2 years old

Party Party Party Girl

Cassidy had 3 parties for her 2nd birthday. Grandma Margie came up from Tucson to spend the week with Cassidy and on her Birthday we had Papa Doug and Uncle Bryce via skype to help us celebrate.


On Saturday we had a house full of friends, 23 in all with 8 little ones. It was great....and very busy!

Sunday brought down the rest of the family. Cassidy's cousins are very loving towards her and had a great time playing. Yes, that is my daughter in a pink skirt with princess shoes (thanks grandma margie!)...as long as she continues to have just as much fun getting dirty with the horses we'll be just fine!

Of course, Cassidy had lots of Grandma love....

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful village to help us raise our little girl. Happy Birthday Cassidy....You are loved much by many!

Happy Birthday Cassidy

Happy Birthday to our wonderful and amazing baby girl, who isn't much of a baby anymore!

Tucson

MLK weekend found us down in Tucson with Mom and Dad celebrating Christmas. I have to say, we're getting used to the idea of Santa hats on cactus! Mom and Dad had their new trailer all decorated, complete with a tree. Bryce wasn't able to join us in person but thanks to technology and Skype, we were all able to open gifts together!

We were able to spend 4 days down at "the farm". This year we were all a little sick and spent the days just hanging out. I got a very special treat as one of the borders has 2 Friesians who are absolutely beautiful (the big horses that are in the mid-evil time period movies) and offered to let me ride one. It was amazing and I definitely felt like I could storm a castle!

We had a potluck get together with all the campers. Cassidy met another little girl who likes grapes and tomatoes as much as her!

3 Generations....I love the smiles!

Of course we got to go for a wagon ride, which Cassidy asked for! I rode Gidget so she wouldn't be left behind.

When we got back from the wagon ride, Cass wasn't quite done and wanted to ride more so up she went on Gidget. Gidget wasn't too impressed though....this is why I won't own a mule!

The next day, Cassidy asked to go for another ride and Gidget was a little more willing. Cassidy rode for 1/2 an hour by herself!!! She wore out two side walkers, Grandma and Dad. I'm so proud!

The rest of the time was spent hanging around camp and the new, very spacious trailer. Cassidy had lots to keep her busy.

Check out the hands in the pockets....Definitely Grandpa's girl!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa and Mule Power Farms for a great trip!

Thanks Grandma!

Stickers....the gift that keeps on giving, even after they've been stuck on paper and on tummies! Thanks Grandma Margie, they sure are fun!

Meeting the Icelandics

During our break last week Cass and I went up to our friend Laura's family's farm to ride the Icelandic ponies...I mean horses that Laura has been telling us about. I was doubtful of her raves, but I have to admit they are a lot of horse in a little body and not at all what I was expecting. Laura and I were able to get in two long rides and I was amazed by their incredibly smooth gates and their ability to move out on the trail. Cassidy felt very comfortable on the broad back as well. In between our rides, she rode bareback for about 15 minutes with me just walking alongside and then not ready to get down, rode another 15 minutes before saying all done. I think she might have been a little cold though, and inside with Laura's wonderful mother-in-law was a piano and cats...a tough combo to be away from for too long.

The little grey is the horse that Laura is bringing home. His name is Loxy and is 5 years old. I got to ride him on our second ride and he is coming along really well. It's going to be really fun riding together, especially seeing the little draft horse next to Tucker the big draft horse. Oh the places we'll go!