October Update

This has been an exciting month.  Sophia was in another horse show.  There were two riders in her age class.  She rode Elliott and took first place both on and off lead.  She loves all the work that goes into getting horses ready.  She loves helping in this way.

We also went to visit Grandma Barb.  Sophia loves these trips.  She was also very helpful.  Grandma needed a CTscan at the hospital and Sophia pushed the wheelchair through the hospital.  She also made sure Grandma's walker was set up in the right place every time so Grandma could get around.  It was so nice to see her do all this without being asked.  I guess when she see behaviors modeled it goes a long way.    Grandma bought marbles for the girls and they got to pick their favorite marbles.  Sophia had a blast playing a game of marbles with Grandma. We celebrate all the fall birthdays, Auntie Linda's, Stephanie's, Hollie's and Sophia's.  This was fun.

Sophia and I went to a farm to pick pumpkins.  I love fall.

We went to Boo at the Zoo.  Sophia entered a costume contest.  She was Po from Teletubbies.  She looked adorable.   The animals seemed very active that day.  I am not sure if it was the cooler weather or the approaching storm but we enjoyed watching them.

Hurricane Sandy hit on Monday, Oct 29.  We lost power for about 20 hours but that is all.  It was a minor incident compared to some of the areas hit.  Aiden is going to be without power for at least a week in NJ. Linda is without power for about four days thus far.

Sophia and Steve did a great job carving pumpkins.  They had a blast doing it.

Power came back on in time for Halloween.  Schools were opened so we started the festivities  with the school party and parade.  We then went door to door for over an hour and a half.  We were all exhausted when we got back.  I am not sure what we are going to do with all the candy.

And tomorrow is Sophia's birthday!

September Update

These months just seem to fly by.  September meant back into the routine of school.  Sophia is slowly adjusting to first grade.  It seems there is a lot more work involved.  Sophia sees four teachers in addition to all the related arts teachers.

There were two horse shows in September.  The first one was the Labor Day In House Show.  There were about ten kids competing.  She won first place in equation, second place in cross rails and fifth place in pleasure (she needs to smile more when riding!)

She also did the first in the Fall Show Series.  She had no competition in this one so she took first place in both on lead and off lead.  She said, "This is going to be an easy one!"  She got pointers from the judge.  For us this is all about riding and not about winning so it made it all worth it.  The best part about this show was the prep.  She helped get the horses ready.  She mucked the stalls and polished the bits.  This was hard work but she LOVED it.

I went to help my mother transition home from rehab.  She is doing amazing.  She is on oxygen but doing very well.  She even out-shopped me at TJ Maxx and Marshalls!  It was nice to spend almost a week hanging out with her.