Just Horsin' Around ;)

Robby, Emilie and I have spent quite a bit of time with Beast'sbelle's Barbie horses since my last post.  We've groomed them, rubbed them down with Lysol wipes, fed them, and spent enough time around them that they perk up when they see us coming.  

And get this...I learned how to ride!!  I'd never ridden a horse before this week, but with help from Beast'sbelle and Robby, I learned!  It came rather naturally, which surprised me.  I'm not usually the type that picks something up right off the bat.  Dallas is such a friendly horse, though, that I felt perfectly at ease.  I couldn't wait to try riding him outdoors!

Yesterday's weather was just beautiful, so after discussing it with Robby, I talked to Beast'sbelle about letting us out to give the horses some exercise.  Their plastic limbs were feeling the need to stretch and walk about, and Robby and I were dying to get a bit of fresh air.  Beast'sbelle allowed us to go as long as we promised to be super careful.

So as quick as we could (before Beast'sbelle could change her mind), Emilie, Robby, and I got the horses ready and headed out.  We decided to ride on the front lawn this first time.  The shade from our wedding tree would ease the heat of the afternoon sun.  I rode Dallas, the palomino stallion, Robby rode Midnight, the black mare, and Emilie rode Dixie, the adorable little filly.  

Those of you who are familiar with Barbie pets may be surprised to find that the horse genders are switched.  Apparently not all of them were labeled correctly or something, because in this case Dallas is the father and Midnight the mother.  Weird, huh?  I guess you just can't trust a label on doll packaging sometimes.  Mama said that her next door neighbor used to have horses just like these, and she and Mama always played that Dallas was the stallion and Midnight the mare (although they had different names:  Dallas was "Den" and Midnight was "Peppy").  But enough of all that! ;)

The day was perfect for a ride.  I'd never been happier to be out of doors. The horses neighed and tossed their heads with pleasure, ambling through the tall grass at a leisurely pace.

I was a bit concerned about Robby at first.  Midnight didn't come with a saddle, and even with a saddle, good riding requires a lot of knee work.  I wasn't sure how Robby would be able to handle it.  I shouldn't have worried, though.  Robby's legs were long enough that he could balance on Midnight's back easily, even without a saddle.  I also noticed that he held on with his knees pretty loosely.  The smile on his face was enough to make me want to sing...but of course I didn't.  I'm sure it was wonderful for him to take part in a family outing without feeling like he was slowing us down. 

Emilie, as always, was taking everything in with her wide eyes.  I knew she'd have dozens of questions for us about everything she'd seen.

Robby kept looking down at her with this adorable fatherly expression, watching her every move.  She certainly has him wrapped around her little finger.  At least, she would if her little finger was separate from the rest of her fingers. ;)

Robby never gets intimidated by her inquisitive mind, which is good, because after about ten minutes of answering Emilie's questions, I start to feel like my head might just explode. :}

I let myself ride on ahead, confident that Emilie would be safe under Robby's watchful eye.  It was so good to be out in the sunshine, feeling the breeze on my face.  I'd felt so trapped in Beast'sbelle's room for so long.  We had to start making it a priority to get outside as much as possible, no matter what the obstacles were.  It wasn't good for us to stay cooped up for too long.

After a while, we thought the horses could use a break.  And good thing too.  I noticed Robby wince a bit as he climbed down from his horse.  I hoped his knee wouldn't suffer too much tonight after a day of riding.

I worked on getting Dallas' saddle off while Robby held the reigns to both horses.  Emilie held Dixie's reigns. Not that she needed too.  Little Dixie was so fond of Emilie that I don't think she would have wandered far.

As if to prove my point, the moment we let the horses loose, Dixie walked up to Emilie and started nuzzling her face. 

Robby and I took the opportunity to sit in the shade of our wedding tree and visit quietly. 

The horses wandered and grazed, happy to be free in such a huge green pasture. 

Emilie followed them, playing happily while Robby and I watched.

After a while, Emilie and Dixie decided to take a rest.

Feeling a bit drowsy myself, I leaned my head back and gazed up above me.

I loved the way the sunlight made the leaves of the tree seem to glow with radiant light.  Right then, everything in my world felt just about perfect. :)

A Few Random Things

And here I am again, horribly late on my posting and without any pictures or anything interesting to say. :{  It's eBay time again, so Beast'sbelle has items and packing materials stacked up in her room.  It's made it rather difficult for us to get around, so we've been pretty much confined to our spot for the past week.

