The weekly La Quinta market was in full swing when we arrived shortly before noon. It was not really what we had anticipated. Think more produce, less art and crafts but we walked it end to end anyway. No purchases were made, but Rylie made a new friend.
Rylie has always been interested in kids, so its been cool to watch her first interactions with them both at parks and at gymnastics. She happily followed this little girl around the park, and they practised their stairs and stares together. That’s the funny thing about these little guys, there is no real personal space, shared language or awkward moments. They’re just happy to be in each others company, even if they’ve only just met.
Horse Life
Today was an exercise in capturing horse life as it appears from an outsiders point of view. We postponed our hiking plans in exchange for a morning at the horse show, as we would likely not get another chance to see my sister ride before we hit the dusty trail.
I’m sure its every nine year old’s dream to have her own pony, but I recall exactly when I wanted one, the answer was a quick and hearty “quit dreaming,” or “haha…no.” There was maybe a couple of reasons for this, one was probably because I barely completed more than one session of any sport I attempted as a child (except soccer and swimming). But, my sister is a different story, because from the day she jumped on a horse she’s been addicted, and at some point between here and there my urge to ride completely disappeared.
I do have to say though, that the amount of determination, hard work, and discipline that she puts in from day to day, year after year, are most admirable, and there’s nothing that I would spend that kind of time or effort on (aside from my family). I like horses, don’t get me wrong. They are beautiful, and graceful animals that I love to watch run freely through a field, or graze in a pasture. Watching them jump giant gates is not my favourite thing.
But, nonetheless, we went, we saw, we conquered. We saw auntie Andrea compete with one gentle giant in the Thermal Grand Prix Ring unfortunately he wasn’t on his best behaviour for his guests, we then visited the barn so Rylie could pet her small heard, then we chilled for 30 seconds in the shade of the grassy tent away from the 28 degree heat (as miss muffet would only sit still and stop picking muddy hoof prints in the stall isle for that long), and finally we thoroughly examined and tested a few forms of horse show transportation before making our way back home for a nap. Ah, success. No bitten toddlers! Just dirty ones with muddy little fingernails and a dusty little bum.
