Sun to End September!

Anna & Joe taking a break on the Custis Trail

It was a rainy September in Northern Virginia.  Actually, it was the rainiest weather on record.  Usually September is one of the nicest months of the year as the temperatures drop to the 70s, the tourist leave town, and we just get to enjoy being outside.  This year the weather has been unusually warm and at a couple of points we thought we may be living in Seattle.  It just kept raining.  This was not helpful for Anna's soccer practice or games (they just play in the rain...lots of fun).    Finally, this weekend the skies cleared and we were treated to the September weather we have come to expect.

Anna's soccer team, the Red Devils (oh yes...half of the team is Catholic school girls so of course they are the devils), won their first game of the season.  This year they are playing on a full field with a mix of 7th and 8th graders.  It is a whole new level of play.  Joe is still helping coach and Anna is still with her core team.  Apparently there was some debate about the team name.  One of her friends was lobbying for "The Sparkles."  This was quickly vetoed by Coach Tom.  The devils it is.

Today, it was time for a family bike ride along the Potomac.  This is always a fun and educational experience.  First, the trail - like many things in Washington - has a lot of traffic.  There are serious bikers speeding by in their racing gear.  Then, they are a few parents that exhibit bad judgement and decide that this is the place for their 4 year old to learn to ride a bike (this is the equivalent of allowing someone to drive a car for the first time in rush hour traffic in New York City).  Next there are a handful of tourist on either bikes (which they may not have ridden since elementary school) or on motorized scooters (the latest craze & something that has increased emergency room visits in the area).  In short, there are a number of hazards on the trail.  We also found that parts of the trail was previously flooded (see above paragraph), which  left everyone in the family with muddy bikes, shirts, and shorts.  Despite the obstacles, it was a beautiful day for a ride! 

Anna, of course, was less than thrilled with this family outing.  She is exhibiting what may be described as typical tween behavior and is annoyed by most family outings...unless it involves shopping.  Her parents persevered and believe she may prefer biking to hiking.  Joe and Theresa also agreed that one day, Anna will likely have her own children hiking and biking and will recall fondly her Sunday outings with her parents (at least that is what they tell themselves when she is complaining).  Happy September!