Clippity Clops

Sunday was an AMAZING day!

Andrea found us to a beautiful place to go horseback riding, called Wheel Wagon Ranch.

It's owned by a husband and wife.

They own over 250 acres of property, which spans over 3 counties, and they have lots of cattle. His wife Sam, who took us on the tour, is a Barrel racer. It has something to do with Rodeo stuff, which I know absolutely nothing about. She's a superstar though, and very down to earth.

Andrea being the experienced rider that she is, took one of her cattle horses, while I rode the one that was on its way to the glue factory. Just kidding my horse was 4 and very calm.

They used him for lessons.

I didn't bring my camera on the ride since it was my first time in many years.

My horse Roney, was very responsive and moved at the slightest pull of his reigns. Andrea's horse was beautiful too, and took many poop and pee breaks. When I first went to pet him, he turned around and took a big poop near my shoe.

We began a slightly scary descent of a hill, and then rode along a stream near some caves, then through hills and valleys. We stopped for some water at a troff, and my horse stuck his whole head in, then stopped for some grass. We took another ascent up a hill and my horse started to pick up speed, which made me a little nervous but he slowed down after a few seconds. We rode through herds of cattle, and they didn't care at all! It was SO MUCH FUN! I would love to do it again anytime. The weather was SO nice. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze. Afterward, they served us lemonade and cookies and we played with their dogs.

Sunday was definetely my favorite day in Virginia so far! I can't wait to do it again!

Giddy Up!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

We went to the Balloon Festival at

Historical Long Branch Manor on Saturday. It was truly a beautiful place.

It is in Blue Ridge Mountain, in "Fox Hunt Country".

Lots of Lords resided there, and George Washington surveyed the property.

If only they could see what's going on there now, they'd be so proud.

A friend of Andrea's brother Dan raced his lawn mower, which was interesting to see.

They called it the Balloon Festival but it was all about the local wines. We got our glasses and tasted wines from all over Virginia.

Andrea and I taking a break with a cigar. It's not lit. Man those things stink!

Beautiful manor where lots of magical weddings happen.

This pic doesn't do the view justice. It was such a nice place with rolling hills.

Sweet rides!

We all had a great time, too bad the hot air balloons couldn't take off 'cos it was too windy.

http://www.historiclongbranch.com/

Stay tuned for more pics of Sunday's Horseback riding adventure...

Pumpkin Picking

Sorry to my loyal readers for being so neglectful!

I've been busy lately so there wasn't much time to update.

Here are a few pics taken a couple of weekends ago. Andrea, MB, Travis and I went to a local vineyard/farm to pet the ponies and pick some pumpkins. It was a beautiful day as always!

We finally got a little break from all the heat. The mornings are a little cooler but by lunch time its boiling again.

Cool tractor ride...

Slim pickins by the time we got there. That's ok 'cos they were 59 cents a pound!

You do the math!

MB decided to cut costs.

Tractor ride back.

First time on a tractor...

&

My $18 pumpkin

Got some kettle corn popcorn, which was SO good. It had a sweet and salty flavoring.

Hillbilly Kitchen..

Duck Crossing! lol

Haven't seen this since I was in Nova Scotia for Cari's wedding.

MB going poo.

Yayyyy trampoline!
It was a HUGE bubble on the ground and there were tons of people on it. It was dangerous fun for sure, and lots of crying kids.

Andrea was loving it!

There was even pig racing!!!

It was a great and the boys ended it with a bit of skeet shooting.

Can't wait to start carving those pumpkins!

Best Wishes!

Wishing a BIG Happy Birthday to Dad and Billy!

Wish I were there to celebrate with you guys!

Have a great night! I hope you enjoy your gifts!

In other news,

Not much has been going on lately. Working lots, got a new Blackberry which I'm already REALLY addicted to! Feel free to email me there...I died my hair back to brown with no streaks. Everyone is calling me "Katie's Evil Twin" now.

and...

Vegas' painting is almost done....will post it once it's complete :)