We have managed to pack quite a bit into the past two weeks! But what is summer for if not to make memories and have fun with some of your favorite people!
We didn't allow ourselves much (or any) time to recover from our trip to Florida! The morning after returning home we jumped right back into barn life and our usual crazy schedule!
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| We sure did miss Lila and Quigley while we were away! |
Then last weekend I left on my first girls weekend in 21 years! I know most Mom's find a way to get away and refill their cup with friends before their oldest is 21, but with the kids medical issues and fragile health this is the first time I have been able to take that time. And boy was it fun! I spent the weekend with the three moms who were with us through many of our best and our hardest times. When Alex was one month old in July of 2004 we attended out first playgroup. Allison and Melissa and I were there for that first meetup. Kelly joined us a short 10 months later and the four of us raised our kids together. Others came and went throughout the years, but the four of us stayed together. We truly did life together for so many years. We met at least once a week, but in reality it was much more than that. Our kids were each others first best friends. And we walked together through the struggles of figuring out motherhood. We laughed, we cried, we spent holidays together, we had moms nights and dates nights, we took the kids to the zoo and to see shows and so much more. I cannot imagine Motherhood without these three women. And so it was only appropriate that my first girls weekend was with the women who were with me for so many "firsts". It had been years since the four of us were together, but you would have never known. We ate, we drank, we shopped, we laughed and we cried. We came home exhausted, but with our hearts full. We have promised not to let time get away again and to stay connected. We cannot wait for our next weekend together!
This past week was spent with our church family who have also been a part of our lives since the day Alex was born. For the last time, Maddy attended VBS as a participant. Next year she will join Alex and I as volunteers and give back to the church that has poured into our family since the very beginning!
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| Did I mention I had the best job? |
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| Alex volunteered with Maddy's age group |
This week culminated with our first home show at Stable Strides Farm. Maddy was very anxious as in the past in house shows have been difficult. After this weekend, while they still aren't her favorite she was able to admit that it wasn't "as bad" as she expected. Her and Quigley have worked incredibly hard over the past six months as we try and take a jumper and make him an all around horse. They put together so many of the pieces they have been working on and Maddy advocated for herself multiple times which is the biggest win of all! We have one week of practice and then we are off to our first of 5 world shows over the second half of the year.
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| Maddy arrived hours before the show to give Quigley a bubble bath. |
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| And groom. She always takes amazing care of her partner. |
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| Showmanship |
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| Trail |
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Day 2 was Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation
I would appreciate prayers for safe travels and a fun time with her horse and friends! And that Alex stays well while I am away.
Sorry for the short update, but summer means more fun to be had!
Ali
