Pumpkin Carving

We were late carving pumpkins this year waiting until the 30^th to buy and carve them. The incentive to procrastinate next year is we got three big pumpkins at half price. The girls were not excited about pulling out the pumpkin guts and decided to wear their safety goggles. I told them they looked like mad scientists so they hammed it up for the camera. We all had fun even we Grace’s pumpkin wasn’t turning out as planned. She ended up with carvings on two sides. Grace showed us how mature she has become by handling it with grace and pose. Yeah Grace!

Grace State Horse Show

On October 11, 2008 Grace competed in her first state horse show – The Kentucky State Academy Championship – help at the Horse Park. Grace had been taking lessons for less than a year and only competed in a few shows. We went into the show with low expectations. She looked great and so focused! She ended up placing second in her age division - a great achievement. The girl who came in first is also named Grace and takes lessons at the same farm as our Grace (Blue Willow.) The blond Grace has been taking lessons since she was four years old. We were all extremely proud of Grace. Her red ribbon reads “Reserve Champion.” Grace’s comments are that she had a great time but would have liked to be on the horse longer!

Rachael's Daisy Troop

Girl Scouts has been a great experience for Grace and Hannah and I wanted Rachael to also be involved in scouting. Some how this ended up meaning I was going to be her Daisy troop leader. We have a small troop that meets once a month and also tries to have one activity a month. Our first activity was a Safety event at the Lexington Fire Training Center. What a great, free event. The girls learned about pedestrian, bike and car safety. They saw a fire truck, ambulance and helicopter. They learned about getting out of a house in a fire and were fitted with a FREE bicycle helmet. The Lexington Fire Department did an outstanding job.

Camping with Hannah

Although Grace’s girl scout troop has gone on several camping trips, Hannah’s first trip was in early October . Her troop went on a weekend cabin camping trip to Camp Judy Layne and I attended as a chaperone. We had a great time. The theme for the weekend was the Olympics and the girls took a long challenging hike, played several games and did several team building exercises. Eating a donut off a string without your hands or arms was funny. One event was for two girls to work together. One was to be blindfolded while the other was to lead her blindfolded friend around obstacles. Hannah and her good friend Kendall each took turns leading and being led. While other teams had a difficult time the two of them worked together as one. It was amazing to watch. At one point they were to go up on a bench, then onto a table and back down. I was pretty far away when I saw what was going on and couldn’t get there fast enough to stop it. They made it without hesitation and at a fast pace. I was in awe. I watched the two of them all weekend. They supported each other, waited for each other, showed concern for each other. It was a sight to behold. I only wish that all my girls find that kind of friendship. Camp Judy Layne is the Girl Scout camp with the giant bouncing pillow. Hannah and her troop enjoyed it as much as Grace’s troop had.