Hobbs and I just got back from agility class, and let me just say that it wasn't quite as wonderful as last time. Most of it was great! Hobbs was much more relaxed and didn't get burnt out quite as easily. He was jumping much more willingly, and really really likes the tunnel, and A-Frame. But something happened that was a little upsetting, frustrating, and disappointing. Last week we were working with just the Dog Walk planks placed horizontal on blocks about 12" in the air. Hobbs did pretty good with those and didn't seem concerned, but he fell off them a lot.
Tonight though the dog walk was all set up at the competition height of 4'! There wasn't an in between step. Hobbs got most of the way across the top when it started shaking, and in turn he started shaking like crazy, lost his balance, and fell off. It wasn't a nice fall either! He actually has a scrape on his leg from it (I just noticed it today)! After twice of that happening, the teacher moved the equipment to a more level spot and we tried it again. Granted it wasn't on a super uneven place in the first place, but it was wobbling enough to knock Hobbs off balance. Hobbs went over it three or four times after it was moved. The only problem is now Hobbs rushes fearfully across the top of the dog walk. I tried once to slow him down, by keeping the treat at his nose and walking slowly, but he got super stressed and bailed off the top.
I am pretty frustrated at myself for allowing Hobbs to be in an unsafe situation the first time across the dog walk. I just didn't know to check the stability of the DW before I sent him over it. I thought my instructor had checked it, because the class before us had been using it.Hobbs is going to be working on just being comfortable on a board on blocks before I let him do it in class again. We won't be doing it for a couple weeks at least. I am going to ask the instructor to lower the DW about half way to let the bigger dogs gain some confidence. ALL of the bigger dogs in class had an issue with it! I think only one dog besides Hobbs went all the way across.
My only question is what should I do in class if the instructor wont lower the height of the DW?Also since falling off the DW Hobbs has started swinging his hind end off the down plank of both the DW and the Teeter. He will leave his front paws on usually, but will not keep all four on at the same time. In class we have been told to not worry too much about contacts right now, and to just get the dogs over the equipment smoothly. But I am starting to think that that may be teaching problems that I don't want to fix later. Everyone I have talked to teaches contacts BEFORE letting the dog do the whole obstacle.
So I am a little worried that I am working with a trainer who doesn't go slowly enough with the dogs. She competes with her dogs, so I figured she had the experience to teach a competition quality class. She was actually recommended to me BECAUSE I want to compete eventually.....unless I screwed that up last night! Hopefully I can get his confidence back soon!
Sorry there are no pictures! Robert went to NV on a business trip, so he wasn't there to take pictures...next week though I PROMISE there will be pictures!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
New Collar
Hobbs and I went on a collar shopping trip, and finally found what I was looking for. For our next agility class we needed:
All three together
I am really glad I found a cute collar for him
The shortened catch tab
Funny thing about the place I got the stuff from. I got there, and it is a training, daycare, boarding facility with a store. There was a note on the door that said they were closed, but would be back in 10 minutes. So I waited and finally a guy came walking a dog around the corner and went inside. I walked up to the door and it was still locked, then the guy came back out with another dog, so I asked him if they were open. This was his response:
- A light collar (his was weighing him down)
- A light leash (same reason)
- A catch tab (so he isn't ever totally off leash during class)
The catch tab I found was a bit longer than I wanted, but luckily it was leather so I just cut it and tied a knot in the end of it. The new leash is also leather and is super thin and light.....almost too much so, I tried to correct Hobbs with it, and I thought it was going to snap. I will just have to see how it goes, and maybe I will have to get a nylon one.
All three together
I am really glad I found a cute collar for him
The shortened catch tab
Funny thing about the place I got the stuff from. I got there, and it is a training, daycare, boarding facility with a store. There was a note on the door that said they were closed, but would be back in 10 minutes. So I waited and finally a guy came walking a dog around the corner and went inside. I walked up to the door and it was still locked, then the guy came back out with another dog, so I asked him if they were open. This was his response:
"Umm, no we aren't. I am walking dogs right now." Then he turned to go! I told the back of him that I would just come back later, and he turned around and said "Well is there something specific you need?" I told him I was just looking for a leash, and collar. He sighed and let me back in the store saying that he "guessed he could help me" As I was looking for the leash, he came over and quite impatiently asked if there was a leash I thought would work. It was a very good thing that there were not a lot of choices, I hurried to choose one, paid, and left. Unless there is something I can't get anywhere else, I will not be going there again. You would think that being a business person, he would treat a prospective customer with at least respect.
