Time to Hit the Trail

Saturday the big day arrived! A sturdy breakfast of donuts and coffee and we were good to go. We went over to load Mitchell's 4 horses then took off for Kansas...about a 2 hour drive....to convene at my Uncle Lee's place....

Now, I can't begin to tell you what all this meant to me. The memories and good times of all my childhood days came rushing back like a tidal wave. My uncle Lee still lives on the old farm place that was part of my Grandpa and Grandma Cady's farm near Bronson, KS. This part of Kansas was my escape and I spent every spare moment of vacations, Christmases, summer and spring breaks,....you name it....this is where I'd be if at all possible....with cousins, relatives, and old family friends that always managed to show up just in time for homemade ice cream and fresh strawberries or blackberry cobbler. These back country roads, pastures, and hay meadows were where we would ride horses, swim and fish in the ponds, feed cattle, hunt coyotes and quail....and ride horses some more!

Mitch saddling up Lee's horse, Steel.

Tina's pretty Palomino. 

Lee (to the right) saddling up Mitch's horse, Cash, for little Asheley to ride.

Meanwhile, kids and cowboy boots bouncin' on the trampoline....

My Dad visiting with Tina...I'm so glad he made this trip with us...while Heater brushes Bailey's tail.

Caitlyn and Heather on Mitchell's horses, Belle and Bailey. Later, I had the pleasure of riding Belle while Caitlyn rode Carrie's little Paint, Shadow. Belle had a bit more zip than little Caitlyn wanted to deal with...I thought she was a blast! (And got to ride her again, Monday evening, as we made our way back through Oklahoma. Fun!! : D)

Tina's little girl, 5 yr. old Cassidy, rides her horse Stormy....or rather gets 'ponied' on Stormy. Look at those cute little stirrups up there! Love that idea....wish I'd had those when I was her size!

Caitlyn on pretty Belle.

Heather on beautiful Bailey.

Mitchell's son, Tyler, on his horse Rhea.

Tina and little Cassidy....ready to ride!

Asheley on Cash....her jeans match her saddle and bridle. Cool!

Lee's mule....never a dull moment there....and Lee's wife, Bev, on her lovely horse, Gus. I loved riding Gus when we went out again on Sunday....such a heavenly lope and slow trot!

Uncle Bud helping Shadow say, "CHEESE" !! Gotta love that smile!

Shadow was hands down my girls' favorite pony! Gotta love ALL those smiles! : D