Visiting Granddad and Pat

The last time they got to see the baby, he was only a few weeks old.  Next week he’ll be 10 months old!

He was his usual pleasant, charming self during the visit!

Equestrian Vaulting

Regina is the stretchiest, most flexible little thing imaginable.  More than once I've thought that she should take gymnastics, but the closest school is 25 miles away, and it isn't cheap.  

Theresa has been working since July at a nearby stable, helping take care of the barn and horses.  She loves horses and seems to take to them very naturally.  She'd love to learn to ride, but the owner won't teach anyone to ride unless they've had at least a year of vaulting lessons. 

I've known for 10 years about the equestrian vaulting team there, but I neither had any kids who were interested nor did I have any interest in getting involved in another sport, especially one that involves travel to competitions.

So combining Regina's gymnastic inclinations with Theresa's desire to ride, I was led to seriously contemplate signing them up for the vaulting team. 

Regina had her first practice about a month ago. She vaulted on the practice barrel the first time, but was on a real horse by the second practice.

Theresa took a bit longer, maybe two weeks, to be convinced to give it a try.  Inclement weather (and the solar eclipse, which made the animals restless and unpredictable) kept them practicing in the barn for the next few practices, but Theresa had her first experience vaulting on horseback on Sunday the 10th.

Of course, she would be the one to fall off during her second move. But she got back on, finished the practice, and went back a few days later for the next one.

Sometimes I think it's growing on her; other times I think she's really not into it and she'll drop out.  Regina, on the other hand, says she's going to stay on this team until the owner says she's too old and kicks her out.

Her Job Definitely Has Perks

He's home!!!