Patriot was so funny this morning on our walk! Every once in a while, he really gets into "guide" mode and will stop at curbs and very forcibly guides me around everything from mailboxes, to leaves on the sidewalk, to bushes that stick out too far. Well today was one of those days, and as we were walking, a large white van (like the ones they use to transport the dogs at GDB) pulled in front of us at an intersection. Patriot got SO excited! He started this little prance thing, and his tail started wagging like crazy, and his head came up, ears perked. Usually when he is in "guide mode" he is in the zone and nothing can distract him. It just goes to show how much of an impact even two months of formal training has on these dogs. Patriot is almost 7 and he still remembers those vans! Silly boy!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Wubba War
Patriot and Hobbs both absolutly LOVE their Kong Wubba toy. I tried to post a picture of one, but it wasn't working. Anyways I took a bunch of pictures while they wrestled and here they are:
"Mom, why does he always win?!?"
Here is a close up of the one above
And the winner is...................
Hobbs!!
"Mom, why does he always win?!?"
One Year and Counting
Today is the one year mark of when I started this blog. I am so happy that I have kept it up, and am so excited for the next years of blogging!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Agility!
Tonight was so much fun!
We are in a class of a bunch of non-herding dogs! I was amazed! There is a German shepherd "Loba" and a cattle dog, and they are the only herding dogs. There is also a toy poodle, a Schnauzer/poodle, a bichon "Amy", a small beagle, and a golden....and of course Hobbs. I guess I had just assumed that Hobbs would be the only non border collie there. Lol, now that I think about it, that was kind of naive of me.
We mostly just learned the rules of the equipment, and got the dogs to try most of it. The contact equipment was lowered and the dog walk was taken apart so the dogs could just learn to walk on horizontal boards, and the teeter was flattened so that it only tipped a tiny bit. Hobbs LOVED the lowered A-Frame! The first time over I was more trying to slow him down so he would do it safetly, rather than having to coax him over it. He also loved the tunnel right from the beginning. I am pretty sure the dog walk and teeter will be his toughest thing. I am going to get him a different collar and leash though because his are pretty heavy.
Oh, was I ever thankful for a dog that had manners! I had been told by people that a dog with good obedience was harder to train in agility. But it was nice to be able to put Hobbs on a wait and then call him to me over the equipment with full faith that he would come to me. That came in handy with the weave polls which Hobbs was the star of. They were spread apart so that the dogs could come to their handlers straight down the middle. I can't imagine having a dog that every chance it gets, takes off playing keep-away.
Hobbs seemed like he was enjoying himself, but he did get a little burnt out towards the end. I think it was just an overload of information. I hope that next week are some specific things to work on, instead of working on all of it. Or that Hobbs doesn't get as overwhelmed with it all.
It was a good night, and Hobbs is defiantly tired after all the new information. I can't wait for next week!
....oh and I forgot my camera, so pictures maybe next time!
We are in a class of a bunch of non-herding dogs! I was amazed! There is a German shepherd "Loba" and a cattle dog, and they are the only herding dogs. There is also a toy poodle, a Schnauzer/poodle, a bichon "Amy", a small beagle, and a golden....and of course Hobbs. I guess I had just assumed that Hobbs would be the only non border collie there. Lol, now that I think about it, that was kind of naive of me.
We mostly just learned the rules of the equipment, and got the dogs to try most of it. The contact equipment was lowered and the dog walk was taken apart so the dogs could just learn to walk on horizontal boards, and the teeter was flattened so that it only tipped a tiny bit. Hobbs LOVED the lowered A-Frame! The first time over I was more trying to slow him down so he would do it safetly, rather than having to coax him over it. He also loved the tunnel right from the beginning. I am pretty sure the dog walk and teeter will be his toughest thing. I am going to get him a different collar and leash though because his are pretty heavy.
