Stallions & A Stud

What a fun and beautiful weekend we had! Something in it for everyone...a lot of time with friends in beautiful sunshine enjoying out-of-the-normal-routine experiences. Here's the weekend recap:

The two at the top had a great Friday night sleep-over at the church, with a late, late night at the Valley all to themselves. Lots of swimming, basketball, and other energy-burning activities. Alex went straight from there to Wild Waves with a group of about 20 others. They heard some great bands, became walking water-logged teenagers, and came home glowing from the experience. Or was that glow the sunburn?? Sadly, no pictures of this whole event. The family photographer was not present, and asking him to take pictures would have been fruitless.

Meanwhile, the one at the bottom had some much needed one-on-one time with us on Friday night. We watched a barely tolerable, I mean hysterically funny, movie to draw out some giggles after a sad goodbye to her sweet Minnie.

Then on Saturday, Beth and I were off to Everett to see the Lipizzaner Stallions with her Brownie troop. These horses are amazing! We were able to go to a "Tack and Groom Clinic" before the performance to learn a little about the horses. During question and answer time, my daughter really made this momma proud. She had her hand frantically waving in the air for some time, then was finally called on. "How do you tell the difference between a mare and a stallion?" Ahem. I told the MC that I would handle that answer at home, thank you. Next??? And if I may, let me add that the horse they were demonstrating with was providing a very teachable moment right when she asked that question. Next!!

The Stallions:

Me & my sweet girl:

After a busy and late night of crafts and a movie, we went to bed on the floor of a ballroom with about 200 others. So cozy. So no sleep. I was so glad when it was time to get up and go home. I then had a lovely 2 hour nap!

Meanwhile, as we were headed south towards home, Brad was already far south of home getting ready for his first open water race! He had such a blast. The electronic clock wasn't working, so he doesn't have his precise times. His eyes were still blurry from the goggles when they handed him his placement stick coming out of the water, so he's not sure how he placed. Definitely in the top half, which was his goal. He swam in the 800 meter and 2000 meter race. He's now ready to find more of these races to enter.

The Stud:

Now, for those of you who are paying close attention, you are right. The family photographer was unable to make this event, as she was previously engaged. Brad was kind enough to take some pictures so we can pretend. Use your imagination. He looks much like these other wet-suit clad men. Just better. I'm looking forward to being there for the next event! Yeah for Brad!

**UPDATE**

The official times are in! Brad swam the 800 in 12:02, 6th place in his age division, 28th overall ~ out of 96! And in the 2000 his time was 31:47, for 91st overall, out of 200+. He wants it known that he had some wardrobe malfunction that caused him to stop 3 times for adjustments. Otherwise he "totally could have come in under 30." Next time! A GREAT first showing!!