April 7, 2008
This picture captures the spirit of the day! We went on a field trip with our group, and the children all got to ride a pony!
I actually snapped this picture AFTER Gigi had finished her ride. I've got video, too, but it's not very good.
We drove out to Waimanalo to a ranch that specializes in pony rides. The place was very kid-friendly. There were swings, tricycles, a sandbox, and a little play structure. Gigi headed right for the swings! Here she is holding on and swinging by herself. :)
Gigi's grip has really improved. I think it's because of gymnastics class.
When Auntie Cindy brought out the pony, EVERYONE rushed over to the ring, except Gianna. She had no desire to leave the swing to see the pony. :)
Since only one child could ride at a time, there was a lot of waiting to do. I did not take Gigi over to the ring until everyone else had a ride. It worked out really well, because Gigi had a lot of fun playing in the huge sandbox. She was busy making sand "cupcakes". :)
Here she is waiting for her turn. When we did get a chance to go in the ring, I placed Gigi on the pony and told her to hold on. I led the pony around the ring, so my video is quite junk, but it does capture the moment. ;)
All of the other mothers who were watching were so impressed that Gigi held on/rode without any assistance. When I placed her on the pony, Gigi seemed very at ease and comfortable to be in the saddle, so I really was not worried. Looking back on it after watching the video, I guess it was a bit reckless of me, especially when she tried to adjust the hat. The other moms who have kids Gigi's age told me that they had to actually hold their children while the pony walked around the ring. They held their children while Auntie Cindy led the pony. :)
Once Gianna's turn was over, there was a long line for second turns. Gigi instead headed over to play on the tricycle.
Auntie Cindy had brought a bushel (I think) of carrots, so Gigi got a chance to feed one of the horses at the stable.
Again, Gigi had no fear of the horse. She walked right up to the first stall and held out the carrot.
The horse was only to bite the tip of the carrot, since Gigi was too short, so I had to give her a boost.
This horse was able to get his head through the gate, so he reached over and gave Gigi a big horsey KISS!
The horse really caught Gianna off guard. She gave me this look after the kiss. I just told her that he was being friendly. :)
The last horse in the stable was hidden by the blankets, so Gigi pushed them away to get a better look.
There was a peacock on the ranch, too. Gigi chased this peacock all over the place.
Gigi's looking a two pigs that were behind the ring. I told her to not get close. They were very loud and a bit scary. :0
I had to end with this picture. The whole experience was GREAT!
I actually snapped this picture AFTER Gigi had finished her ride. I've got video, too, but it's not very good.
We drove out to Waimanalo to a ranch that specializes in pony rides. The place was very kid-friendly. There were swings, tricycles, a sandbox, and a little play structure. Gigi headed right for the swings! Here she is holding on and swinging by herself. :)
Gigi's grip has really improved. I think it's because of gymnastics class.
When Auntie Cindy brought out the pony, EVERYONE rushed over to the ring, except Gianna. She had no desire to leave the swing to see the pony. :)
Since only one child could ride at a time, there was a lot of waiting to do. I did not take Gigi over to the ring until everyone else had a ride. It worked out really well, because Gigi had a lot of fun playing in the huge sandbox. She was busy making sand "cupcakes". :)
Here she is waiting for her turn. When we did get a chance to go in the ring, I placed Gigi on the pony and told her to hold on. I led the pony around the ring, so my video is quite junk, but it does capture the moment. ;)
All of the other mothers who were watching were so impressed that Gigi held on/rode without any assistance. When I placed her on the pony, Gigi seemed very at ease and comfortable to be in the saddle, so I really was not worried. Looking back on it after watching the video, I guess it was a bit reckless of me, especially when she tried to adjust the hat. The other moms who have kids Gigi's age told me that they had to actually hold their children while the pony walked around the ring. They held their children while Auntie Cindy led the pony. :)
Once Gianna's turn was over, there was a long line for second turns. Gigi instead headed over to play on the tricycle.
Auntie Cindy had brought a bushel (I think) of carrots, so Gigi got a chance to feed one of the horses at the stable.
Again, Gigi had no fear of the horse. She walked right up to the first stall and held out the carrot.
The horse was only to bite the tip of the carrot, since Gigi was too short, so I had to give her a boost.
This horse was able to get his head through the gate, so he reached over and gave Gigi a big horsey KISS!
The horse really caught Gianna off guard. She gave me this look after the kiss. I just told her that he was being friendly. :)
The last horse in the stable was hidden by the blankets, so Gigi pushed them away to get a better look.
There was a peacock on the ranch, too. Gigi chased this peacock all over the place.
Gigi's looking a two pigs that were behind the ring. I told her to not get close. They were very loud and a bit scary. :0
I had to end with this picture. The whole experience was GREAT!
posted by mama at 12:49 AM
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