Utah!

Back at the homestead for the birthday, family fun, and boring errands. But I am so happy to be able to visit! I was a bit reluctant to leave because 1. I was making Chris take care of the many ponies and 2. I had a short lesson on one of the driving ponies Hobby and Chris totally helped me discover for myself the ever elusive "self carriage" of a horse. Holy moly, I am embarrassed to say I really have never experienced that. I had this idea that self carriage was this mythical magical happening that only appeared after you had achieved piaffe and passage and flying over rainbows. Basically, I scratched the surface in this lesson of how soft and light a horse really should be, and how much communication needs to be happening. After that small taste I wanted to stay and try this new skill with all the horses! But I will surely have time when I return. Fun stuff.
Then I was lucky enough to hitch a ride with Mama Mae and Papa Kay, and even tow Helga along. And, if anyone knows my Mama Mae, they know she has a gag reflex of a morning sick pregnant woman, and the sight of hair (human or otherwise) not physically connected to the hair claiming specimen, is also gag inducing. So, I gave Helga a bath and we tossed her in the trunk. We opened the little ski door latch from the back seat and she poked her head through and rested there the whole drive. Hanging out with the grandparents is pretty dang great, and I am glad they offered me a ride.
My first day home was amazing! Sunny spring day, the trees are just blooming. My almost yearling Gilbert had been stuck in the barn and run all winter, so a lot of hair separation from the specimen took place, and then a nice romp in the arena was in order. He even took to jumping jumps of his own free will. He has hope! But really, his movement is quite grand, even if his condition at the moment is too ugly to post in the web right now.
A day in Payson was in order, and to Ben's and my surprise, there is a sushi place on main street!! Fuji restaurant, way delish. Also there was a drum circle of some really kooky looking drums, and an evening hike up hobble creek.
Conference Sunday included mons's famous fudge sauce sundaes, and dinner at MM and PK's playhouse. I entertained myself by making Chris a present of some silly cartoon horses since she was kind of enough to work so I could come visit my family. I hope she doesn't read this blog because I am totally posting a picture of what I made.
I hope everyone is having a delightful spring so far, and got some fun pranks played on them. Happy April Fools !