The Horse Farm

We have an Equestrian Center not far from where we live, that we affectionately call "the horse farm." I'd never visited there until this summer, and we've been going a lot lately. The horse farm is beautiful, butts up next to a forest preserve, is several acres of rolling hills and white picket fences and barns and horses and friendly volunteers and some interactive displays for kids. We often pack our blanket, bring some snacks and coffee, and just roam around the horse farm. There are lots of trails around the fields and into the woods, so it's the perfect place for a walk when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle. I think the reason I love it so much here is that it reminds me of home - of Whatcom County where there are all sorts of fields and farms and slow, quiet places.

Thankfully the girls love it too! This fall it has been especially picturesque there as the colors have turned. I took some photos at the Horse Farm two different occasions, one in early fall and one just recently with the late fall colors.

Again, a deluge of photos.

This girl is in such a fun phase right now. I feel like we've worked through some of our tougher times of tantrums, and not that they don't happen anymore but we seem to be in a better place. She is such a sheer delight and joy most of the time, so curious about the world, a running hilarious two-year old commentary on what is happening around us. She LOVES the horse farm and watching the horses. Notice the cow-girl boots she had to wear to the farm. Hopefully making her Auntie Jessica proud!

Here Madeline and Isabel were watching a few kids taking their horse-riding lessons. Every time the horse came near to us, they were just enamored. 

Ah, the many faces of Isabel Therese. Just love her little dimpled cheeks right now. 

This was our more recent trip to the farm. James was with us this time, and we all loved taking in the late fall colors on a walk around the fields. 

This was so sweet - the horse just walked up to these two and started nuzzling Madeline. She didn't quite know what to make of it!

Meanwhile, Isabel was doing her thing tossing leaves. 

I'll be a bit sad once all the leaves have fallen at the horse farm - it's been a great stomping grounds for the summer/fall.