We had lots of fun planned for today, and everyone was excited to have Matthew back home with us so we could spend it together! Our first stop was the barn for some riding lessons for the kids and I. Matthew left for Minnesota just a week after I started working, so this was the first time he has been able to come by the barn, see where I work and meet the horses. To be honest, he wasn't really that excited about this part of the day - he is not a huge fan of horses, or the smell of barns (which I happen to love)! But he came along anyways, because Rowan and Killian really wanted him to watch their riding lessons.
The kids started by getting their horses out of the stalls - Rowan was going to be riding Allie, and Killian and I would be riding Scout, who is my very favorite horse at the barn. He is gentle and a very sweet, good boy. He is a Tennessee Walker, so he has a very smooth gait that makes him a wonderful lesson horse. Rowan's horse Secret is perfect for her, because she is a little on the smaller side, just like Rowan. :)
Rowan putting on Allie's halter and leading her to the grooming area (that's Sarah, the barn owner and my boss):
Killian bringing Scout out:
First up - brushing! This is one of Rowans favorite parts, although as you can see from the picture, she needs a little help reaching the high spots:
She has the tail covered though, no problem!
Killian giving Scout a good belly brushing:
Sweet Scout - I sure love this horse!!!
After grooming, Sarah said that Allie wasn't able to be ridden (she has some ongoing foot problems) so we decided to use Scout for all three lessons. Rowan leading Scout out to the arena and climbing up into the saddle - that huge grin on her face gives it away. She can barely contain her excitement!!
And she's off!
Doing around the worlds (shifting from facing forward, to facing a side, to facing towards the rear, facing the other side and finally back to the front):
Watch out Rowan, you're going the wrong way!! ;)
After Rowan's lesson, Scout ran around the arena to blow off some steam before Killian's turn:
Then it was Killian's turn in the saddle! He did really well listening to Sarah's instructions, and even got to trot for a little at the end of his lesson:
After another quick run around the arena to blow off steam, Scout was ready for his third lesson of the day. Try not to laugh too hard at the sight of my goofy hat:
Now that is a look of total concentration! There is so much more to riding a horse than just flopping up on its back and kicking your heels. It takes a lot of awareness and subtle movements, which means I am all business up there!
We were all exhausted after lessons (Scout most of all!) and headed home for a shower and some baking to get ready for the festivities we had planned for the evening. We had made plans to drive out to Angie and Brett's to celebrate the Fourth of July with them, and their families. It's a long drive out there (Angie lives about 45 minutes from us) so we decided to stay the night so we wouldn't have to worry about making it home safe. I made two yummy paleo desserts to bring over - a black bottom banana creme pie, and a berry tart. That tart sure looks festive!
We got to Angie's in the afternoon, and hung out and visited with her parents for a couple hours. The kids were counting down the minutes until it would be dark enough to light some fireworks:
Finally it got dark enough...let the madness begin!
Killian loves his Roman candles!!!
Rowan still needs a little assistance with hers:
All together now...
Rowan with her favorite firework of the night (which she picked out solely because of the Pegasus on the front of the package):
Killian, Rowan and Catie winding down the night by huddling around the glow of burning "snakes". It ended up being a really long day, but an incredibly fun one. Hooray for fireworks, friends and FUN!
The kids started by getting their horses out of the stalls - Rowan was going to be riding Allie, and Killian and I would be riding Scout, who is my very favorite horse at the barn. He is gentle and a very sweet, good boy. He is a Tennessee Walker, so he has a very smooth gait that makes him a wonderful lesson horse. Rowan's horse Secret is perfect for her, because she is a little on the smaller side, just like Rowan. :)
Rowan putting on Allie's halter and leading her to the grooming area (that's Sarah, the barn owner and my boss):
Killian bringing Scout out:
First up - brushing! This is one of Rowans favorite parts, although as you can see from the picture, she needs a little help reaching the high spots:
She has the tail covered though, no problem!
Killian giving Scout a good belly brushing:
Sweet Scout - I sure love this horse!!!
After grooming, Sarah said that Allie wasn't able to be ridden (she has some ongoing foot problems) so we decided to use Scout for all three lessons. Rowan leading Scout out to the arena and climbing up into the saddle - that huge grin on her face gives it away. She can barely contain her excitement!!
And she's off!
Doing around the worlds (shifting from facing forward, to facing a side, to facing towards the rear, facing the other side and finally back to the front):
Watch out Rowan, you're going the wrong way!! ;)
After Rowan's lesson, Scout ran around the arena to blow off some steam before Killian's turn:
Then it was Killian's turn in the saddle! He did really well listening to Sarah's instructions, and even got to trot for a little at the end of his lesson:
After another quick run around the arena to blow off steam, Scout was ready for his third lesson of the day. Try not to laugh too hard at the sight of my goofy hat:
Now that is a look of total concentration! There is so much more to riding a horse than just flopping up on its back and kicking your heels. It takes a lot of awareness and subtle movements, which means I am all business up there!
We were all exhausted after lessons (Scout most of all!) and headed home for a shower and some baking to get ready for the festivities we had planned for the evening. We had made plans to drive out to Angie and Brett's to celebrate the Fourth of July with them, and their families. It's a long drive out there (Angie lives about 45 minutes from us) so we decided to stay the night so we wouldn't have to worry about making it home safe. I made two yummy paleo desserts to bring over - a black bottom banana creme pie, and a berry tart. That tart sure looks festive!
We got to Angie's in the afternoon, and hung out and visited with her parents for a couple hours. The kids were counting down the minutes until it would be dark enough to light some fireworks:
Finally it got dark enough...let the madness begin!
Killian loves his Roman candles!!!
Rowan still needs a little assistance with hers:
All together now...
Rowan with her favorite firework of the night (which she picked out solely because of the Pegasus on the front of the package):
Killian, Rowan and Catie winding down the night by huddling around the glow of burning "snakes". It ended up being a really long day, but an incredibly fun one. Hooray for fireworks, friends and FUN!
