visit to the country

a few weeks back, i visited my mother in the country side...the countryside i grew up in is still so tranquil and peaceful --when mom's not dishing out her chore list, that is.

i woke up one morning and decided to just go out and do some photo journaling of our farm.

the animals were very cooperative that day...and so were the blooms. oh such beautiful colors!! and against that sunrise?

...and the spider...

my sister rides her horses pretty religiously and i even went out for a ride with her. i was pretty sore the next day with just 15 minutes of loping---ouch. she's such a cute cowgirl.

my nephew looked so much better than me mounted up on that handsome Chief, for sure.

upon arriving to the country, i never knew how much elena was obsessed with animals. with cats and dogs and ducks and chickens and cows, her fascination never ceased. she would point and switch to "temporary checked-out" mode. she would reach out to touch and experience each animal with joy -- but be wary of that stinkin' poodle, Scrappy--he's a grouchy dog. she learned quick.

Freckles, on the other hand, by far thee best dog on earth. she is definitely the greatest with kids. you can see by the torturous behavior she endures not only from elena, but from my nephew as well.

once you visit Moomie in the country, get ready to be spoiled. this time it was colored sugar cookie dough. the boys made hearts for me (aww, so sweet) and dinosaurs and a giant robot smothered with colorful sprinkles.

and what do you do when you're out in the country? you go-kart.

i've never seen lil sis go out on the go-kart so this was new---wait wait, i bet you're asking yourself how she rides wild animals at galloping speeds but won't ride a go-kart?

i know, right? i asked her the same thing and she just chuckled from embarrassment. different people, i guess.