Arielle's Pony Club Dressage Rally

Arielle's team after stall inspections
Michelle- Arielle's multitasking riding instructor :)

Arielle back on the horse and smiling after her big fall

Arielle running to come see me, does she look like she's having fun or what?!

Arielle & Miss Scarlet

Arielle was invited by her instructor to participate in the Pony Club Spring Dressage Rally in Charlotte. She was the youngest girl going from her barn and I wasn't sure she was really ready or not. The girl's each took their own horse and were responsible for packing all the tack, food and gear for the horse for the whole weekend. Once they got to the show they were responsible for keeping the horse in their own stall and taking 100% care of the horse themselves. Parents & instructors weren't even allowed in the stall area! They had frequent inspections and little tests along the way. I went up for the day on Saturday to watch Arielle ride and boy was it eventful! Arielle & her pony did great in the warm up, but when they got in the ring nerves got the best of them. Arielle's pony acted up (bucking & rearing) during her morning test, so for safety's sake she decided to get off and decline her morning test. Then in the afternoon test her horse acted fine at first, then decided to turn around and jump a rail out of the ring (about 4 feet). Arielle went flying off and scared me to death. She was very brave and got back on and rode out her test with her instructor leading the pony. Yikes. Not what I expected for her first show. Luckily, she still had a blast and said she would do it all over again! She has already been invited to the next show as "Asst. Stable Manager". She would be helping the other girls take care of horses, but not participating in the events herself. Once I recover from this weekend, I'll think about it...... ;-)

Random Spring Stuff

Jim going to Rickson Gracie's Jiu-Jitsu seminar
The boys building "mouseland" for Mojo

Arielle and her new mouse Mojo

Basketball cupcakes that I made for Arielle's school March Madness party

Our pretty little tree out front, blooming lavender then white stinky little blooms

Dan Nicholas Park

Had a great time on our day outing to Dan Nicholas Park. Only an hour drive and good, cheap fun! Gem mining, petting farm and little zoo. We even rode the little train (built for toddlers, but still fun!) I'm sure we'll be coming back to this place. 50 cents- $1.00 for each attraction, you can't beat that.

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!