"chain chain"

Can you tell which one just got done crying?

This past weekend the twins came up to visit and we had a mini celebration for Abby’s birthday within the confines of the family, since they wouldn’t be here for the actual day. She has to wait for my presents. We went for a train ride with the twins Saturday afternoon that took us out to the old Asbury Quarry, where marble was mined and used for the Lincoln memorial among many other famous landmarks.

Sunday Abby and I went for a morning ride at Haw Ridge and really enjoyed taking advantage of the crisp cool weather. We came back and had a nice birthday celebration with a huge Mexican meal and some really good cheesecake following. Abby’s parents found her an old Western Flyer tandem beach Cruiser at a yard sale that is in excellent condition. We took it out in the afternoon on a test spin down to Anchor Park and along Turkey creek getting lots of looks and smiles. The thing is huge but we’ve somehow been able to make room for it in our little house. It will be a great addition for social rides in the near future.

Trains are called "chain chains" by the twins and they were very excited to see them and ride this one.

Bridge over the south fork of the Holston River. (Osprey nest on top)

State of the art twin retention devices were deployed to contain the collateral slobbering.

Nice views of the river and perfect weather to enjoy them.

The quarry is quite large. 50 foot ladder on wall if you look hard enough.

At the turn around the engineers treated everyone to a little drive by.

Looking down on the bridge on the way back. The Engineers gave us a smooth ride by keeping about 7-8 lbs of air pressure in the brake lines. This keeps the cars from springing together and bouncing during slow acceleration and decelerations.

Red caboose against green fields is a good contrast. You can rent to Caboose for about 200 bucks for private parties. If you have enough it's cheaper than regular fares.

On Sunday among other things Abby's parents brought an old watermelon for the girls who immediately commenced gutting it like lions at a kill.

Until a larger giggly predator came in for a look.

We got lots of flowers out front now...too bad we can't eat them.

The awesome find courtesy of Abby's parents.

Some of the kids enjoying the new bike a little too much.

Cheesy.