It all started when I was twelve....

When I was twelve my parents traded for a new yearling colt and I named him Andre' because he was so big even as a yearling. I was so excited because he was my new project. I did all the training on him and eventually started showing him. We won tons of classes at tons of shows. I can remember winning a class on him with one rein because the other one lost a chicago screw. The picture below is of my senior picture with him! I loved him, he was a great horse! And then, one day I decided I wanted a barrel horse. My parents made me sell Andre' so I could afford to buy another horse and as a dumb teenager I sold him and bought another horse to run barrels on. Many years went by and I got married and had two kids and was living my life. Then one day a lady from New York called and asked if I wanted him back. My name was the only one on the transfer and she thought I would want him back so he could retire here with me. A long story short, Mike and dad drove 24 straight hours and Andre' was back home where he belonged! Now at the age of 20 he takes excellent care of Clayton and Kaya. He is a blessing and I am so thankful the lady picked up the phone and called me. The picture below is of Andre' with Kaya, Clayton, Ellie, and Audrey! I hope we have lots of years left in the old boy because I don't think we could ever replace him!!!

Maxwell Rodeo 2009.....

The kids had a great time at the Maxwell Rodeo this year. Mike is on the rodeo committee and helps put it on. The weather was great, a little hot, but we missed most of the rain. Kaya took most of these pictures with my old camera, she was having fun taking pictures of anything that moved!! A future photographer in the making. Clayton couldn't wait for the cowboys to get bucked off and chased by the bulls. He also loved the calf and team roping. When I told them we had to leave at 11:30 pm they both wanted to stay longer!! It was lots of fun for me watching the kids have so much fun!!

Kaya's 5th Birthday Party...

We had Kaya's 5th b-day party at Grandma and pa Hauf's house. She had lots of fun with all of her friends and family. The pool was a big hit!! Enjoy the pictures!!

Birthday fun with Grandma and Grandpa Byers

We celebrated Kaya's 5th Birthday with Grandma and pa Byers on her actual day. Presents, cake, ice cream, and lots of fun on the agenda.

1st of many scrapbook pages of our trail riding fun, to be continued...

This is a digi-scrap page I did of Mike and the kids trail riding. I am still not done but decided to post it because I finally sat still long enough to do it. During the summer I usually don't find the time to scrap, we are always on the go. This summer we have discovered a new hobby, camping/trail riding as a family. We all enjoy it so much. Clayton and Kaya each have a horse/mule that we trust them on and they love riding on the trails at Elk Rock. We hope to venture out at some other places around Iowa, but right now we feel comfortable close to home. This is the first of many pages that I will do of the kids at Elk Rock. Enjoy!!

Family fun camping/trail riding......

Mike and I took the kids to Elk Rock and enjoyed a weekend of trail riding and camping. It was Kaya's first trail ride on her new Mule. She had an Awesome time and was smiles from ear to ear. The mule did wonderful on the trails. Mike and I are very pleased, the mule did better than all the horses we took. Clay, of course, had a great time with Andre. Both kids can't wait to go back. We rode 5 hours Saturday and then 2 hours Sunday morning after breakfast. Most of all, they loved sleeping in the new horse trailer!! Giggles, Giggles, and more Giggles when it was time for bed!! They both had blow up beds with sleeping bags attached. Smores and camp fire stories was also a big hit!! We can't wait to go camping again!!

I-Cubs game fun...

Mike and I took the kids to an I-Cubs baseball game last Thursday night. CLayton had so much fun and Kaya hated every minute of it. We sat right behind home plate, which was Awesome!! Clay was so excited because a guy four rows behind us caught a t-shirt and gave it to him. He is wearing it in the pic below. Clay can't wait to go back!!

Trail Riding with Great Friends!!

We went trail riding with some friends, Brent and Denise Fick and their daughters Alyssa and Keira. It was our first trail ride and the weather was outstanding. Clayton had a fabulous time riding for almost 3 hours on his horse Andre. Mike rode Fred and I walked Kaya on her pony KayCee. After we got back to camp Brent grilled up some lunch. Then the kids went and played on the play equipment there. We can't wait to go back!!!

Yes, It is a Mule!!

We have been looking for a long time for a horse for Kaya, you know the kind of horse you can put a 4 year old on and know she will be safe. We finally found a 20 year old Mule for her named Blue. So far he seems very gentle. And yes, Mike and I never thought we would have a Mule at the house!!! He is actually very cute!!

Zoo Jully 2009!!!

CLayton, Kaya, Grandma Hauf and I all went on a trip to the zoo yesterday. The kids loved riding the camel, even though they ride horses all the time. They also enjoyed feeding the Giraffes!! Otherwise, not much changes from year to year but we really enjoyed going.

Reiman Garden Field Trip

The kids and I went to Reiman Gardens in Ames today. It was so beautiful!! The Butterfly garden was huge and the kids loved going on a Dinosaur hunt. All the flowers are in full bloom!! What a nice relaxing day!!