Temple trip and birthdays!

We got to go to the temple and do initiatories together and it was such a great experience. We can't wait to go again and do some family work for my grandfather before mom and dad return to Romania.

I love this picture Hrishi took of us and the temple!

After many many years, this year mom and I got to celebrate our birthdays together! That was such a blessing and a treat!

Homemade pizza, pastries, stuffed grape leaves, chicken and veggie kebobs, salmon cakes, and lobster were on the menu. It was all scrumptious.

Pure deliciousness grilled by master griller Hrishi!!

Didn't have enough candles, please excuse the spelling error! :) The lemon cake was delish!

Someone loves her Martinelli.

Do you see Toby gently touching mamaie's arm?! :)

Photo bombing dad!!

 I love my parents!

Morning Star Piccolo

I present to you, a new equine addition to our family-our beautiful Hanoverian/Welsh pony!! She is a 9 year old blue roan mare, standing at 14.1 hands. I found her in Alvin, TX while I looking for ponies for sale on the internet, and when after trying a few other ponies she didn't like, and feeling a little sick to her stomach, she was going to get off before trying her. We all honestly didn't think much of her before Ella got on.

For Ella was love at first ride though. The moment she got on, she felt safe and comfortable. And so the two hit it right off.

She is a very nice mover, quiet as can be, hard working and willing. Ella loves to canter and jump with her.

We got to try her for a week at the home barn and she has done well every single day and every single ride.

And part of the trial was to show her in Ella's first show ever at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. It was a non-rated/schooling show but the first real big one, aside from the small barn shows she did a couple of years back.

Grazing Piccolo before the show.

They both did an amazing job after having only been acquainted with each other for four days. The pony has a great smooth canter and beautiful confirmation. They even got quite a few ribbons in the Pre-beginner classes.  We were all beyond excited! The two make a great pair and hopefully a promising future together.

She competed with girls 4 and 5 years older than her and with much more show experience, and almost got two first places/blue ribbons. The judge told her that she was going to give her first place if only she had all her diagonals right in the trot. Oh well, next time. Of course, she was excited to get tips from the judge and get such compliments.

Her show bill number was 911. I didn't know what to think of it... ha-ha!

Sixth place at equitation flat.

Here with her trainer, Marieke Slik.

And her amazing grandma and grandpa who were and are so very proud of her!!!

Every time she went in to ride during the show I thought I was not going to watch being so nervous for her!!

Two second places, two fifth places, and one sixth place. Not bad at all for a first show, eh?!! :)

When she heard sixth place, she asked what color ribbon was that. When we told her green, she said-I love green!! :) Cute!!

After a pre-sale vet exam yesterday and many prayers and negotiations, we can call her ours. Welcome to the family, Morning Star Piccolo, now Karekar! :)

Here she is grazing and loving her after the vet exam.