The New Machine.......

The kids pooled all of their Christmas money this year for a group purchase. They wanted the new Polaris 800. A newer, stronger battery powered four wheeler. A massive 24 volt battery kicks this puppy all the way up to 7 MPH!! It holds a staggering 150 pounds and has a flip up second seat. The kids love it and as soon as the battery was charged, they were off. They haven't stopped yet!

Sunday Riding on the Terror of San Diego County

We had a wonderful afternoon this Sunday! After church, we had lunch and Caitlyn, Conner and I decided to have some fun riding. We got Shiloh out and he basked in the attention. He was fully groomed, Caitlyn learned to pick and treat his hooves and then saddle. James loves to dress the part, but he isn't much of a cowboy as far as riding is concerned. So it was just Caitlyn and Conner. I decided it was time to break out the Buddy seat and let the two of them go solo. It made me laugh to see a horse that had struck fear in the hearts of vets and farriers all through San Diego, walking quietly under the guidence of an eight year old with a four year old in the buddy seat. He walked them calmly around the pasture and playground area. Conner got hungry and got off and Caitlyn continued to ride for a while longer. Shiloh then enjoyed the carrots that Conner brought out. Caitlyn took the passenger seat as I rode around with her. She completely enjoyed cantering, she is so my daughter!

Later I worked Bella while Caitlyn cooled Shiloh out. Bella did well and has calmed so much she really isn't the same horse. As for the "Terror", he quietly obeyed Caitlyn as she walked him and then put him up. He even lowered his head so she could remove his halter. What a scoundrel!

Creative Play for Active Children

Wow, sometimes you can give the kids everything you think they need for an established activity. Then that wonderful thing, Childhood Imagination, takes over.

While painting the new playroom, I decided that the kids could take their tempra paints and paper into the garage and do some painting of their own. I expected to see reams of colored smiles and ponies. When I came out to the garage.......I was very suprised to find that they had used the paint to cover the driveway in very oraganized handprints. It was wildly creative, very well laid out and covered the enitre driveway. After I appreciated their ingenuity, I squirted it with dish soap and gave them scrubbies. They had just as much fun cleaning it up as they did making it. Luckily it was about 70 degrees out, so chill wasn't a factor!

I did give them permission to paint the old stock tanks! Gotta love kids!