November

November is always a special month. It starts with Sophia's birthday and then ends with family together to celebrate Thanksgiving. There is always a lot of fun in between and this year was no different.

Sophia turned thirteen this year. We officially have a teenager! I am not sure how that happened. It seems like just yesterday she turned one. We started the day with our traditional cupcake, candle and balloon in bed. You also got your gift from China. When we were in China I bought you a gift for every birthday until you turn eighteen. This year it was a little purse. Otto and Mr. Twinkletoes enjoyed sharing your birthday cupcake with you. Those cats love frosting!

We celebrated your and Tracie's birthday with a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Her birthday is on November 2nd. Tracie was your first riding instructor and we remain very close to her. She just started radiation for a brain tumor. It was good to celebrate something positive.

We had a bubble soccer birthday party. You had 14 friends attend. It was a blast. All of the girls had fun playing. I think it was all their first exposure to bubble soccer.

You competed in the Hunter Jumper show, in both the jumper and hunter rings. You did amazing. You took home Series End Reserve Champion for the short stirrup division. You competed in the dressage show. Unfortunately Arrow was hurt so you did your test with Navajo. He isn't the best dressage horse but you did well on your tests. He just needed to be a bit more forward.

You also started competing with the high school equestrian club. Jade started the equestrian club at the high school you will be attending in two years. In this inter-school show series you can compete if you are in middle school and districted to the school you are competing with.  In this show you just hop on a horse and go in to compete without any warm up. You rode one horse for the flat work and another for the jumping. You got two first place ribbons and one second place. You were Grand Champion for the Novice Division. I am always so proud of all you do. You are fearless.

You decorated the house for Thanksgiving. You made it look very festive. Nick, Natalie and Aiden were with us for Thanksgiving. Emma and Leslie joined us for dinner too. It was a great day. We had a delicious dinner and played games after dinner. We got some great photos of all the kids.

Natalie took an intro lesson at the barn. You were able to lead her. She had fun.