Oh, was I ever thankful for a dog that had manners! I had been told by people that a dog with good obedience was harder to train in agility. But it was nice to be able to put Hobbs on a wait and then call him to me over the equipment with full faith that he would come to me. That came in handy with the weave polls which Hobbs was the star of. They were spread apart so that the dogs could come to their handlers straight down the middle. I can't imagine having a dog that every chance it gets, takes off playing keep-away.
Hobbs seemed like he was enjoying himself, but he did get a little burnt out towards the end. I think it was just an overload of information. I hope that next week are some specific things to work on, instead of working on all of it. Or that Hobbs doesn't get as overwhelmed with it all.
It was a good night, and Hobbs is defiantly tired after all the new information. I can't wait for next week!
....oh and I forgot my camera, so pictures maybe next time!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Idaho
I went with my whole family (minus Jenetta and her hubby, and Robert) up to Pocatello Idaho, where most of my mom's family lives. They were having a big birthday party for my Grandma on Saturday night, so we drove up that day. The dinner was great, and we made a scrapbook of letters and pictures. I am sure Grandma really appreciated it, and I know she loved the slide show DVD we showed of her. I had never seen most of the pictures on the slide show! My grandma is such a wonderful woman, and I look up to her for everything she had done. I really missed Robert and texted him so much I am sure he thought I was crazy. I love him so much and hate to be away from him.
It was so great to see my cousins again, and talk about memories we have of playing together when we were young. My aunt's cat had just had 8 kittens about four weeks earlier and they were absolutely adorable! There were five black and white ones and 3 Siamese colored ones. I was very tempted to take one home with me. I know I would have regreted it though a couple days later. We stayed up late talking and playing silly games. My family stayed in a hotel, so it was nice to sleep on a bed rather than someone's couch or floor. I slept really well!
Sunday morning we got up and went to church with my grandma and family. They are almost all in the same ward even! Their ward is really great because they have all been in the same ward FOREVER and are all wonderful friends. Church was great, but I kept getting really sleepy. After church we ate some lunch at grandma's house, and then talked for a while and picked some apples off her trees. The drive home was not bad at all....suprising how age makes a huge difference in how you see a 3 hour drive. Robert had cooked dinner for all of us so we stopped in for a quick eat and run dinner....well everyone ran except me!
I am happy to be home, and to sleep in my own bed!
It was so great to see my cousins again, and talk about memories we have of playing together when we were young. My aunt's cat had just had 8 kittens about four weeks earlier and they were absolutely adorable! There were five black and white ones and 3 Siamese colored ones. I was very tempted to take one home with me. I know I would have regreted it though a couple days later. We stayed up late talking and playing silly games. My family stayed in a hotel, so it was nice to sleep on a bed rather than someone's couch or floor. I slept really well!
Sunday morning we got up and went to church with my grandma and family. They are almost all in the same ward even! Their ward is really great because they have all been in the same ward FOREVER and are all wonderful friends. Church was great, but I kept getting really sleepy. After church we ate some lunch at grandma's house, and then talked for a while and picked some apples off her trees. The drive home was not bad at all....suprising how age makes a huge difference in how you see a 3 hour drive. Robert had cooked dinner for all of us so we stopped in for a quick eat and run dinner....well everyone ran except me!
I am happy to be home, and to sleep in my own bed!
Instant Favorite
For Hobbs' year and a half birthday I got him (well him and Patriot) a new toy.
It is called a buster cube and they LOVE it already!
I don't put anything other than kibble in it, but they boys are more than happy to get extra food out of this new thing. Patriot already has figured out how to pick it up even though it is about the size of Hobbs' head. Hobbs benefits the most from the kibble falling out because Patriot is too busy pushing it around and forgets to look for kibble. Oh the joys of having non PIT dogs! There are so may fun toys out there.
Don't they just look "thrilled" with the new toy?
Oh, and Hobbs starts agility TOMORROW!!! I am so excited! People in the class are going to think I am insane with how many pictures I am going to take.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Awards
Thanks to Kelsey, Spike, Burgess, and Tahoe for the nomination for this blog award! It is a very cute idea.
For my seven blogs I added some that are probably new to most of you! I don't think any of them are private, but if they are just email the owner and request to read it!
