Par for the course, we seemed to pack as much into our 3-day Labor Day weekend as possible.
Saturday was filled from stem to stern with errands, including a trip to the local fabric store so we could buy the fabric for Annika's Halloween costume; she decided she wants to dress as a witch, but not just any witch. She wants to be a witch in a pink sparkle dress with a purple hat thank you very much.
On Sunday, we packed up the crew (minus Smudge, so stayed home to relax in the peace and quiet) and headed up to Whidbey Island to have a sleep over with Eric's folks. After arriving and putting our feet up for a bit, we headed to the health club that Eric's parents belong to and took advantage of the club's salt water pool. Three generations of Olsons were in the pool splashing, swimming, and playing together. It really was a treat to go swimming together and not stink like chlorine after climbing out of the pool.
The real reason for our visit this weekend was a surprise to our kids right up until the last minute. A few weeks ago, Eric's mom's told her friend (Cindy) about the cowgirl hat and boots she and Jack gave to Annika for her birthday. Cindy extended an invitation for the kids to come over and ride her miniature horses, so Annika's cowgirl gear could get some horse time. Really, how could we pass that up?? We kept this adventure a secret from the kids just in case the plans fell through, but all worked out and we got to visit the pint-size equines. Oh, how I love horses.... great and small, and it seems that Annika has been bitten by the same hose-lovin' bug. :)
We started out with a little introductory time with the horses Tawny and Prince. Cindy told us about how Tawny had colic the day before (UGH!) and how impressed she was with Tawny's rapid recovery thanks to the vet's intervention. She also explained how Prince was nursing a sore hoof (poor guy) and wasn't feeling at the top of his game. Cindy's granddaughter Avery was there, too, to meet our kids and share "her" horses with our kids. The girls were adorable in their pink cowgirl boots, I have to say! After we got the low-down, the kids got some hands on time with the horses; Conor wasn't overly interested in riding, at first but Annika was all over the idea from the get go. We are so grateful to Cindy and Avery for sharing their Monday and horses with us!
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| Cindy and Avery walking Annika (on Tawny) around the yard |
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| Tawny, Annika, and Avery mozying around |
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| Annika taking Tawny and Avery for a walk |
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| Conor and Prince getting to know each other |
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| Our cowgirl |
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| Eric showing Conor how to feed flowers to Prince |
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| Eat up, Prince |
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| Conor feeding snacks to Tawny and Prince |
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| Staring contest |
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| Conor going for a ride on Tawny |
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| Our kids: The next generation of city-born-but-country-at-heart kids |
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| Annika taking Tawny for one more lap before heading home |
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