Happiness is in the Horses

Ever since I introduced Lene to our former janitor, Mr. John she had been dying to go to his house and meet his horses.  For over a year she would bring it up every time she saw him helping around the campus of her school.  And then the birthday dilemma happened.  ALL she wanted was to horseback ride and wouldn't you know the stables near us had no riding going on her birthday week!  What would I do?  Get creative, of course!

I picked up the phone to call Mr. John and his wife Gayle.  Did I mention that Gayle, was Little's teacher in first and second grade?  She was.  Amd yes, it has been a long time.  Reconnecting with Gayle was great we talked on the phone for an hour and she came up with a fun plan..  Since I had worked with her youngest daughter several years ago, why not surprise her with a reunion.  It was so thoughtful of her to do--a birthday ride for my birthday girl and a dinner to follow full of good conversation and fun times!

We didn't tell Lene where we were going, and she was SO surprised--it was such fun!  At first she was a little nervous to ride.  Truth be told, these horses looked big compared to some of the ones she had ridden before.  One was even a thoroughbred.  He was massive!  Eventually she conjured up her courage and she was off.  I am so happy her dream of riding on her birthday was fulfilled.  It couldn't have been more special or private or entertaining if I had tried to plan it as such!

Ernie is such a good daddy, he didn't mind that we were actually celebrating Lene's birthday on his special day.  Daddies like that are pretty fantastic in my eyes!  We ate, chatted, and sang Happy Birthday at the end of the festivities.  It was super fun.

Even this guy showed up after his long drive home from work.  I think he made his former teacher's night...seeing that it had been quite a little while and all.  I feel blessed to have reconnected with them and to have them back in my life.  All it took was a phone call and it is as if no time has passed at all. I'm even hoping to re-join the book club I had been a part of once upon a time ago before Ernie's work schedule completely interfered.  Happy day for my birthday loves.  That is what matters most!