As the family was biking this morning, I thought about how fortunate we are.

We have FREEDOM.

Reminding myself not to take it for granted.

Remembering {that} day.

Realizing that it’s been NINE years and it still hurts.

Reveling in the beauty of today.

Red. White. Blue.

Yesterday Elliott’s principal said something at their Patriot’s Day ceremony that got me choked up…

She first thanked all the students, faculty and parents for wearing red, white & blue and then she said that even if your clothing didn’t reflect our country’s colors that was OK because we hold red, white and blue in our HEARTS.

So true.

*****

My sweet new beach cruiser can certainly hang in the SCV, too.

I am just grateful that Jay sprung for the 3-speed over the one-speed! I got the heart pumping while coming up the gradual hills home! However, there would always be a little reprieve at just the right time where I could cruise for a minute before pedaling like mad again.

We glided through the paved trail to the donut shop where Elliott & Holden paid for their two frosted cake donuts with colorful sprinkles with quarters from their lemonade stand last weekend.

I had my first Pumpkin Spice latte of the season.

So many people out and about with their dogs. There were kids in their Pop Warner, Fall ball and soccer uniforms. Bikes. Jogger strollers. Tweens on their Razors.

Such a busy Saturday.

Now off to the new “Sprouts” ~ so excited since we loved Henry’s from our San Diego days!

This afternoon we’re headed to Pasadena to sit under the gorgeous San Gabriels and tailgate before watching the UCLA/Stanford game this evening.

On the menu: Asian Chop Chop Salad with Sriracha-Lime Ranch

And a fun surprise sweet something.

Stay tuned for the recipes!

Wishing you a bustling, beautiful, “proud to be an American” weekend!

Cheers!