First order business was to get to the swings, but not far behind was to get busy with the tractor. While eventually they both had their turn at driving, here they are just on board. The pond was a big attraction, and here's Fiona floating a boat, of sorts, while Ian prepared the rocky outcropping. The boat was a big draw for a little while, with Ian under way here. Fiona awaited her turn, which did eventually come to pass. I think the idea was actually more appealing that the rowing itself.
A greater success were the riding lessons at the Ashland Hills Stable. Here's Fiona doing a little brushing while Ian learns the parts of the horse from McKinzie while Shadow patiently endures. Ian wins the rochambeau contest and gets to ride first, but Fiona gets to lead Shadow to the arena. Ian is having his first experience aboard a real live horse. A little later, it is Fiona's turn. As the days go on, things pick up a little and Shadow goes fast enough to kick up some dust for Fiona as well as for Ian.
At one point during the week, we take a break to go out to Howard Prairie Lake for a little something different. We rented a patio boat and everyone enjoyed jumping from the top into the water. Well, two of them enjoyed jumping into the water, and the rest of us enjoyed seeing them jump into the water. Actually, three jumped into the water, but I go no picture of Tate this trip. More on Howard Prairie and jumping into the water a bit later.
One day Ian, Hailey, Hailey's colleague Don, Tate, and I took a hike up Grizzly Peak, seen here from Ashland Hills Stables (well, actually the highest point is not visible, but it's out there in the direction of the highest point of land seen in the picture). Here we are at the beginning of the trail (well here they are, anyway). After much hard walking we reached the summit, where Ian stood on the high point. Here's the main part of the crew. Finally, here's Ian and I, both happy to have achieved our goal. Back down a bit, and on around the mountain there is an overlook toward the southern side of Ashland, where Tate found some shade for a well-deserved rest. Along the way we saw lots of wildflowers and other vegetation such as this baneberry and I got a shot of this butterfly.
Back to the stables, Fiona has worked up to taking Shadow over the jump, however, Shadow is too old and clever to actually jump. While waiting for Ian's chance to ride, the cameraman is amusing himself and lamenting the fact he gets to be in very few pictures. Ian finally gets to take Shadow to the jump.
Back home, it's time for a little all-terrain triking. The roles swap, and then a bit of going it alone. Evenings sometimes saw us playing Mexican Train. This one is colorful and complex, but I don't remember who won (probably me!). Picking blackberries occupied a certain amount of time, and sometimes there were enough to have some later. Tate was a big hit most of the time. Now, doesn't the wrong person have that chewy?
Friday was time to head back to the stables for a last of the week's lessons. Here's Fiona with her sculpture of Shadow, then a shot of the sculpture itself. Ian was feeling a little squinty when his time came. After it was all over it was time for goodbyes.
During the week we also spent a little time in the garden - here are three of my seven foot tall tomato plants. Ian planted a rhubarb last year, and this year it flourished and became home to a small frog. Here we are in the middle of planting Ian's new butterfly bush. While we didn't get it all done while Fiona was here, we did plant her honeysuckle by the wishing well, and refurbish Fiona's Garden, including some irrigation.
Time passes.
[Disclaimer: All pictures in this and succeeding paragraphs were taken with Evan's camera, mostly by Evan] A couple of weeks later, Ian and Fiona show up once more, and this time they brought their parents with them. Since Evan and Laura had not seen the riding lessons, it was back to Ashland Hills Stable where Evan took these notable shots: Ian leading Shadow to the arena, and this shot of Ian, McKinzie, Fiona, and Shadow saying goodbye.
On Sunday we took a trip up to Howard Prairie Lake, again. In the meantime, Mark, Darla, and Alex had joined us, along with Tanna (pictures later). We rented two patio boats, and here we are leading the way out from the dock (Darla, Alex, me, and Mark visible). In the second boat, Hailey and Tate take it easy in the front, while Tanna enjoys the ride. After riding out near an island, I ground the boat and take my leisure after a hard five minute drive. Mark helps Alex and Ian get ready to do some fishing while I just rest some more. Fiona enjoys spending a bit of time splashing about in the mud(???). Ian awaits his chance to fish, while Tate awaits some action. And action he gets, with Hailey, Tate, Darla, and Tanna all in the water. After, we motored on around the island, and on the other side we saw this Bald Eagle perched in the top of a tree. After lunch it was time for some more fun, with Tanna enjoying some time lounging on the top of the boat. Soon we were anchored with Ian and Mark in the water, and Tate and Alex in the puff-up raft. Hailey took one of the more graceful leaps off the boat (Darla watching), followed by Fiona and Ian. Fiona and Laura expertly drive the boat. Later Ian and Fiona posed with Tanna.
That pretty much wrapped things up for the day and for the summer's visit. A good time was had by everyone.