Valentine Hug and First ride on Flicka

Eric's way to hug : )

First ride in roundpen (in my ownership)

fencework before first ride

groundwork before first ride

As you can see in the above pictures this month has been filled with some horesriding on our new mare Flicka. When we got her she hadn't been ridden in over a year and her last few rides weren't pleasant including getting her rider off several times in a row. I restarted Flicka as if she had never been ridden and she is doing quite well. She does have some trouble spots and needs to learn how to soften in the jaw and bend at the poll but overall she's doing good. I enjoy riding her. I don't know what her future will hold or if she'll make a gentle enough horse for beginners but I'm going to give her the chance. These pictures were taken Valentines day afternoon which was a little rushed or I might have cleaned myself and Flicka up for better presentation in pics LOL. The day was a great day including sunday school, Worship service and Coffee Happy hour at our church. We had a small Valentine party with our kids so they could enjoy the many wonderful gifts they got from Granparents. Sarah spent the day with us and we had a nice time celebrating our love for each other, our family and God's love for us.

new pics and updates

These pics were all taken at the end of January. The kids are doing well. Kayla is 3yrs old now and loves gymnastics, animals and running as well as any other activity that doesn't require going to sleep : ). Eric is now 20 months and despite his allergy to protein is growing like crazy. He LOVES riding horses and cries when you try to end the ride. He plays so well with Kaya and is one tough little dude! Greg and I are doing well and enjoying our home in the country despite a few big storms that seem to keep blowing down everything we build before we can even finish a project. Kayla in the hat Beth made her when she was a baby

This is Flicka. We got her about a week ago. She is fitting in well with our other horses and cows.

Here Eric is running down our road. Sarah took this picture while trying to keep up with Eric and Kayla running free on 10 acres no simple job I assure you.

I love this picture of Kayla and Eric exploring the property. The dog belongs to our neighbor and seems to think guarding us is part of his job. His name is Fred.