Horsing Around

 The second week of September was another packed one!  After weeks of preparation, Alayna's first Equestrian Team meet was upon us.  Before heading to the fairgrounds, though, there was another order of business.  Blaze and Rainy, Alayna's first two horses, were being retired and the farm who had taken Penny offered their pastures to our two horses.  Blaze and Rainy were loaded into our "new" trailer, along with George, who was on his way to the show.  I think our two geriatric horses were excited to be heading to greener pastures together.

And then it was time to head to the fairgrounds!  We had no idea what to expect for the weekend.  Alayna, though, seemed to fit right in. 

Friday night was eventful!  George had his first taste of mints as a treat, there was practice for events, and a bath for George before bed.

While we were tucking into our own beds for the evening, Emerson was burning the midnight oil with friends up in Marquette.

Saturday morning was an early one, and our farm was giving Charlotte's Web vibes as I fed the goats, ducks and chickens before heading to the fairgrounds.

Alayna could not have been more excited for her first competition!  There was so much still to learn, but she was taking it all in stride, and her teammates were so kind and helpful.  The day was jam-packed with the highs and lows of competition, a midday bath for George because he really likes rolling in his own poop, and I have to say that our team stole the show with their flashy outfits later in the day!

I might be a little crazy, but I agreed to sleep in the horse trailer with Alayna on Saturday night.  Her teammates were all camping at the fairgrounds and she didn't want to be left out.  While I was in bed by nine, she snuck into the trailer at nearly 11!

Sunday morning arrived, and it was quite chilly!  I was up early, and was rewarded with a breathtaking sight of the foggy pastures at the fairgrounds.

Day two was just as packed as the first, and that morning chill eventually gave way to much warmer weather.  George got a fancy new hairdo for the day's competition, and Alayna really impressed us in the speed events!

Nash had had a very long weekend, making friends and riding bikes around the park, and opted to go home early with Nana.  He passed out almost instantly in her car!

In a blink, it was Monday again.  Emerson was back in class, learning how to french braid.

Owen had FaceTimed me from Walmart in North Carolina over the weekend when he had decided he wanted to learn to cook food in his room rather than heading to the Chow Hall for all of his meals.  I had set him up with all of the basics: pots and pans, spoons and spatulas, and few ingredients for some easy meals.  His first attempt, however, was unsuccessful and quite funny, if only to me.

We were soaking up as much as we could of what was left of summer, and Nash spent his afternoons searching for eggs in the yard and riding his bike in the setting sun. 

875 miles away, Owen was taking a sunset stroll on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.