Fall Biking

The weather here has continued to be terrific and with all the trees now changing color, the fall is pretty spectacular. I never thought I would say that IL could compare with CO, but I have to say that the fall definitely gives it a run for its money. We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather on Sat and headed over to a forest preserve a few miles from the house with Alec and his strider and Brody. Alec rides his strider like a professional these days, he can balance for minutes at a time while turning around corners and everything. It really is cool to watch and we are super excited to get him on a big boy bike next summer. We had a great time riding, walking and collecting leaves, a new fave activity for Alec. I think Alec ended up riding for over 3 miles, and he never complained once. Only downfall to the afternoon was Matt deciding to take Brody off his leash near the lake - the dirty westie immediately jumped in the water, then got stuck and had to be pulled out by his neck, and then rolled in enough leaves and mud to turn himself completely black. He provided great comic relief for everyone who passed us on the trail and then had to get an hour bath when we got home and an appt at the groomers for a shave b/c we can't even come close to getting him clean. Alec found the whole thing hilarious; he loved chasing Brody around in the dirt and then telling us over and over about how "filthy" he was.

Alec's new cheese face, it's terrible, but we can't get him to stop. I guess we may have to limit posed photos for awhile.

Brody stuck in the lake

what used to be a white dog

laughing at and chasing Brody

and one shot of the boys with their new hair-cuts. They went all by themselves, a big step for me, but they both came back looking good.