In no particular order:
Here are the rules for my nominees:
1) The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2) Link to the person you received your award from.
3) Nominate seven other blogs and put links of those blogs on yours.
4) Leave a message on those blogs you've nominated.
You don't have to participate, but it is always fun to spread the blog love!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Not Again!!!
WHAT IS WITH ALL THE FREAKING INJURIES!?!?!?!?!?
Ok, I feel better....a little. About a week ago at the dog park I kind of thought Hobbs looked like he was limping or maybe just walking funny. Then at my parent's house the next day the limping was confermed but only when he was walking on the gravel or dry sticks. I looked at the leg he was favoring (his right hind) and in between his toes was an odd looking bump with a perfectly round really small scab on it. I felt it and the bump was hard and kind of warm and Hobbs didn't really apreciate me touching it.
I didn't want to go to the vet for it, so I washed it off and dried it and put some atibiotic ointment on it. Then I wrapped his foot in VetWrap to keep it off the ground and keep it clean. It hasn't gotten worse and I have been keeping Hobbs off any gravel to keep from scratching the wound. Then today I put a VetWrap "bootie" on his foot so we could go to the dog park.....didn't work too well. It stayed on for a while but fell off and the limping began again. When we got home I looked at his food again. It looked fine, and hadn't been scratched at all.....just the same as it has been for a week. Now I don't know what to do. I REALLY don't want to go to the vet again, and can't really afford it right now (car break replacements can do that); especially just for a bump between my dog's toes. On the other hand I don't want it interfering with the Agility class we are starting on Monday. AGH! I am so frustraited! My plan for now is to keep it clean, dry, and covered in antibiotic ointment that is "made" for dog injuries. Oh, and no more dog park trips for a good long while.
Sorry, I just needed to vent a little. If anyone has suggestions let me know!
Ok, I feel better....a little. About a week ago at the dog park I kind of thought Hobbs looked like he was limping or maybe just walking funny. Then at my parent's house the next day the limping was confermed but only when he was walking on the gravel or dry sticks. I looked at the leg he was favoring (his right hind) and in between his toes was an odd looking bump with a perfectly round really small scab on it. I felt it and the bump was hard and kind of warm and Hobbs didn't really apreciate me touching it.
I didn't want to go to the vet for it, so I washed it off and dried it and put some atibiotic ointment on it. Then I wrapped his foot in VetWrap to keep it off the ground and keep it clean. It hasn't gotten worse and I have been keeping Hobbs off any gravel to keep from scratching the wound. Then today I put a VetWrap "bootie" on his foot so we could go to the dog park.....didn't work too well. It stayed on for a while but fell off and the limping began again. When we got home I looked at his food again. It looked fine, and hadn't been scratched at all.....just the same as it has been for a week. Now I don't know what to do. I REALLY don't want to go to the vet again, and can't really afford it right now (car break replacements can do that); especially just for a bump between my dog's toes. On the other hand I don't want it interfering with the Agility class we are starting on Monday. AGH! I am so frustraited! My plan for now is to keep it clean, dry, and covered in antibiotic ointment that is "made" for dog injuries. Oh, and no more dog park trips for a good long while.
Sorry, I just needed to vent a little. If anyone has suggestions let me know!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Riding Lesson 9/16/08
My lesson today was AMAZING!!! Marlo teaches using the biomechanics method....I think that is how you say it. What that is, is focusing on the position of the rider and using it to influence the movement and frame of the horse.
I rode the big pony who's name is Meadow Lark. She is a pretty big and stocky pony, and is very good to ride. Marlo first had me just ride around the ring while she observed for a couple minutes. She had good things to say about my balance and general riding. Then she stopped me and set my position how she would like to see it. While she placed my legs and hands she explained the how and why of what she was doing. She also explained what I should be doing with my core muscles. It was amazing how different (and wrong) the position felt at first! After placing my position, Marlo had me start out walking Meadow Lark on a 20 meter circle practicing and getting used to the feel of the new position. Then I trotted for a while, changing directions and generally practicing the very basics of riding using the new position.
One part that was really difficult for me was having the "internal rotation" of my thigh! I have always ridden with my lower leg on the horse and now I am doing just the opposite! It was all a lot to think about at the same time! I swear my face hurt afterward from scowling from concentration.
