Ethan at the barn

A few weeks ago I had to go to the barn and Ethan had to come with since it was just us two at home. The only way I could get him to come along peacefully was to let him wear what he wanted. So, we have Ethan in his cowboy boots and fireman hat. This is what he claimed was barn clothes. At least he was half right I suppose. He also decided that boots are the best footwear and has been wearing them everywhere. We usually can talk him out of the hat though not always. I just tell Rob, everyone will just think he dressed himself (which he did) and think it was funny cute and not that we dress him funny.

Since the time Ethan and I went to the barn he has been showing more interest in horses. So this Sunday when he was wanting a horsy ride on our laps we told him he could have a real ride if he wanted. This time we went to the barn without the fireman cap, but still with the boots. About time they are worn correctly. Ethan rode in the saddle while Mom or Dad lead Pee-Wee around. We went in the indoor arena (a first for Pee-Wee) and through a small loop of trail. It went rather well. Ethan had a blast and did not want to stop. Easy for him up there riding to say though. The only complaint he had was that his boots were rubbing his legs since he was in shorts, and every once in awhile he would want to take a rest and get down. I think it was a long reach for him. Next time we see Grandma in Wisconsin he will be getting an Ethan sized saddle to use from my Aunt Sally. So, I am sure in the future there will be more riding. Just being led for now, Pee-Wee is still young and not ready for a kid to guide him. Pee-Wee is very tolerant of Ethan, and calm. When he is afraid or nervous he just stops moving which is nice. Probably the safest response.

Here are some more photos of Ethan and Pee-Wee.

Our barn also has a Haloween haunted trail. The indoor arena appears to be the storage spot for stuff, or someone was really backed up. Either way, it is an odd thing to have to desensitize a horse too, not that it even bothered Pee-Wee.

Trip to Colorado

Ethan and the Harman family made their third trip to Jackson Lake Colorado in Fort Morgan. We had an uneventful 18ish hour drive both ways. Ethan did absolutely wonderful during. He watched movies, looked around, and most importantly slept through the entire night both times!! Which made the trip so much more bearable.

We really enjoyed spending time with family. We only see them about once a year, but Ethan remembered some things about the lake from last year. This year Ethan went tubing with Mom and Grandma going even faster then last year (still not fast). And he loved the jet skies still. He even got a chance to work the throttle when the water was calm. He is a speed devil too. Always asking to go fast then last time. Even on the boat he would do this. Which was funny unless you were the one behind the boat knee boarding or skiing. Ethan also enjoyed swimming in his life vest.

There was also plenty of playing in the sand. Horse shoes for us old people and Ethan and his Daddy made a hole. As you can see it is pretty deep. It went all the way to Ethans shoulders by the end. Ethan also spent a lot of time playing in the sand with his construction trucks and hotwheels. He sure loves cars, he packed his own toy bag and that is about all he packed. But, it did keep him busy enough - so I suppose he knows what he likes.

In all it was a good trip. We are still trying to recover I think, all of us except Ethan that is. He is ready to go back again. I am sure he will have more fun each year. Perhaps next year he will be strong enough to use his bike there. And Mom and Dad will remember that he liked the little bed next to ours we made the last night there, and set it up the first night so we can better sleep. Ethan is a huge bed hog!