Monday, July 30, 2007

Aaron and Ethan on thier way back from the jungle ride.
The boys all enjoyed wandering the barns and checking out each horse.  I was so blessed that they haven't developed a fear of animals because we have been living in a big city for a while, not alot of interaction with animals lately.    Actually they were a bit too free for my comfort level, but I tried not to show it.     One of them decided to get really close to Susanna, which took her off gaurd, but it didn't faze her in the least.  We got a kick out of it though, becuase it looked like her was sniffing her armpit, which, as you can imagine, the boys thought was hilarious! Caitlyn was even curios with the horses.   She was very observant and quiet when we were in the barns.  She even tried to touch one of them.   Don't worry, I didn't let her get that close, even I have boundaries for that!
Ryan learning to trot.   He says he enjoyed it, but it was painful.   But he also said he's young so it doesn't take so long for the pain to go away, like old people.   If I didn't feel old before, I sure do now!
Aaron and Ethan look on as Ryan leads in his lesson.

Rider's Lodge, Malaysia

This weekend we took all the children to Malaysia for horseback riding.   We had heard of this lodge from some friends of ours so thought we'd give it a try.   It's was very family friendly, not a long drive and great fun! Ryan had 2 one hour lessons, and learned to trot on the second day, Ethan and Aaron had 2 pony rides, and Susanna and I went on trail rides for 1 1/2 hours.   We were the only intermediate riders, so it was pretty cool, we were able to trot quite a lot on the ride.   We rode through the jungle and through some palm tree plantation where they harvest them for palm oil.   I tried to ask the guide details about how they harvest it ect, but between the horses, and the language barrier, I didn't understand alot. Aaron liked it so much he wants to go back for his birthday!   Thankfully, they have a golf course right next door, so Steve will be happy about that.