Never say 'Never'.

We had so much fun at the first clinic we did with Grace that we decided to attend a second one.  It did not disappoint!  Similar to the first one, I did the first half with Levi practicing groundwork.  I felt so much more comfortable the second time around.

About halfway through, we saddled him up and Sidney did the riding portion.  She learned so may awesome things about just getting him to move out and getting them through his young antics.  She also got a few tips from Grace on how to start introducing the bit for steering.

At the end, Sidney got off and I 'thought' I heard Grace ask me if I wanted to walk him around.  I jumped up and said 'Sure'.  As I walked out there and grabbed the lead rope, Grace said, "Well, you are going to need a helmet."  I looked at her bewildered and Sid started laughing.  Sidney said, "I though you may have heard her wrong."  Grace wanted me to get on him.  WHAT?!?!  I had no intentions of ever actually riding this horse.  That being said, he was good and tired.  I made Grace promise me that she would just pony lead me around.  

It was SO MUCH FUN!  Of course, I was doing nothing but sitting there and breathing deeply, but it was fun to the core.  I cannot say that I will be getting back on him anytime soon, but that was quite an accomplishment.

On a side note, Sidney went to the HVR Christmas party a week or so later.  During the party she sent me a text and said she had won me another lesson with Grace.  She put all her raffle tickets into the 'Lesson with Grace' drawing.  I am super excited and thought that was the sweetest thing Sidney did!

Kevin's Night.

We were a bit delayed in having our celebration to honor and remember Kevin this year.  Our original photo ornaments were yellowing and falling apart, so I decided to order some wooden ornaments.  We had to wait a bit for those to arrive, and then I had to find an evening in which we were all free.  

We enjoyed Kevin's favorite dessert and had the candle lighting reading.

It is always a very special tradition for us.

We then decorated the tree.  

We always enjoy the photos, as they bring back fun and fond memories.  The girls found these two gems of themselves.

Such a beautiful evening.

'Real Gingerbread Structures'.

I love the title of this post.  Sidney was invited to make gingerbread houses with Rebecca and family this year.  Of course, Rebecca makes real gingerbread, whereas we have historically used graham crackers.  Sidney was very excited about this!

Rebecca sent me lots of pictures of the evening.  Teenagers doing their teenager thing!

They each put in ideas of structures and had to draw from the choices.  They then divided up into teams to make their creations.  Sophia and Eli were tasked with a fire tower.  Sidney, Hannah and Rebecca chose a barn (very fitting, really).

The detail!

They both turned out pretty awesome!

Winter Recital, Peppermint and Pinecones.

Kendall had her winter recitals this week.  There were four shows over two nights.  The theme this year was Peppermint and Pinecones.

She was super excited, and a bit nervous, as this was the first time performing their competition dances.  

Sidney and I scored some amazing front row seats for the last show.  It was a good show to have the front row as Kendall had quite a few dances in that show.

For some reason, Kendall is obsessed with picking me up.  It annoys the heck out of me, but I guess I have learned to let it go!

Bentley and Kendall have been great supporters of one another.  I am glad they have each other as teammates this year.

Sid is also one of Kendall's biggest fans.  

I am always so proud to see Kendall's growth as a dancer, each and every show.

Santa came to the first show on the second night.  I had the joy of running into him in the parking lot.  He was kind enough to take a selfie with me!

Levi's First Jump (walk) Show.

We decided to take Levi to the December jump show just to get him some more exposure.  We had no expectation, but did sign him up for a ground pole round, in the chance all went well.  The show was one of the lighter ones, a lot of the usual suspects had other obligations, so we figured it was a good time.  I got put to work and did not just get to sit in the stands this time around.

For me, it was mostly babysitting Levi on the rails.  He was a pretty good boy, but got a bit jumpy a couple of times.  Overall, I was very impressed.

Sidney did warm ups on him and did take him through the ground pole class.  Jayde walked them through.  I was laughing, as the optimal time was something like 54 seconds.  They did the round in 3 1/2 minutes.  I told them they should have practiced their parade wave.  All joking aside, that was phenomenal just to get him out there!  They gate man was very complimentary of Sid and Levi.

Pigeon and Sidney did fantastic, as usual.  

This girl is in heaven with her two horses.  She is living the dream.

Pictures for cuteness.

Wine and Lights, In that Order.

My mom and dad invited me to join them to see the lights at Indian Creek.  When we got there, I discovered a wine bar so we decided to enjoy a glass before our stroll.

My dad and I were halfway finished with our glasses when my mom said, "I am ready for a second glass.  How about you?"  If you know my mom, you know how funny this is.  My dad and I laughed, while she went and got a second glass.  The cold did not bother her that night!

The lights were beautiful!

The lights at Indian Creek always remind me of Kevin, as it was one of his favorite places to get in the holiday spirit.

We even ran in to Santa and Mrs. Claus, which topped off an already amazing night.

Snow and Seattle Bound.

We got our first snow of the season, and it was a slick one.  I had to leave that morning for a work trip to Seattle.  The roads were incredibly slick.  I was very worried about Sid driving to her Math class, since she has not had much snow and ice practice.  Thankfully, my mom and dad were willing and able to jump in and help.  

Here is the view from my plane ride above the clouds.  Blue skies here.

Sid managed to find a ride out to the ranch as well.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  Levi was looking pretty cute in the snow.  Sid is so good to take pictures and send them to me, while I am on my trips.

The snow stopped coming down eventually.

Now if only we could get a bit more, so we could practice slick road driving.