We have exactly one week left, and although Annabelle and I are both ready to say goodbye to the earlllllly morning school wake-ups, we are sad to leave beautiful, wonderful, always warm, Florida. It has been such an amazing spring training and one that I can truly say, Annabelle has blossomed in every way. School was a challenge, so much more work and responsibility then her school in STL, and she rose to it. Her assignments were challenging and her tests intense, and she worked her booty off on them all and her scores reflect that. There were challenging moments, but after working through those moments, we are pretty sure she's beginning to realize just how much she is capable of. Riding was incredibly different and demanding, and she rose to it and found out she truly, 100% loves it. She went out for her very first horse show, confident, calm and poised and she rocked it! Prior to her second show, she asked to have an extra lesson to practice and prepare. And that she did. She ended up winning both classes she was in...the Grand Champion of both! Even if she didn't place, we would have been equally as proud of the work she put in. She's grown in every way possible and Adam and I couldn't be more proud of her.
Piper can't wait to get back home and see Alex. I think she's let us know everyday that she's ready to go home! Today is Piper's last ballet class in Florida, and she will happily pick right back up in STL. Her teacher here said she's a joy to have in class, always follows directions, and is a real leader. Piper has become even more agile and active since being down here. She now bike rides for miles, can monkey bar any monkey bars, and no longer sinks like a stone in the pool! She is perfecting her Dr, skills, has mastered the otoscope and stethoscope, and has found a love in reading new books...NOT JUST PINKALICIOUS (thank goodness). Her and August have grown very close, and she is excellent at taking care of him. Piper wanted to make friends down here, and she did. She has been bold and brave, and funny as ever.
We have spent wonderful (but still too short) time with Gammie and Pop-Pop, many dinners and morning visits. The girls didn't get as much time with their cousins as they'd like because everyone's schedules have filled up, but are grateful for the time they did get. The four of them are a really special, really wonderful group of girls. We will miss them tremendously. Last night was a bit bittersweet. Adam, the girls and I went to Sal's for dinner. We were chatting with the waitress who is always so lovely, and she said "hold on, I have to grab something for my table", we look over and it's Gammie and Pop-Pop. For a minute it felt like we really lived here, and running into your parents at your local pizza shop felt really, really nice. We are forever grateful to them for all their babysitting, but most importantly their love. They are wonderful.
Goodbye's are never easy, I think this one will be really hard. Even "miss I have no emotion" cried on her horse yesterday when it was the end of her lesson. Adam and I always say it's good to feel every emotion and live in it. Well, I think when the plane takes off on Thursday, there will be a lot of emotion to take home with us.
Now for some photos:
Sweet silly sisters at Sloan's!
Cleaning up after work!
August at the Beach!
The Old Lemon Pucker Challenge never gets old!
Adam and I took Annabelle to Wellington for a Grand Prix Jumping event. It was pretty spectacular to watch riders jump 5 foot jumps on a beautiful and challenging course!
She was glued to the action!
Sweet Silly Sisters again!
The Doctor at Work
Carousel Rides never get old!
On Adam's off day we rented a small motor boat and went out on the river.
It was really, really lovely!
Horse Show number 2 under her belt!
She competed in 6 Events (split into 2 classes)
She won the Grand Champion of both Classes!!!
As her trainer said, "she couldn't have done better"
Her and a boy battled it out and Annabelle's crazy competitive side came out! She nailed it.
We are so grateful to Desert Rose Ranch for taking her on as a student and having her ride on their Equestrian Team! It is an absolutely beautiful place with really, really special trainers. We already can't wait for next year!
Super hot and super sweaty kiddo!
Posing for pictures!
We met Grayson and Hollis at the beach for a Playdate after school.
Annabelle and Grayson have really grown up, they were first friends at just a few weeks old. It's so wonderful to watch them together year after year!
CLICK HERE to watch a little video of Annabelle's last lesson at Desert Rose. Colleen made her a fun little jumping course. We will miss her horse, Magic. He's such a sweetheart!
