"As they say in the west... "

"Let's ride!"

This was one of my dad's favorite phrases to prod us along when we were kids. And I find myself repeating it often these days.

And ride we did! We had a super-fast, way-too-short journey to visit California pals for a birthday party, a much-anticipated baby shower, swimming adventures, soon-to-be-adopted-new-daughter-photo gazing, some consulting work chatter, and even horseback riding. How I wish we could have stayed for weeks and weeks in order to see all of our friends. But our brief trip was jam-packed with joy.

Hard to decide which is more intoxicating....those grape clusters or this amazing cluster of kiddos.

Unlike their California pals who swim like fishes (literally!), the girls were quite unskilled in the pool. But, they immensely enjoyed the learning curve! Lucy got to lead Otto from the ring back to the barn. Imagine somebody telling you that you've won a million bucks, and then perhaps you can relate to Lucy's level of joy at this task. Mary loved the tradition of starting the day with laptops.
The girls and their pal Katherine in matching outfits, courtesy of our dear Elizabeth. They were peas in a pod, picking right up where they left off last summer.

The girls loved brushing beautiful Otto.
Lucy's perma-grin lasted for her entire ride. She was smitten by the experience.
Gentle-giant Otto with little Lucky Lu.
Mary and Otto had a mutual understanding: she would sit still as long as he would!
And finally, Lucy on the plane ride home. Pure exhaustion from days of excitement! Many, many thanks to our pals....we miss you (again!) already!