25th Anniversary of Challenger Disaster

You know how there are some HUGE events that affect the entire nation and you can remember where you were either when the events occurred or when you first heard about them?  Obviously, most recently most USA citizens can remember where they were when September 11th, 2001 occurred.  My mom's generation remembers where they were when they heard about JFK's assassination.

For me, as a child, I remember where I was then the Challenger space shuttle exploded.

I was in second grade.  Several other classrooms squeezed into my classroom to watch the LIVE transmission of  the launch of the Challenger.  We were so young and so excited.  Then... we were so very confused!!!  What just happened?  We saw lots of smoke and fire and there didn't appear to be a shuttle anymore.  The television was quickly shut off and we were left bewildered and forced to move on to our next math lesson -- much to our dismay!

Seriously, what just happened?

Sharon Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher to fly in space. Selected from among more than 11,000 applicants from the education profession for entrance into the astronaut ranks!  Or Ronald McNair, only the second African American to ever participate in a NASA mission...

Seven brave men and women tragically died on that gorgeous, sunny morning on January 28, 1986.

Pedalling

Tomorrow I get to go on a crazy fun bachelorette party. Have you ever heard of the "PedalPub"?! It is this awesome, fun trolley, bike thing. It's kind of hard to describe, so take a look at a few of the pictures...

The PedalPub™ describes itself as "a party on wheels! Pedal-powered by three to sixteen people, its maximum speed is five miles per hour - just the right speed for sharing good times with friends as you tour scenic routes." You are allowed to bring your own food, beverages, and alcohol (subject to local ordinances). On our ride, we will have a keg of light beer, some wine, snacks. Our local ordinances do not allow hard liquor or glass, so we will need to be somewhat behaved. However, considering we are pedaling along a scenic route in downtown Minneapolis and cruising through one of the many bar-lined streets, I anticipate there will be plenty of stops for refreshments...

And, people, please pray for good weather!

Personally, I like to at a minimum make a weak attempt at looking my best when out with the girls. Dare I say, I strive for hot or beautiful -- usually in vain, but what the heck! Who doesn't want to look great when out with a bachelorette party?!? Which brings me to my only concern -- looking sexy is not very compatible with pedalling a bike in 95 degree heat with sweltering, suffocating humidity. As I said, people... pray for me and unseasonably COLD weather.

Car Bike Thingy

Our fabulous neighbor, Carol, got this awesome car/bike thingy and thought the kids would enjoy it, so she passed it on to us. And, oh boy! Was fun had!!! The kids love to push each other up and down the block on it... it's strange and almost like a go-cart, but not exactly because it's human-powered, not gas/fuel powered.

The wee ones can't actually pedal on their own and need constant pushing to keep it moving. Oh well! They love it nonetheless.

ATVs, Sleds, Boats

We like to visit Auntie Katie and Uncle Jim at work at Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine in Rosemount, MN. Lots of dreaming while looking at all the ATVs and sleds and boats. Good times!

Motorcycle Wanna-Bes

My children love to see Jimmy on his motorcycle. E begs for rides all the time -- much to my dismay! E is occasionally allowed a brief, SLOW ride around a parking lot, of course only with a helmet. G and D are strictly forbidden until they are much closer to FIVE FEET tall or at least FIFTY YEARS OLD. As close as they get is a sitting still picture.

Lazy Parents 'R' Us

C and I were unable to muster enough energy to chase the children up and down the block on their scooters, trikes, and bicycles, so we did the next best thing.

Racing laps around the kitchen.

You dare ask if I AM SERIOUS?!?! You betcha. It was a blast.

A word of caution to the wise - the only reason it worked was because E was not home to add to constant crashing we had going on.

Think two year old version of an indoor demolition derby, complete with head gear. Safety is always a top priority around here.

Pedaling

The children were biking and scootering recently and I like some of the pictures, but I am too lazy to paste them into my blog. If you'd like to see them, you can view them at http://picasaweb.google.com/BlumerLaMotte/20080524Cycling. Enjoy their cuteness.

Helmets are a Must

Over the weekend, Auntie Katie tried her motorcycle helmet on G and D. It was so heavy, the children looked like bobble head dolls. They could barely hold their heads up. It was impossible not to cackle at theie expense...