance for Jason and I to have meaningful conversations as the kids enjoy the ride and scenery. Promises of the chance to get out of the house together. Promises to explore new places together. Promises of a positive things to look forward to. Lets face it, sometimes just having something to look forward to is enough to take you through the day, hour by hour, no matter how difficult it may be. Even now I am watching the clock and counting down for daddy to get home so we can go for a ride. So today, I feel a refreshed sense of hope and choose to look ahead to fun family evenings together!