Jacquelyn's Mystery Ride

California Grampsy came to visit to join us in celebrating the kid's 6th birthday.

Birthday mystery rides were planned for each. Jacquelyn has expressed a curiosity for horseback riding. I'm thrilled she would like to try this as I was a horse crazed little girl, and still am! We arranged a horseback riding lesson for each of them followed by a picnic at the adjacent polo field to watch a work pal play polo. It was so exciting for me to have this surprise planned for the day.
Here they are with their instructor Shawna learning the responsibility and importance of grooming and caring for the pretty pinto pony named Pandy.

Jacquelyn and Zac were excited and maybe a little tentative for their ride. Neither of them wanted to be first, so we did a coin toss and Jackie won first ride. After this, there was no hesitation to get on and start.

Jackie was a natural getting on and finding her seat.

I felt such pride and joy watching my children experience the thrill of horseback riding.

Zac couldn't wait for his turn.

Shawna said the kids showed great potential and learned fast. She was a fabulous instructor!

Pandy was a sweet and gentle girl to give Jac and Zac a great first lesson.

We brought carrot treats to thank Pandy for her ride.

We said hello to all the horses in the paddocks and pastures. Yorkfield farm was beautiful.

Smiles were plastered on their faces all day. Horses have that affect on me too.

The horses were gentle and curious and I just love those velvety noses!

I never forget those childhood mystery rides and I hope my kids never do too.

I couldn't ask for a more perfect day, hanging with my family at a horse farm and taking photos of the whole experience.

Here is Rachel. I work with Rachel and she is a passionate polo rider. Thank you Rachel for helping me set up the day!

The day ended with a picnic while watching polo matches, and meeting some kind folks! At the end of the matches the kids got to run on the field to help stomp the divets, collect all the balls. Watching a polo match was a first for each and every one of us. I think the day was a success!

Zachary's mystery ride

For Jacquelyn and Zac's 6th birthday, we decided to give them mystery rides. When I was a kid, my parents would take us on mystery rides and I loved the anticipation and surprise of what was planned specially for me.

Since Zac is a fan of NASCAR, we decided to take him to a go kart race track.

The kids enjoyed the arcade, watching the big kids race on the big track, and of course seeing all the racing fanfare.

Here is Zac with his favorite Nascar dude, Dale Jr.

Jackie is up for the adventure too.

Mystery rides were a big hit. Stay tuned for Jackie's adventure!

Now We are Six

When I was One,

I had just begun.

When I was Two,

I was nearly new,

When I was Three,

I was hardly Me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am Six,
I'm as clever as clever.

So I think I'll be six now

for ever and ever.