Blue Ribbon Day

Arielle's first BIG Pony Club event: Carolina Quiz Rally. We traveled to Concord, NC with 2 teams from our stable (Hidden K Stables). The teams competed against other Pony Club teams in events that tested their practical knowledge (tying up horses, grooming techniques, first aid for horses, knowing all the tack & gear, etc). Arielle was the youngest girl that went from our barn and she was in horse heaven. Her team won 1st place in their division and the older girls took 2nd. Way to go Hidden K!

John Mayer & Franti

Isn't this a great pic?! Jules & I both forgot our cameras, of course, so I took this junky pic on my cell. Ah well...we had a WONDERFUL Sista night out. Began at Boba House vegetarian restaurant in Greensboro. We had a super fine meal. Then great concert! Franti got out in the audience and created fun audience participation. John is even hotter in person. I used to wonder how he landed all the celeb chics, now I know :)

The Tobster

Just had to post this fun pic of the "fro" (from Toby lighting the candle on Arielle's birthday)

Young Women Basketball

Ok, for those of you who know me well....I've never been the "team sports" kinda gal. Back when I was in Young Women's I was the one sitting on the stage bored during basketball practices and games. Well, you know what they say about Karma. Guess who got her arm twisted into being Asst. Basketball Coach :) Actually loved every minute of it! We have a GREAT group of girls who were eager and excited to play. My friend Stacie was an awesome coach who taught them many great skills in the short amount of time that we had. Although the girl's didn't win, they played with enthusiasm and sure did look cute in our matching bows & "Ts". I can say my attitude about church ball has officially changed!

Toby also played church ball and he was also on a young team. He had a great time and got in some good workouts, although they didn't pull any wins either. But hey- when these teams get older, they are going to kick booty!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Jenny, Arielle, Athena, Brooke, Hayley, Jessica

The Humane Society hosts birthday parties, who knew?! Not me, until recently when I ran across the idea on a parenting website. For Arielle's 10th birthday party I gave Arielle a few choices of slumber party, salon party, bowling party & Humane Society and she picked the animals. She sure does love 'em! This worked out great, the girls had a great time, the guy (Rex) from the Humane Society did a wonderful job with them. We got the satisfaction of service too, since when you have BD party each person who attends is asked to bring a small donation from the wish list. Each girl brought a bag of cat or dog food, or kitty litter. The Humane Society educated them a bit about pet safety and the mission of the Humane Society then the girls got to spend a hour with the animals, walking them, holding them and playing with them. I think the Humane Society was happy to have them there to exercise the dogs since they are always short on help. We finished with some jumbo cupcakes from Costco. Arielle said her favorite present was the new stereo we got her for her bedroom. She sure does like to blast her country music!