Bowling 5.0

One of Devin's favorite things to do is go bowling. Last week, our good friend TR visited from Michigan. So, bowling (among other things) was on our agenda. I don't always take the camera, but I thought the occasion warranted the trouble.

The knee-length Panda socks make the outfit, in my opinion.

She has a whole routine when we bowl. But, each time we visit she's just a bit taller. And, stronger.

TR knows how to make it curve like a professional!

She hurls the 6 lb. ball down the lane, after a major running start.

On good throws, she watches the ball all the way down the lane.

She even added a little body english on this one.

She handled TR's departure (after a week) with grace. It's not easy when a good friend has to leave, especially after all the fun we had. (We also took her frisbee golfing, shopping, dinners at steakhouses and lunch at PF Changs.)

Of course, we timed it perfectly with a trip to Grandma's house as a distraction:)

Valentine's Full Circle

As we spend our day off school preparing for Valentine's 2012, I wanted to look back and see a few pictures from the past.

She was 2 years old and delighting in be naughty for my Valentine's pictures.

Last year, we made these iPods out of candy heart boxes and Reese's Cups.

When she was 3, I took this picture on the first try. Devin was so cooperative and easy. I could dress her in anything I wanted and put big bows in her hair!

I made these little Valentine's from the above picture for her preschool class, when she was 3. So, I thought I would repeat the idea for this year. I remember it was very easy and a big hit:)

Then, I woke up from that dream and remembered I have a 5 year old now. Who, again, delights in making my picture taking difficult.

I finally captured this one, which was perfect for this year's creation.

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's a Pony Party!!

Last weekend was full of fun and surprises! First, Papa & Grandma made the journey down south to visit and bring the rest of our beef from the farm. This year's cow was a biggie and our 4 freezers are filled to the brim. The weather was perfect for staying inside and playing many games of Life, Quirkle and cards.

Grandma made this treasure...a jacket for Julie, with matching fur-trimmed booties. Now, Julie can be the cool doll, with her Uggs and all:)

The next day, was Devin's first experience around horses at a Pony Party. She's still close with her BF from preschool, who turns 6 this month. The party was held at the Louisville Equestrian Center, which appears to be a top-notch operation. Devin was so excited to see everything, although the crowd of children was a bit overwhelming at first.

She learned about the importance of the barn cats. This friendly girl, helps keep the mouse population under control.

She learned you have to wear a helmet to ride a horse. And, they learned that Devin inherited my melon-head...it took several tries to get a helmet that would fit correctly.

Finally, she was up and riding. The pony was led around the ring 3-4 times and then it was the next group's turn. Apparently, 7 minutes on a pony was enough to spark a major interest in horses. She, ran back to me already asking for lessons and a pony party of her own.

The last activity was finger/hand painting the side of a horse. Trust me, the horse was very happy to be standing around getting treats and attention.

Perhaps it's in the genes. Although a bit older, I also loved horses and rode for many years.

Here I am, circa 1984.