Wishes do come true

Lexi has been asking for over two years, to go horseback riding. For a while she was too young.  Then this year, I decided to honestly look into it, with effort.  I found a great trainer in Gate Mills, and off we went tonight at 5:30pm for a lesson.  Both Ella and Lexi got the chance to brush, tack, and ride a horse!  How amazing!  I didn't even get on the horse, and I was still in awe!  What little kid doesn't to experience such an inspiring experience?

Everyone worked to brush Isabella to prep her for her saddle and bridle.

Trainers, Marlynna and Leeza, helped the girls work with their horses, Isabella and Shirley.  Lexi was beaming ear to ear and proved to be a very eager and astute student.  Ella was in pure amazement.  Mounting was tough at first, and the fearful look in her eyes made me have a few moments of doubt.  But soon enough, we heard her yell to Lexi as it was her turn to mount, "Lexi, listen to me.  You just need to relax!"  LOL  Spoken as though she was a seasoned pro after just 5 minutes on the horse.  

Lexi riding Shirley with help from trainer Leeza and Marlynna helping Ella ride Isabella.

We will continue lessons through July, and a week or two before school starts in August.  Then we will feel out how chaotic the school year ends up being, before we decide how much further this opportunity goes.  If nothing else, we will know what to devote time to again next summer!

Looking out onto the 5 acres of pasture at the rear of the property.

Blueberries

Each year I love going to pick blueberries.  Can't seem to do so without recalling Blueberries for Sal, a personal favorite children's book of mine.  Today I told Ella to watch for bears, and she informed me that there were no bears around.  I reminded her of the trouble Sal got into with the bears, and she just giggled.  I didn't need a response, just her giggle let me know that she too was able to recall this great story! (mission accomplished, however, I think I may pull the book out this weekend and reread with the kiddos, just for the sake of it.)


Tonight we picked 38 cups of blueberries in less than an hour.  I know because Mike and I froze them all for a years worth of fruit smoothies!   We hope to return to Wintergreen Farms one more time to harvest a large batch for jams, but stocking one of the deep freezers was top priorities first!  The kids adore smoothies, and I adore that I am sneaking fruits and veggies into "dessert".

Linc showing off his prized blueberry!

All smiles and laughter - eager to see who could get the most in their bucket.  A little friendly competition helps in productivity!  LOL

The blueberry field appears to go on forever!  One of these years we will venture to the very back of the property... for now, our little legs will settle with making it midway down a row! 

Update from Tino...

As we plan to ship out our next package this week, we are keeping in mind this most current email from our friend Tino.  The guys are working with heavy hearts, but their courage and dedication remains!  (Bless their hearts.)  I have spread the word via Facebook to ask friends to fill our Marines' mailbags with letters and cards of support!  (I am true believer that the smallest handwritten note or card can feel like a piece of gold when times get tough.)   

I'm so happy to hear from you, I figured you were busy. Right now the boys are really down, because we lost a brother the other day to an explosion. So right now we're trying to recover, lock & load and continue on with our mission. One of the guys asked if you could put this question on your blog----> "how many people think they could do this job knowing the danger you're putting yourself into?" Said he just wanted to let people know it is not an easy job fighting for this country and know the risk we face. Now for the kids questions....
1. Its a mixture. Our new AO is all rocks, but our last AO was all sand. I could not build a sand castle if i wanted to, because its different kind of sand. Dust/sand 
2. I'm with the same platoon. (R.I.P to our latest Marine KIA)
3. I hope the president sticks to his plan, but I should be off the battlefield by September 15 back into friendly lines and be home late September.
Tell Linc we wish him all the best with his milk challenge and that we will think of something special for him in our next set of pictures. Please give everyone a BIG OORAH for us.

The kids emailed some questions to Tino, that he easily answered for them.  They wanted to know:
1.)   Could he build a sand castle, being that he was in a sandy location. 
2.)   Does he stay with same platoon of men, or do new friends come and go.
3.)   After hearing Obama's speech, how soon would Tino be home? 


I would post a survey, but being that I am not getting many votes, I thought posting the letter from Tino would hit home to our readers just the same.  Our family has been sharing our stories and experiences with Herobox.org to all that will listen!  Our lives are so much richer having been given the chance to correspond with Tino and the guys!   

July 4th

Happy Independence Day! 

 Thank you to those that are protecting our freedom.  We appreciate your bravery and are blessed to have you serving our country.

BIG news... BIG news....

It is official... Lexi is a two wheel bike rider now! 

This morning she proved her great skills by allowing Mike to take off the training wheels, and within minutes she was a pro!  It was certainly her time to ride a two wheeler!  No more fears of being the only soon to be 2nd grader that still needed training wheels.  All we needed was a trip to the school outdoor basketball court, and a chance to try.  The hill on our street was not the best place to learn, but the flat surface was perfect!   

Look out world - Lexi is on the move!