Camping

The first camping trip of the season is in the books. We had a fantastic time. Last year, we did a trial run for one night with borrowed equipment. Everyone had such a good time, we decided to get our own gear and do this a few times a year.

One of the nice things about living in Michigan is the proximity of two National Forests. We live within 45 minutes of one of them, and camping in them is an absolute blast. We have a few more trips planned for this year, and we can't wait.

Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Happy 1st of July

Sometimes practicality overrides tradition. That's what happened in a little town south of here that decided to have it's Independence Day Parade today (Saturday, July ) 1, instead of on July 4th. Nevertheless, we went because Molly was in the parade, riding on the float of one of the local banks. Her friend (whose Mom works for the bank) invited her, and she was quite excited.

We all hung out on the curb, waving to the veterans, the firemen, the bands, the candiates for local office, the Cub Scouts, the Girl Scouts (they didn't have cookies), the Harley riders, and the policemen. Lots of tractors too, and a few clowns. Who knew that simplicity could be so much fun.

Happy 1st!!!!

Maggie at Camp

Last week, Maggie spent 6 days at YMCA Horsemanship Camp. She certainly surprised us a few weeks ago when she told us she wanted to do overnight camp instead of day camp. I think Mom and Dad were more worried than she was.

She spent 4 hours a day learning everything there is to know about horses, from feeding, to grooming, to equipment and of course, riding. The pictures below are from the last day, when we picked her up. We had a picnic, she told us all about her week, and she was able to demonstrate for us all that she had learned.

Here's Maggie describing camp in her own words...

Camp was AWESOME!!!!! My horses' name was Lightening and he was very stubborn. His name is Lightening because he was born during a lightening storm not because he is fast. My counselors names were Hannah and Amanda(she is from England). My instructors names were Maragret and Mary. My friend name is Samatha and in horse life we are sisters because our horses are brothers. My swim test went well but I had to try again to get to blue.

Did she have a good time? She's already told us that she's going again next year.