There's a place not far from our house called Kentucky Down Under. We decided to explore it and we had a great time! We got to tour historic Mammoth Onyx Cave, watch awesome herding dogs work magic with a flock of sheep, visit with some kangaroos and emus on a walkabout, watch a bird show, visit a petting zoo, and more!!
This dog was awesome! He's a great pyrenees. They had a couple of these dogs just freely roaming the grounds along with some border collies that would randomly bring you a tennis ball to throw for them. This dog was so mellow and followed us along while we toured the grounds. There was no owner or handler in sight. What a good dog! Made me want to own one but I know he'd turn my house into a snow globe with all of his shedding. The girls loved him!
This isn't a great picture because the sun was in the way but I love in anyways. Evelyn is rough, but it's so clear she loves her baby sister.
After the bird show, Lorelai wanted to hold "Remy"
...she looks nervous to me
...checking out this little dude...
And the dog is walking along with us...our personal tour guide
Here are some pictures of our walkabout. We pet and fed some kangaroos and tortoises...the emu were a little terrifying but very neat!
The emu liked to sneak up behind you (they're pretty stealthy for a large bird) and they'd peck food out of your cup
The girls fed the kangaroos, but did NOT want to feed the emu
...a little baby kangaroo...
meeting a friendly tortoise
...and for your viewing pleasure...a hilarious video of Evelyn trying to feed the one of the emu
Scarlet is becoming more and more like Evelyn every day! Mischievous is the word! She is becoming so independent and likes to explore....which is just a nice way of saying that she keeps me on my toes because she's getting into everything!
Just another day...getting the girls ready for school, right? Nope...there is a baby in this picture. Can you find her?
And here she is again. Emptying out cabinets and quite proud of herself. "Hey Mom! You found me!"
Don't mind me as I go into the pantry and rip this roll of paper towels to shreds! Serves you right, Mom, for taking your eyes off me for one minute...
These videos make me pretty nostalgic. When I was a little girl, my sister and I would swing on our swings all the time....and when we did, we would sing. Sometimes, we'd take turns picking songs to sing and we would to this for as long as I can remember. The girls love their swing set and here are a few videos I took when I caught them singing. Sometimes I can't always tell what song it is, but it warms my heart nonetheless.
This year has gone by too fast. I would like to ask all of my beautiful girls to please.....SLOW DOWN! This post celebrates a year of Scarlet! She is sweet, loves to cuddle, but also quite mischievous at times. She makes me laugh every single day and the world is brighter when she's around. A ray of sunshine.... I love this sweet, baby girl...no longer a baby, but now a toddler....
The girls started horseback riding lessons at the end of July. So they've been riding a solid three months. Twice a year there's a horse show to compete in. The girls are both in the "Short Stirrups" division consisting of kids ages 2-6 years old. I really didn't expect much in regards to them winning considering they've been riding such a short time...but I was pleasantly surprised!!!
There were three events.
1. Equitation: This event grades the students on posture, how they control the horse, starting, stopping, turning, etc etc etc. You'll notice that Evelyn doesn't hold the reins. She's not there yet...still working on balance. Lorelai does hold the reins.
2. Rings and Things: This event is a mounted games event. Basically, you're given tasks to complete and they test your balance and agility. The girls were ask to reach down low and pick up a golf ball and then deposit the ball into a cone that was on the ground. Then they had to move some rings around as well.
3. Bareback: This is all about balance. Lorelai was the only one that participated in this event. Evelyn's balance isn't there yet and this event is entirely about balance.
You can't deny the joy on that little girl's face. Although, I think she lost points for this. Control the pony!
Lorelai is so focused. She takes this very seriously
"Hey Mom! I got the golf ball!"
I feel like Lorelai was at a disadvantage in this event because she had
the second tallest pony! The girl who had a taller pony was much
bigger than her. Rigged I tell ya!
She focuses so hard, she tries not to smile at me!
I am beyond proud of this little girl! She practiced, and focused and did so well! It was so much more than I even expected. She one 2nd place in Equitation. The most important event in my opinion. I couldn't believe it. My jaw dropped to the floor. She is going up against girls two years older who have been riding for years. She also placed 4th in Rings and Things and 4th in Bareback. Evelyn didn't place but practice makes perfect and we'll try again in the spring. I am so so proud!
The girls each had a field trip with their school.....to none other than a local pumpkin patch. Evelyn's class went on Monday and Lorelai's went on Wednesday. I had to attend if I didn't want to haul their car seats into school so they could ride the van. It is definitely fair to say that I am over pumpkin patches this year! We went to quite a few, and they're certainly a blast for the whole family...but I think we're done until next year. The girls had fun as always...
Trying to figure out this hay maze...
This animal lover always enjoys the petting zoo...
Checking out the turkeys...Thanksgiving dinner?
Solo trip in the hay maze....Mom's not around to help this time
Which way? Which way??
A joyous and triumphant finish!
This pumpkin patch had all kinds of games and activities for the kiddos
Lorelai's turn for a field trip
An ecstatic finish for her out of the maze as well!
Trying to force a smile. I had no idea she had a double ear infection brewing...poor baby.
