For the Love of Horses

When we first moved to Nevada, Lauren and I were given an opportunity to attend National Finals Rodeo. At first Lauren was a little leary of how loud it was, but it did not take her long to get into th event. That could have been partially due to every cowboy wore pink that night, but I think it has more to do with a love that she has for horses. From that night on all she could talk about was the horse. She asked for a pink cowgirl hat for Christmas. She wore that hat until it was falling apart.

Now five years later Lauren is still crazy about horse. She has a stuff horse that has had every name under the sun. She sleeps with it every night. It has been on many vacations with us and she has dragged it out to go running and jumping. Lauren cares for that horse as if it were real. One day I asked her what she was doing as she brushed the matted mane of her horse. She smiled and responded practicing for when I have my real horse one day.

Lauren amazes me. She saves every penny she gets for her horse she wants to buy. She wants a black stallion.

So you can imagine the look on Lauren's face when her dad told her she would be starting horse back riding lessons. She has only had 5 lesson but she is doing so well. She controls "scooter" very well. When here trainer yells at her to trot the horse Lauren's legs just start kicking. She has no fear.

Lauren I am so impressed by your love and dedication. I am impressed with your never giving up on your dreams. I love how gentle you are with these animals. Never loose sight of your dreams.

Disneyland Vacation 2008

This past week our family went on vacation to Disneyland. Our family adventures in the park started on Tuesday morning at 9:30. With excitement we entered the park. It was amazing. For me it had been 25 years since I last walked down Main Street USA. But there is a magic that happens when you walk through the gate, a magic that takes you back all those years. Jeff and I were excited to share it all with the kids.

After taking in all the festive "Halloween" Decorations that awaited us on Main Street we went into "City Hall" to get first time pins for Adam and Lauren. Lauren also received her birthday pin as well. Then it was on to a world wind day of rides. Jeff and I had prepared ourselves to go from bell to bell.

Snow White Dark Adventure was our first stop. Adam was not to happy. He did not like it and he let us know. Dumbo, the Animal train and the Merry-go-round seemed to be more his speed. But then it was on to the Matterhorn. YES, Adam went and he did not care for that as well. Lauren seemed to like the ride, she just did not care for the abominable snow monster. However, this is where we were handed a great opportunity. The "Dream Givers" of the Year of a Million Dreams promotion were at the exit. They were handing out passes the said, " have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay in the park after it closes?" Well, yes I had and let me tell you it was fun. We, along with 3,000 others were giving the chance to experience an extra hour in the park. There were no long lines. I don't think that Adam and Lauren really appreciated the extra hour but... one day they may realize what they had the chance to do.
The rest of the day on Tuesday we went from ride to ride ~ from Critter Country to Tomorrow land. The kids were great. Adam loved "Mickey's Toon Town" the best. That is were he saw Pluto up close. For Him it became all about the characters and how he could convince mom and dad not to take him on another ride. Although Lauren liked the characters she liked being adventurous ~ all except the Haunted Mansion. Maybe next time.

Wednesday, October 8th was day 2 after 12 hours in the Park the day before. But most important it was Lauren's 7th birthday. So today became all about her. When the gates opened we there heading directly for the Princess Fantasy Faire. There Lauren was able to take pictures with Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, and Mulan. She was a little disappointed that Sleeping Beauty and Belle were not there to sign her autograph book. She had to have a crown to wear the rest of the day. She chose pink Mikey Mouse ears the had a crown on top. She proudly wore them all day.

Lauren's Birthday dinner was at Goofy's Kitchen. Which was the perfect top to our vacation. There we met many characters including Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella's Fairy God Mother and Lauren's new heart throb. Prince Philip. There is a reason that Disneyland is called "the Happiest Place on Earth." There is a magic that happens in both old and young as you enter the gates and you are welcomed home. I watched that magic in my children's eyes every time they met one of the characters they treasure so much. The real magic occurred as Jeff and I shared our past with our present who will someday share it with the future. We created memories with our children that will last a life time.