I have a few tidbits to share before I go back to my "prison" (although it is a rather pleasant one). ;)  First, Beast'sbelle told Rapunzel a few days ago that she's discovered several plastic children who need a home.  Several?  She was quick to inform Rapunzel that she didn't have to take all of them...she could find places for the others.  She was wondering if Eugene and Rapunzel would like to have them stay with them for a while, though, almost like a foster home scenario for you humans.  I was pleased to hear that Beast'sbelle was so clear about her intentions throughout the process.  What we went through with Emilie was horrible, but if it saves other dolls from going through the heartache we did, it will be worth it.

I asked Rapunzel if she and Eugene would consider adding more than one child to their family permanently, and she told me they might not be opposed to the idea, but it would depend on the situation.  I think she and Eugene must be nuts, but I have to remember that Rapunzel isn't me.  I'll be sure to keep you informed about them.

I do hate just blurting everything out in such a boring way, but I'm afraid I'll forget to tell you all the news if I wait! :(

In other news, we recently discovered some of Beast'sbelle's old Barbie horses.  I found out something about Robby that I never knew:  he loves horses!  He and one of the horses instantly connected.  Emilie was super excited to see that there was a baby horse just her size.  I've never really been around horses much, but they all seemed friendly and I was quite at ease around them.  Beast'sbelle said it would be good for them to get some exercise, and I thought that perhaps that would be a good family outing.  Three horses for the three of us.  I hope it will work out.  We could use some outside time after being cooped up for so long. :)

I've also finally arranged a playdate with Faith for the girls.  We'll be getting together this Friday.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  I hope there's no awkwardness between us, and I hope it won't be too hard for Faith to see Emilie as my daughter.  I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

That's about all for now, dear readers.  I need to go read Emilie a bedtime story.  I'll be back to share more with you soon. :)

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Wow...I never thought that being a mom would take up so much of my time.  I have sooo much more respect for Rapunzel and Beast'sbelle now!  Doll children aren't quite as much work as human children.  We don't have to feed them (food is optional for dolls) or bathe them (aside from an occasional Lysol wipe when they get really messy).  In my case, I don't even have to tell Emilie to clean her room or anything, since she doesn't have one. :}  Still, having another doll to care for and entertain does take up so much time in the day, and knowing that you're responsible for their well-being can be a bit overwhelming.  I'm not really stressed, but I have been finding it difficult to blog or get much of anything else done.

Robby offered to spend some one-on-one time with Emilie for a bit so that I could at least pop in and say "hi" to all of you.  And, I must confess, it is a relief to have a few moments to myself.  Emilie is a sweetie, but she has so many questions, some that I can't answer.  Her mind is always at work, always wondering about anything and everything.  She's actually not really the shy little thing we thought she was.  Now that she's fully warmed up to us, she never stops talking! ;)  She's a sweetheart, though, and I wouldn't trade her for the world.  She has a way of making everyone around her smile.

Speaking of such things, Rapunzel confided the other day that she and Eugene are thinking of expanding their family again, partially from being around Emilie.  They think the babies could use an older sibling.  I think they're either extremely adventurous or huge gluttons for punishment!  I suppose an older child might be slightly less work than an infant, but still...three kids?  They'll be outnumbered!

Rapunzel does seem to thrive on motherhood.  Especially now that she has her new body and so much energy.  You should have seen her climbing trees the other day.  It was incredible!  So who knows?  Maybe she'll be "super mom" from now on and be able to handle anything that comes her way.  I guess only time will tell...

Oh, and you'll be happy to know that I heard from Faith again.  Their new little daughter arrived safe and sound and is fitting in perfectly with the rest of the family.  I haven't met her yet, but she's just Emilie's size, so I'm hoping we can arrange a playdate in the future.  :)

No news on the Ben front.  I've been hoping he'll finally find someone to make him happy.  Of course, as Robby keeps reminding me, we can't rely on another doll to bring us happiness.  That's too much to ask of anyone.  If we aren't happy without a better half, we won't necessarily be happy with one.  I suppose he has a point, but I do think a large part of Ben's problem is his loneliness.  If he had someone he could confide in, I think it would help.  Not that I'll try to push anyone in his direction.  I'm NOT going to play a "Beast'sbelle".  :}

I'd love to stay and chat some more, but honestly, I'd like to take a walk and clear my head while I'm still without responsibilities. ;)  I'll do my best to be back soon, but in this new season of my life, I'm finding it's best not to make promises I can't be sure of keeping. :}  Until next time, dear readers.

P.S.  I nearly forgot...thank you so much to all of my new followers!  I can't believe I'm up to 54...it's just incredible!  You're all wonderful. :)