Back in the Saddle

I've been riding these days when I'm able to sneak away.  It has been a real joy to reacquaint myself with horses as a hobby instead of a profession.  What a blessing horses have always been in my life.  I am grateful for the role they play now: exercise, connection, quiet.

Lego Lad

All on his own, folks.  

Isaac built this all on his own.

Surprise!

Our dear friend, and the boys' godfather, Clay came to town to surprise Chris for his birthday.  Gotcha, Honey!

What to Say?

Churning Butter

In the Fall, Isaac's school went on a field trip to Riley's Farm in Yucaipa.  They offer living history colonial farm life tours where you are led by tour guides dressed and speaking the part through six stations showcasing farm life.  It was fantastic!

Writing with a quill.

This gentleman showed us how to churn butter.  Isaac asked him how he got in into a rectangle.  It was a kick to watch the staff answer as if they has no idea about modern life.  "You're butter comes in shapes?!"

My favorite part of the tour, which I don't have a picture of, was when the gentleman telling us about weapons back in the day told us how an ax and bayonet can be used together.  He said, "You use the curved part of the ax around the back of your enemies neck to pull him closer to you as you shove your bayonet in his gut, twist it, push him down, step on him, and laugh at him until he dies."  Then one boy in the group (thankfully not mine) says, "Oh, that is totally my new favorite weapon!"  The parents died laughing.

Here we saw liquid metal poured into molds for musket bullets.

Making candles.

Backpacks Packed

Luke and Dad went on an adventure walk a few weeks ago complete with backpacks loaded with diggers, snacks and a ball and glove.  Luke was so proud, so I snapped a few pictures.

For the Birds

Someday I will have to move away from here, 

and I will truly miss the birds.