Jonathan's 14th

My boy turned 14 this past weekend.  Hard to believe in some ways, and yet he is growing into such a fine young man.  Regardless, the time has passed so quickly.  We all know the feeling of looking at your children and realizing how fleeting are the moments that led to this point in time.  Again, I am determined to savor the moments and hold close the memories.

I sure do love this kid!!

We enjoyed dinner (Jonathan's choice of menu) with Grandma and Grandpa, Julie, Brianna and Wilda.

Jonathan and Marvin

Mama and Daddy

Wilda and Julie

Jackson and Brianna

Jonathan and Laura

he is wiping off a Mama kiss....   :)

lighting the candles on the cake

Happy Birthday to Jonathan!!

can't get away from another Mama kiss!!!!   :)

Every year for as many years as I can remember, both boys request Grandma's famous Chocolate Buttermilk sheet cake for their birthday dinner.  We all approve of that request!  :)

Grandma's amazing chocolate buttermilk sheet cake  

Love how Grandma wrote his first name and Grandpa wrote his middle name.   :)

He read every single word on every card.  I love that.  :)

a woodworking DVD he wanted

chocolate chips... heaven!   :D

his new office chair for his room - he and Marvin will put it together

Wilda, Mama, Daddy, Julie, Jonathan, Marvin, Brianna and Jackson

Wilda, Mama, Daddy, Julie, Jonathan, Marvin, Brianna, Laura

'Practice' Trail Ride

There was a momentous occasion this past weekend.  Gracie and Alaina 'graduated' from their stay here at Willis Creek Ranch!  You may remember that Alaina first brought Gracie out during the summer to spend time working with and learning from Marvin.  It has been such a fun time having the opportunity to watch Alaina and Gracie grow in ability and confidence over the last few months.

On Saturday, Alaina took Gracie to ride on her very first trail ride.  In preparation for that pinnacle event, on Friday evening Alaina, Jeremy and Marvin had a 'practice' trail ride here at Willis Creek Ranch.  I ran out to get a few photos of them once they came into the arena by the house.  Below are several photos, but you can see the entire album by clicking here.  

Jeremy riding Runner and Alaina riding Gracie

Marvin riding Governor  (love the geese flying overhead)

:)

Alaina on Gracie, Marvin on Governor, and Jeremy on Runner

Marvin on Governor, Alaina on Gracie, Jeremy on Runner

Jeremy riding Runner

Alaina riding Gracie

Marvin riding Governor

time to head back to the barn...

Here are some photos from the trail ride that Shonda shared (and I 'borrowed'.)   :D

Although we weren't at the trail ride on Saturday, we know that things went well and Alaina was very pleased.  It was a pleasure to have Gracie here at the ranch and to get to be a part of this special season of Alaina's life.   :)