Horseshoe Valley

On our recent weekend away, Jim and I went for a free ride down the zip line at Horseshoe valley. Jim is not crazy about heights, but "free" sounded too good to pass up! This was one of the highlights of our trip because the colors of the trees were gorgeous.

The only way up to the zip line was the ski lift. That ride went quite a bit slower than the other one.

On our way home, we stopped at Boyne Park and hiked to the top of the Pinnacle. Again, the colors were awesome and you could see for miles all around. The song that came to mind was, "I'm on the top of the world. . ."

Weekend Getaway

Hiking in Beaver Valley overlooking Hoggs Falls.

On top of the ski hills in Collingwood.

Jim was still able to squeeze in a nap. The weather was great and there were NO bugs. We made the most out of our time at the top of this hill; the view was awesome!

Standing in front of the resort we stayed in at Horseshoe Valley

You know you have too many horses when. . .

. . .your daughter can invite all her closest friends over for a trail ride and you still have one left over!

Leah's newest addition to the barn; Jackson Brown. He is a 13.2 Welsh cross pony she intends to use for Pony Club.

Toronto International Film Festival

Hannah and Pascaline waiting for the film "Amigos" to start. We were viewing it at Ryerson University Theater in Toronto. The director, producer, and 3 of the main actors were there to introduce the film.

A highlight for Pascaline and Hannah was getting to see Ryan Gosling up close on the red carpet before his new film was shown.

We finished the day off with supper at the Old Spagetti Factory. Hannah and Pascaline hanging out in the dining car.

Fergus Fall Fair Fun

Julia and Leah posing with their ribbons after their flat classes; Julia 4th and Leah 3rd

Leah all smiles after winning Grand Champion in the Open Hunter division.

Julia showing Susie in the Walk, Trot, Canter class

Leah showing in the Open Jumper division in which she got Reserved Champion.

These Girls. . .

. . .are not usually the ones to tease the dog. However, they couldn't resist trying to tease Charlotte with a rendition of Justin Beiber's "Baby." If you look closely, you can almost see Charlotte's eyes rolling, as if to say, "not again!" The things we do to occupy ourselves in the car. . .

A Boy And His Bike

Yesterday, Daniel and some friends biked into Waterloo so they could go to Walmart. (For Daniel, that would be about 10 miles) He recently bought a PSP with the money he made this summer working for the neighbors. And, what use is a PSP without a game. . .hence, the need to go to Walmart. And if your parents are gone and there is no one to drive you there, you use the next best type of transportation (that would NOT be the city bus or light rail yet), your bike! Great job, Daniel for making it happen (safely)

D Rally; part 2

Waiting for tack check

Warming up with Shania

Jumping the first jump in Cross Country

Decorated

There's a first time. . .

. . .for everything. Shiloh carried his first rider last week and did really well. After a few jumps/bucks/rears, he settled down and walked along calmly with Leah aboard. She has done a great job with him this summer. As with all her projects, she is contemplating on keeping him for herself. That is until the horse fund drys up.

D Rally 2010

Recently, Leah rode Blaze at the Caledon Hunt Club for the annual Pony Club D Rally event. She had to compete in 3 events; Dressage, Stadium jumping, Cross Country jumping. The day was pretty rainy, but usually the events are not cancelled unless it is storming. Leah had a very good day and finished 2nd overall in her category. The above pictures are of her competing in Dressage, which she finished in 1st place.

The Last Hurrah

Today, we spent the last day before school starts hiking at Mono Cliffs Park. It was a bit of a rainy day, but during the 3 plus hours we were there, it only sprinkled a bit. We did bring Charlotte, who LOVED the freedom of not walking on a leash. While I am sorry to see the summer vacation ending, I am also happy to have some sort of routine back in the house. On a side note, Pascaline is the only one (of the kids) in our household excited about school starting; a fact we discovered today!