My notes from the lesson are:
Internal rotation is used to put the inner thigh tendon on the horse's long back muscle; influencing the bend and lift of the horse's back.
Toes should point toward horse's opposite ear.
Lower leg stays off the horse's side unless asking for forward motion.
Lifting with the thigh on the sit part of posting encourages the horse to lift it's back collects the horse's stride with every step.
Engaging the core muscles "boards" stabilizes the thighs and back.
Pulling belly button toward the spine flattens lower back.
Elbows need to be bent and lowered.
Hands and reins form a triangle from horse's muzzle back to the elbow with the horses neck straight between them. The neck only touches the rein when the shoulder pops out of line/frame.
Marlo's coach/mentor is coming to do some lessons at the end of the month and she offered to let me have one of the lesson spots! The only problem is that the 45 minute lesson is $145!! But this lady is really good, and it would be an amazing opportunity for me. I think, that I will pass on this one and take a lesson from her next time she comes in December or January. By then I will know a little more what I am doing and will be more comfortable with the riding. Not to mention that I will be able to save the money to support this very expensive addiction.
Here are some pictures I took of Bella Stables, I almost forgot so I was just on my way out.
This is the indoor arena that I ride in. I am SOOOOOO glad that I am not going to be riding in the snow.....just the cold.
I rode the big pony who's name is Meadow Lark. She is a pretty big and stocky pony, and is very good to ride. Marlo first had me just ride around the ring while she observed for a couple minutes. She had good things to say about my balance and general riding. Then she stopped me and set my position how she would like to see it. While she placed my legs and hands she explained the how and why of what she was doing. She also explained what I should be doing with my core muscles. It was amazing how different (and wrong) the position felt at first! After placing my position, Marlo had me start out walking Meadow Lark on a 20 meter circle practicing and getting used to the feel of the new position. Then I trotted for a while, changing directions and generally practicing the very basics of riding using the new position.
One part that was really difficult for me was having the "internal rotation" of my thigh! I have always ridden with my lower leg on the horse and now I am doing just the opposite! It was all a lot to think about at the same time! I swear my face hurt afterward from scowling from concentration.
My notes from the lesson are:
Internal rotation is used to put the inner thigh tendon on the horse's long back muscle; influencing the bend and lift of the horse's back.
Toes should point toward horse's opposite ear.
Lower leg stays off the horse's side unless asking for forward motion.
Lifting with the thigh on the sit part of posting encourages the horse to lift it's back collects the horse's stride with every step.
Engaging the core muscles "boards" stabilizes the thighs and back.
Pulling belly button toward the spine flattens lower back.
Elbows need to be bent and lowered.
Hands and reins form a triangle from horse's muzzle back to the elbow with the horses neck straight between them. The neck only touches the rein when the shoulder pops out of line/frame.
Marlo's coach/mentor is coming to do some lessons at the end of the month and she offered to let me have one of the lesson spots! The only problem is that the 45 minute lesson is $145!! But this lady is really good, and it would be an amazing opportunity for me. I think, that I will pass on this one and take a lesson from her next time she comes in December or January. By then I will know a little more what I am doing and will be more comfortable with the riding. Not to mention that I will be able to save the money to support this very expensive addiction.
Here are some pictures I took of Bella Stables, I almost forgot so I was just on my way out.
This is the indoor arena that I ride in. I am SOOOOOO glad that I am not going to be riding in the snow.....just the cold.
Monday, September 15, 2008
PAL/ILP?
I found out the other day that Hobbs' litter was never registered because one of his grandparents was a CCI stud and wasn't registered. So now if I want to compete in AKC agility events I have to get a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) from AKC. In order to do that I have to fill out an application and include the following with it:
A non-refundable $35.00 application fee
I have been trying to figure out a place to take the pictures and finally found one today. Robert has this short table that now sits out on our porch, and I decided a couple days ago that it will make a great practice "pause" table for our agility. Today I was getting Hobbs used to jumping on and off it, when I realized that it was perfect for taking the pictures of Hobbs! So tell me what you think!
