A Fantastically Fun Family Outing

 The long-awaited family bike-ride had finally arrived and we anxiously hurried to downtown Siloam Springs, Ark. a few minutes distant from Grandpa and Grandma's house. Excitedly, we rented one 8-seater bike as well as two 5-seater bikes and struck out for a very eventful afternoon. 

Bike selections… Neat-o, we get to be "old-fashion" today!

Team #1: Papa, Mama, Christina, Charity, Caleb, Joseph and Daniel

Team #2: Anna, Elisabeth, Joanna and Sarah

Team #3: Josiah, Laura, Joshua and Carolyn

First stop was a quaint, little quilt shop which was of peculiar interest to certain of us. :)

Next, we had a great time making good use of a nearby hill. The way up was rather steep, forcing most of us to resign into pushing our bikes the rest of the way up. Sure did drain ones energy!     

The "power team," the title we all soon referred to them as, made it up the entire hill without dismounting! 

Looks as though she's pleased with their success… possibly a little tired? :)

Then we got the thrilling experience of riding down the hill. It proved to be completely worth the hard push up!

Aww! How sweet!

"Roses are red, violets are blue.

I'm so glad I'm in the buggy with you!" 

Picking up lunch at the nice little pizza place in town. 

Riding down the bike path towards our picnic destination.

Crossing a lovely bridge overlooking a singing creek.

Must have found something of peculiar interest.

"What a big family!!!"
"1,2,3,4…15,16…! Are they ALL your's?!"
"They're so well behaved!"
"She must have a lot of patience!"
  

Christina, trying out her driving skills.

Wonderful picnic spot! Couldn't get any better than out in nature, by a rippling brook, well shaded and, of course the best pizza in town!

And ya might as well make some "cool" memories while you're at it! 

Yep, We girls couldn't stay out of it either! "Ooo, that feels sooo good!!! :)"

Eight are better than one, for if one slips the others will be there to catch her (or him).

It was very slippery and a few had their share of slips, slides and water-seats. :)

Laura and Carolyn

"Sweet buddies."

Load 'em up and head 'em out!

Making memories that will be treasured for a lifetime :)

Joshua, take'n the wheel.

Elisabeth is actually driving on the road! Mark of progress! 

Now we have yet but to do the same in a "real" vehicle… the van. ;)

Thank you Dogwood Junction! We had a BLAST!!!! 

Hope to see y'all again before too long.

~ Elisabeth :)