How to go on a bike ride/walk with three kids

Step one: Have all potty-trained children use the bathroom. This is a must unless you a) are willing to return to a restroom at a moment's notice or b) have boys who are willing to go to the bathroom just about anywhere.

Oops. Almost forgot step 1.5: Pack water bottles and snacks as they are necessary for every child over the age of 1 if you'll be away from the kitchen for more than thirty minutes.

Step two: Load up bikes and/or strollers into the vehicle.

What did I do before the minivan???

Step three: Drive to a location without too many hills (unlike our neighborhood) because one or more of your children may be fearful of riding up and/or down hills.

Step four: Unload bikes,

ensure that helmets are in place,

and allow older children to begin down the trail.

Load adorable baby into stroller which you will push,

attempting to keep up with the bike riders.

Did you wear your running shoes?
I didn't.

Step five: Proceed down trail as if interval training: sprint at times(like when the stroller is getting away from you because you stopped to help B get his helmet-protected head out from under his bike) and at a snail's pace other times (when W encounters the slightest downward slope because she's afraid of careening out of control).

Notice there is no blur in this photo.
She is inching along.

Step six: After 10-15 minutes of enjoying the

beautiful scenery and perfect weather on the trail,

stop for a snack because B insists that he will starve
TO DEATH if he doesn't get nourishment ASAP.
(Did you only bring pretzels, Mom???)

Step seven: Turn around and head back the way you came because you don't want to hit that point of exhaustion where you end up pushing both bikes AND the stroller back to the van. That would be bad.

Step eight: Return bikes, helmets, and strollers to the vehicle.

Step nine: Drive home and arrive just before it's time to nurse C again.

Phew. Let's do this again soon! Or maybe not so soon.