A Special Day with a Special 8-Year-Old

It was perfect weather on a weekend in October.  Perfect for taking Ivy horseback riding for the first time as her special birthday gift from her Auntie.

After her soccer game, Ivy hurriedly changed clothes and we headed to Mahoney State Park.  Upon arrival, literally a dream came true.  "We only have one horse available at 4:00."  What?!  I had that exact dream not more than a couple weeks prior.  In that dream our plans were utterly decimated.  But, the ladies took pity on my poor panicked expression and called nearby Platte River State Park to see if they had any availability.  Hallelujah!  They had plenty of room and we had only to kill about 45 minutes.  Off we went on our grand adventure!!

Anxiously waiting for the horses to appear.

Saying hello.

Smile, horsey!

Finally atop a real horse!

Curly and Wasabi, here we go!

One Happy Cowgirl

 After the excitement of riding horses for an hour, we went looking for food and found great food at The Main Street Cafe in Louisville.  More fun and adventure!

Hungry cowgirls ready to order! 

A grown up 8-year-old

Play hard.  Nap hard.

We had a blast and she determined we need to go horseback riding for every birthday...and go with the whole family.  Sounds like she had the same kind of fun her sister did for her birthday.  Who's the cool Auntie?  :)