BREEZY FIELDS

Yesterday Ellyn participated in her first ever Special Olympics. She was awesome. She didn't love the jumping so much but she couldn't get enough of the ball throwing. We had to find an empty station and throw some more. My girl rocked it on the 50 yard dash, she was amazing. She ran with Veronica and came in second. She was a speedy little Chiquita and loved the cheering at the end. Such a cool event for so many great children. I can't wait for many more years of participation! Ellyn and Veronica- just after Ellie threw her tennis ball. I could never get a shot with the ball in the picture. Ellyn does a little warm up lap, mentally preparing for her big run. High fives all around for our champion. Ellyn basks in the glory of her medals. Either that or she's tired and the sun feels really good!

Every week we drive 45 minutes to Watsonville and 45 minutes home so that Ellyn can ride a horse for 30-35 minutes. Is it worth it? YES! Example- Ellyn hardly ever acknowledges people or animals. When we get to the barn Ellyn usually runs happily from the van, through the barn, and up the ramp to where the children get on the horses, laughing all the way. This week she was sidetracked by actually seeing her horse still in its stall. She ran over to the horse and reached up with her little hand and touched him on the nose. Then... as she was getting onto the horse with Miss Rachel she actually said "Horsey." This is very exciting for us. Ellyn has also seemed to be much more regulated (even tempered) since beginning to ride. Before school started Sadie and Jane would come out with us and they would let Sadie ride as well. Now Sawyer and I spend our time inspecting all of the horses, riding the giant tricycles, playing in the sand pile, or petting the dogs. All the while Ellyn...