Two Riders, Two Mounts

I picked up Sadie and Allie after school today and brought them home with me.  It seems like kidnapping is the only way to get them here to ride. 

And as luck would have it, Joe was available to help out.  It was decided that Allie would ride Clyde.  

And Joe had that under control.  

And look who Sadie got to ride, Otoelene.  Sadie wasn't quite as confident on Otoelene.  Going from a small pony to a full size horse can be intimidating.  Plus, Otoelene is much more sensitive to cues.  At one point, Sadie said she had been practicing her clicking and proceeded to demonstrate.  Otoelene started trotting.  

She has a much smoother trot than Clyde and no posting was needed.  

Allie was even brave enough to give Otoelene a treat.  

Sadie has gotten so much taller.  I'm sure it won't be long until she is riding around by herself on Otoelene.   And everyone was in a better mood without having to take turns.  And did you notice their clothes.  I am now keeping jeans at my house to make sure they have riding clothes.  

Golden Boy got a little attention too.  He even got a treat.  
Back at the house, the girls wanted to pick flowers.  

I put Sadie in charge of the clippers.  Allie told her which flowers she wanted.  

And they brought me back a beautiful bouquet.  

Allie wanted a snack, but since it was dinner time, I said no.  Taco salad was ready in a jiff and they had 4R beef and tomatoes from the garden that they picked.  Plus, flowers decorating their places.  

After dinner, I told Sadie we could practice drawing flowers.  

 I showed her how to draw cosmos.  Then she asked to be shown how to draw a dahlia.  Next, she wanted to draw the salvia.  I said, just look at it and see what shape it is.  She drew that without any other instructions.  I think she did fabulous.  But the real treat was what she said she wouldn't just have to draw daisies anymore.   When Virginia saw Sadie's drawing, she said it was suitable for framing. 

I guess Camp Mimi has turned into an after school program.  

Camp Mimi

Yesterday Mike brought Sadie and Allie over early. I thought it would be great to ride Clyde in the morning before it got too hot. I talked them out of playing dress up and we headed to the barn. 

Allie is very proud of herself that she can walk across the cattle guard without any help now. 

We had to make a stop at Golden Boy (not his real name) for some comments on how cute he is. 

Draper and GB followed us into the barn so he got some brushing also.  I love how calm he is so far. 

After rock, paper, scissors Sadie got to ride first. She did a lot of trotting. She is holding on less than not now while posting. (Sorry, no pictures, it talks all my effort to keep Clyde trotting). Allie might have lost the going first game, but Joe entertained her with scooping poop. When it was her turn she even let Sadie lead her around. 

Then she wanted to ride all by herself. She did great but still no trotting.  After that, they doubled up and I lead them 1/2 a mile down to the mail box and back. I think we managed 2 hours with Clyde. 

After that, I took them to town for some errands and stopped at Wendy’s for a late lunch.  Then back home for naps before Virginia camp to pick them up. Another fun day a Camp  Mimi. 
 

Mimi Wednesday

Wednesday, the babysitter's granddaughter had strep throat.  I asked if I needed to keep the girls.  Virginia said that would be nice.  There was a free movie at the local movie theater, David at 9:30 A.M.  Sadie and Allie  had never been to a movie theater.  

I thought I got off easy as we went through the lobby and sat down.  Two minutes later they asked for popcorn.  There was a "deal".  Four dollars for a box of popcorn and a small drink.  The only non pop choice was HiC.  I told them they could not eat the popcorn until the movie started.  Allie thought the commercials were the start.  And she is not good at making a drink last any time.  She was finished with that in 15 minutes.  Therefore, we had to make two trips to the bathroom during the movie.   

Sadie was very excited about the experience.  When the lights dimmed she gasped and asked, "what's happening?"  I told her there would be a bunch of commercials that we couldn't skip.  After each commercial, she would do a little gasp and say, "what's going to happen next?"  After the movie I asked if they liked it. YES!  Sadie said there was no point asking what she liked best because she liked everything.  She said she wanted to go back every day and watch David again.  

After the movie we went to the park where Chautaugua was offering a free craft; scrunchie, headband, hat or tote.  They both chose headband.  

I think they turned out very cute.  

I had to stop at the post office to mail something that I had sold on eBay.  Who knew that people want old computer punch cards.  Anyway, they had never been in the post office either.  The postmaster gave them each a book and a toy.  Then it was back to the house.  I had picked up Little Caesar's Pizza for lunch.  I told them they could see the new foal and I had a new princess costume for dress up ($1 from the deals store.)  After lunch they chose dress up first.  I have failed in their equestrian training.   

We finally made it out to see the colt.  There were lots of "oh, how cute" comments.  

And they were both able to pet him. 

He was very cute. 

I had put their head bands on and wanted to take a picture.  Allie was not having it at first.  

Then she perked up.  (notice she put her dress on inside out after princess dress up.  When I said we needed to change it she said no, it was fine.)

She even did some posing.  

But this was my favorite face.  

Sadie rather likes her picture taken.  I think the headband really suits her hair style. 

She too wanted to do some posing.  

Meanwhile, Allie had taken her headband off and put it back on herself.  She said she liked it that way and didn't want me to fix it.  

And let's not forget about Clyde.  Sadie wanted to braid flowers into his mane.  So I did a long French braid and let them stick wildflowers in it.  

Sadie LOVED it.  She said if we go to a horse show she wants him to look just like this.  

And notice she picked out a flower print dress to ride in with her cowboy boots.  

Allie still doesn't want to trot.  But she does like walking around.  

Sadie on the other hand only wants to trot.  I think Clyde might get along with Allie a little better.  I was suppose to have them fed and ready to leave for Bible school at 5:30.  They got peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for supper.  It was a full day. 

 

Weekend Fun

Sadie and Allie came over Saturday while Mike and Virginia worked on painting their newly finished basement.  But as soon as they got here they asked if they could spend the night.  Of course you can!

First things first, we had to go love on Clyde.  This time Sadie wanted to dress him up.  What I had as Christmas Parade items looks like it will work for 4th of July attire too. (especially next to Sadie's star jeans)

This time we went all the way down the driveway, through the gate and to the road and back.  Clyde was such a good boy.  

Back at the barn Allie helped Joe with the poop patrol.  

And Sadie worked more on her riding.  

There were lots more fun and games at the house.  

And we enjoyed pizza at CJ's for supper.  

Sunday morning they had already put on their dresses for church but they still wanted to go to the barn to help with Draper.  (she is a week overdue now) 

And they even let me braid their hair.  This has been a rare occurrence.  

After church they put on their bathing suits and played in the sprinkler.  It was a fun weekend. 
 

Friday Fun

The summer babysitter had a doctor appointment so I got to keep Sadie and Allie today.  

It seems like every meal now they want it to be a tea party.  I had some old snack sets which I traded out for one of mama's.  These have been working out great so far.   Sadie also likes to pick out a special knick knack to decorate the table.  Today she picked out a turtle. 

Allie picked out a bunny.  

I had a craft project ready.  I had these two posts that I thought would make cool garden totems.  Before lunch they painted on the primer.  Then, after lunch the color.  It was hot and they didn't finish.  Just more crafting for next time.  

And of course we rode Clyde.  Sadie hugs him and says he is the best pony.  (which he is)

Allie rode around by herself but didn't want to trot today.  Which is fine, she really needs to work of steering.  

Her confidence around him has exploded.  She feeds him leaves and hugs him too.  He really is the best pony, even if he is a little lazy.  

We also picked flowers, played Booby-trap and the memory game, played feather ball (something I had picked up at the thrift store), had baked spaghetti and went for a walk.  It was a busy day.