Today we went over to Bainbridge for Hyrum's last pony ride before school starts tomorrow. After tomorrow he will only be coming over to the island with me on Mondays so he won't get as much riding time in unless occasionally come over on the weekends as well. I'm still going to try and come over every Wednesday and Friday with Jonah while Hyrum is in school. So we'll see how that works out since we'll have to depend lots on Daddy and local friends to help out with his drop off and pick up.
To celebrate school starting tomorrow, I thought I'd take Hyrum on an extra long trail ride today to Gazzam Lake Park. There are trails and country roads from my parents house that connect us up with the lake so it's a nice peaceful ride. I rode there a lot as a teenager and used to take Ben there as well, but he's gone a bit trail sour and I don't feel comfortable out there alone anymore. Jena on the other hand is a "Star Pony!" She was such a great little investment! I'm so glad we purchased her for the kids. She is very calm around the kids and in new surroundings she isn't worried or nervous at all. Ben is just the opposite since he will freak out at any new branch that has fallen, shy at any odd noise and won't even enter an area where it just plain smells funny. This is the reason he's not a jumper! Even though it would have been fun to jump again, there's no way I'd risk it.
It's been really fun to teach Hyrum how to ride. When in the saddle he is such a little cowboy. He has no fear, is totally relaxed and truly enjoys it. He especially had fun today as he was able to observe a little wildlife along the way. We saw a spotted owl, chipmunks and ducks. When we got to the lake we sat for a while on the bench and Jena was so cute she walked right up over to Hyrum, nuzzled into his chest and just stood there wanting to be loved. She's like a big puppy dog! Such a sweetie! I didn't dare take a photo though since she is camera shy. This is her one fault. She hates the flash and even the beep the camera makes when I turn it on. So I'm always lucky to get some good shots of her.
Here are a few photos I took before we left. I couldn't decide which I likes best so I'm posting them all! Enjoy!
I love how happy Hyrum is when he's riding! He giggles almost the whole time, especially when Jena is trotting.
Here we were trying to get her to stand still for the camera, but she kept walking off toward me. Notice the blue hydrangea on top of her head. That's Hyrum's little way of decorating "My Little Pony Princess Jena."
Finally she stood still for us! Thanks Jena, you're a good sport!
