Hot Diggity Dog

Mondays just seem to be the day we do these things.  We have regular lessons on the week days/evenings, and this follows some of the lessons.  This time, we didn't make a huge Bon Fire, because, as you can see, it's plenty warm anyway.  I think there is enough hot air blowing around. I am out here ignoring it, trust me.

Jilly is a bit of a "ham" for the camera, can ya tell?

She is kind of excited to be wearing new spurs.  I have made her wait til now, to help her to appreciate them.  Also, I wanted her to use her legs, and not rely on spurs.  Marshmallow is a GREAT kids horse, but she doesn't  go any faster than she has to.  Jilly has a hard time even getting the spurs to touch Marshmallow.  I think it's just the "confidence" Jilly felt with shiny stuff, that made her ride and GO faster now. 

This youngster has been taking lessons from me for years.... She sure wasn't that long legged when I met her!  Today for the first time, She is giving my little ginger headed niece a ride.  There is something about having the responsibility of another little child, that is hugely educational.  She took this very seriously, and was extremely careful with my niece, Autumn.  Autumn is the Grand daughter of my sister, Arlene.  We lost Arlene 5 years ago, to Cancer.  Arlene was the only one of us kids that was red headed.  Autumn is the spitting image of her.  Seems magical to me in so many ways.

Jilly is an awesome big sister to little brother, Bryce.  And Bryce has no worries going for rides with Jilly.  We do this several times a week.  Building confidence .... super key

I love how in both these photos, the older kids (all of 7 & 8) are keeping an on their younger charges. 

Bryce has worn his Daddy out!

Now it's time for some dinner.  What kid needs more than Hot Dogs and Cheetos and Lemonade?

The twins have joined us for fun and games too.... I'm a happy Grandma!

My Mom and Dad arrive ...and are greeted by Jilly & Scout

My oldest sister, Ardie, showing Autumn the "fine art' of making 'smores.  Yes, Arlene, we are helping to raise her right. 

Simple Pleasures

After dinner, exercise is a good thing!

Tuesday is another day.  Another lesson, another evening of fun.  I hope that you all have an outlet that you can turn to, that is also fulfilling and does someone good.   This outlet does me a ton of good, but I believe without a shadow of a doubt, that it does everyone in these photos just as good.  The work world is left at work, and I shut my thoughts to the negativity of it, or this type of pleasure/joy would not be allowed to do it's justice.

Autumn visits again.... and has a ride with Aunt Jess

All kids learn to put their own horse away.

Then the kids 'hit' the trampoline again!

Bryce looks like he is suspended in air.

Who me?

We even let the horses out to 'clean up' the weeds/grass.  Beamer is a great lawn mower.

On Wednesday, Jilly and Austin decide that it's a good idea to jump from the trampoline, grab a bit of my apple tree, and land.

Several attempts are made, before I decide the tree has been pruned enough.

Marshmallow is out wandering too, so the kids 'round' her up for some attention.  I don't think Marshmallow minds one bit.  Do you?

They can't help themselves.  They have to get on.  Marshmallow doesn't care, she just proceeds to eat.

Meanwhile, Beamer has gone to check out the "Play ground" he has heard so much about.  He decides to stay and do a bit of tidying up.

Yes, this is the way lives should be.