Horse Show

We spent most of the day today at a horse show put on by Alex and Margaux's trainer. The kids did fantastic! Their ponies were very well behaved and their riding was spectacular. Alex won two 1st place ribbons, a 2nd, and a 3rd. Margaux won THREE 1st place ribbons and a 5th place. Dan and I were extremely proud!

Pony Club Rating

Recently, Alex and Margaux rated up in Pony Club. They have been active in the local club of the United States Pony Club for about about 1 1/2 years now. I am really impressed with the whole Pony Club philosophy of teaching young riders. The organization focuses on the entire process of owning, caring for, and riding a horse safely and correctly. Alex and Margaux are really enjoying being part of a group of kids who love horses as much as they do. As part of the club, the kids are rated up as they learn more about horses and attain higher riding skills. The first levels are the D-levels--D1, D2, and D3. In April, Alex and Margaux both went up to D2. We were very proud of them! Pictures are below.

Wake's Growing Up!

Ever since Wake saw Margaux lose one of her baby teeth, he has been deathly afraid of his teeth falling out too. When he turned six last September, we were really worried because we knew that loose teeth couldn't be far away. A few months ago we started seeing little wiggles in Wake's bottom front teeth. At first he screamed when we tried to check his teeth. After a while he just cried. And finally, after Alex and Margaux told him all about the Tooth Fairy, he was actually proud that he was losing his teeth! Whew! Here he is, minus those first two teeth.

Life on the Farm

Life on the farm is good! Everyone has now moved in and is getting settled. The kids love romping through the woods and playing in the creek. Dan and I are enjoying the peace and quiet. The horses are getting used to their new routine, and the kids love cantering around the pastures. The dogs, including Margaux's new dog, a Border Collie named Gypsy, are having a blast with all of the new sights and smells. Iris (the cat) is sticking close to home these days, though--I think she is scared something is going to eat her. Here are some pictures from the farm.