What a great day it was! We headed out to our friends the Glancy's on Tuesday afternoon. Kristin was going to get to ride! She was so excited. I thought Ryan might want to ride, but when we got there, he said, no, he wasn't really interested. Janet offered to let me ride...oh my, it's been since our honeymoon almost 22 years ago since I've been on a horse! Before that, it was with girlfriends in college, and prior to that, it was all those 2 week vacations in Ohio, on my Aunt Corysue's horses. What a blast it was for me to get on a horse again. 
I made sure to make it a short ride...one, because I was yearning to get out of the arena, and run....and second, because I knew how sore I would be today!
Janet offered to let Kristin saddle up and ride--or to do some balance riding/learning. 
Kristin chose the learning, and she did really well. Janet helped her walk Moe, and then put her on the horse, with only a blanket saddle (no stirrups, almost bareback) and had her learn to balance. It also got Kristin very comfortable, because she was intent on balance, and getting the feel of a horse, as well as not having to worry about controlling the horse. (Although these were the best behaved horses I've ever been around. Very gentle, answered to every command, and so easy going!). Janet worked with her for 30 minutes or so, and I could see Kristin relaxing as she was on the horse. Next time we'll see what Janet has in store for her.
After we put the horses away, and cleaned up....we had the most incredible dinner. The sun was just setting out the window of their incredibly beautiful home and we enjoyed a wonderful pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots & the most YUMMY biscuits ever! The company, combined with the atmosphere, combined with a great day, and good fellowship, topped the day off. What a blessing.
Thanks Janet & Bob for the blessings you gave us yesterday...fun, food & fellowship.
First bloom on the plum tree...
I felt it a few days ago, in the evening as I arrived home just after dark. I had been coming home in the light, but worked a bit later this particular day, and as I got out of the car, with the stars shining, I heard it...Spring....Crickets, frogs and more frogs. You could smell it in the air--that fresh Oregon air....what Bill & I still call "camping air"---you know that smell if you live in the city, and travel to a place that is free of pollution. It was a glimmer of hope to my soul.
I walked through the yard today, seeing how much had opened the last few warm days...ahh....refreshing!
New Rose Bush shoots....
How I love Spring, longer days, and the sounds of spring & summer. Each spring seems a new beginning to me. 
Lilac leaves....
It was a beautiful day today. I'm thinking we hit more than 60, but never really checked. 
Ryan cut the grass that was growing out of control, and we got the yard cleaned up, and the suburban washed. We were blessed to have Alyona come to help with a few projects, and she & Kristin got to spend some time together. It was nice to have her around, as we've missed how funny she can be. What a gift the sun was today....Thank You Lord!
We have been very busy...so just a few pictures to bring you up to date.. At Home School Group...we've been working hard on Science....pig science that is! You can follow this link to our Home School Page and catch up there...just to not be redundant for those of you that follow both blogs! Last weekend (Feb 6th)--we got out for the day with Nate, Katie & Auggie (AKA Audrie), and hit the home show in Albany. Kristin & Auggie did some cool tiles, and Nate just liked sitting on the Home Depot buckets. Afterward we went to Red Robin for lunch, and then headed separate directions...as we had some errands to run. 
On Saturday, Feb 13th, while Ryan went to a friends, we headed to the coast...we enjoyed our day with only one kid, and she soaked it up as well! It was drizzly, so no pictures, other than the HAND Kristin got to sit in at an antique shop we stopped at.
What I don't have pictures of, are work & school....I've been having a blast at work this last two weeks as my boss has put me on some special projects, just working to help others catch up. Really a team effort, but I've gotten to do some skip tracing....what a kick for me! Bill has just finished mid terms, and he is halfway through the semester. Looks like we are heading to Michigan over spring break. Just the two of us....yahoo. Not warm & sunny, but anxious to see Bill's folks new place, and see my grandparents. My folks will still be in Florida, but this is one of the few breaks Bill will have.
Tomorrow is another busy day....but fun--as we're going to dinner, and Kristin is going to get to ride...should be fun! I will post pictures soon.
I made sure to make it a short ride...one, because I was yearning to get out of the arena, and run....and second, because I knew how sore I would be today! 
Kristin chose the learning, and she did really well. Janet helped her walk Moe, and then put her on the horse, with only a blanket saddle (no stirrups, almost bareback) and had her learn to balance. It also got Kristin very comfortable, because she was intent on balance, and getting the feel of a horse, as well as not having to worry about controlling the horse. (Although these were the best behaved horses I've ever been around. Very gentle, answered to every command, and so easy going!). Janet worked with her for 30 minutes or so, and I could see Kristin relaxing as she was on the horse. Next time we'll see what Janet has in store for her. 
