Saddle Up, Partner

Fall Break this year had a definite theme to it: Outdoor Horsin' Around Fun!  First, Lila got to ride a shetland pony at her friend Andie's birthday party.

Then she got to pet all kinds of fun farm animals, including baby chicks, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, a baby pig and even a llama!  Ok, so maybe she didn't pet the llama, but she liked hanging out close to it.

She also really enjoyed having her face painted, too!  She close a pink horse (shocking, I know!) and was so proud of it all day. 

Andie's cake was just so darn impressive, that I had to get share it, too.  Her mom MADE this cake!  How cool is that?!  Way to go, Kelly.

Later that afternoon, we headed up to the ranch.  We hadn't been in so long and were jonesing to go!  First, Boom rounded up the cows so that we could get a good look at the baby calf.

While we were waiting on the baby to get there, J showed Buddy all of the llamas. The llamas were a little camera shy, so we had to be quick.

After a little bit of a fiasco, we finally found the baby calf!  Only three days old--so cute!

A little while later, it was time to saddle up the horses.

"Riding real ponies" is without question Lila's favorite ranch activity.  She asks to do it all the time and can never get enough!

Daddy, Lila and Jackson went on a trail ride the first day. 

We never could convince Maddie to get out into the arena, but she did at least enjoy sitting on Princess for a little while.

We also had some hula hooping...

as well as trick horsey swing riding going on!  They love to live on the edge just a little:)

The next day we went back to see the baby calf.  This time we got him in the pen and could really check him out.  He'll have two more brothers or sisters born this week, so more playmates are on the way!

This was a really big weekend for Jackson, too.  He learned how to drive the four wheeler all by himself.  Then he started a shuttle service that was really nice!  He was very cautious and showed us that he could be trusted to drive it--I was so proud.

Lila's still got a few more years before we turn her loose.  But for now, she's happy just riding with her daddy.

After dinner, the kids helped build a fire and then we got to roast marshmallows and make smores.  They loved them.  The big kids both ate two and Lila even had one as well.  It was a little chilly outside, too, which made it PERFECT weather for a good smores night. 

Monday we woke up and this guy was ready to go again.  He realized that Buddy hadn't had a turn on the four wheeler, so he took him on a little spin.

After four wheeler practice was over, it was time to go find those ponies again for Miss Lila.  She started off riding Princess with Boom...

Then she hopped on Emma with her brother.  He was so good with her--he kept his arms around her tightly the whole time, making sure she didn't fall off.  Makes a mama proud.

Then she wanted one more spin on Princess before we called it a day.  Like I said, the girl can't get enough!

Looks like she will be following in her brother's footsteps.  After being led around for a while, Boom told Jackson that he thought he was ready to ride Emma by himself.  Boom made sure to stay close to them for a while, teaching Jackson how to make her turn right and left and how to make her stop.  Then he gave them a little more freedom in the arena and they did great!  Jackson is big enough to fit in the saddle now, and brave enough to try horseback riding on his own.  I knew he was a little scared, but he didn't show it out there.  Way to go, buckaroo!  I know you can't wait to saddle up again very soon.