The two Head Shots I am deciding between...leaning towards the first one
And the Profile shots.....I am leaning toward the middle one.....I think
Then just some cute ones on the table
Two recent and clear color photographs of the dog:
one full front view showing the facial characteristics of the dog
one view showing the full side profile of the dog standing on a flat surface (not grass)
Proof from a veterinarian that the dog has been spayed/neutered (this was the easiest one!)A non-refundable $35.00 application fee
I have been trying to figure out a place to take the pictures and finally found one today. Robert has this short table that now sits out on our porch, and I decided a couple days ago that it will make a great practice "pause" table for our agility. Today I was getting Hobbs used to jumping on and off it, when I realized that it was perfect for taking the pictures of Hobbs! So tell me what you think!
The two Head Shots I am deciding between...leaning towards the first one
And the Profile shots.....I am leaning toward the middle one.....I think
Then just some cute ones on the table
Bella Stables
I finally found a place to take Dressage lessons! A few weeks ago I looked once again on the Utah Dressage Society website and saw a barn listing that I hadn't noticed before. The place is called Bella Stables, and it is a very pretty, secluded place. I called to ask the all important question "Do you have lesson horses?" and they said yes!!
I let my life settle down a little bit, and today I went to see the barn and to watch the instructor ride and teach for the morning. I of course forgot my camera, but it is a wonderful barn with very nice indoor and outdoor arenas. The first horse Marlo rode was a 26 year old Andalusian gelding who was once owned by the Spanish riding school. He was trained there and went on tour with the school until he was 4 when he got burnt out and didn't want to preform any longer. The lady who owns him rescued him, and finally got him back to where he could be ridden without hating life. He is a beautiful boy! The next horse was a 3 year old Swedish Warmblood mare named Brilliant that Marlo bought just 8 days ago. She was beautiful, and tried really hard to do what she was asked. The next horse was a Fresian/Thoroughbred cross who was trying to learn to just relax under saddle...he was beautiful as well. Then I watched a lesson with the horse that I may be riding for my lessons. She is a big black Warmblood/Morgan cross mare named Magic. I was completely impressed by the lesson, and by how well Marlo was able to see what the rider needed to do to get the horse into a better frame.
This is DEFINITELY my place in the horse world! Hunter/Jumpers were not the best for me, and I was always more comfortable on the flat work. A lot of horse people think that Dressage is boring, but to me it is fascinating! I love the feeling of a horse coming into a proper frame under me. There are just no words to explain how amazing it is. Unless you have experienced it, you cant imagine what it feels like.
My lesson is tomorrow, and I will definitely take some pictures and post all about it. Marlo said that I would be on either Magic or a big pony who's name I can't remember. I am not going to be able to sleep tonight! I don't really know what to expect from this lesson because I have never taken lessons tailored to Dressage. The only thing I can guarantee is that I am going to be SORE from this lesson!
I let my life settle down a little bit, and today I went to see the barn and to watch the instructor ride and teach for the morning. I of course forgot my camera, but it is a wonderful barn with very nice indoor and outdoor arenas. The first horse Marlo rode was a 26 year old Andalusian gelding who was once owned by the Spanish riding school. He was trained there and went on tour with the school until he was 4 when he got burnt out and didn't want to preform any longer. The lady who owns him rescued him, and finally got him back to where he could be ridden without hating life. He is a beautiful boy! The next horse was a 3 year old Swedish Warmblood mare named Brilliant that Marlo bought just 8 days ago. She was beautiful, and tried really hard to do what she was asked. The next horse was a Fresian/Thoroughbred cross who was trying to learn to just relax under saddle...he was beautiful as well. Then I watched a lesson with the horse that I may be riding for my lessons. She is a big black Warmblood/Morgan cross mare named Magic. I was completely impressed by the lesson, and by how well Marlo was able to see what the rider needed to do to get the horse into a better frame.
This is DEFINITELY my place in the horse world! Hunter/Jumpers were not the best for me, and I was always more comfortable on the flat work. A lot of horse people think that Dressage is boring, but to me it is fascinating! I love the feeling of a horse coming into a proper frame under me. There are just no words to explain how amazing it is. Unless you have experienced it, you cant imagine what it feels like.
My lesson is tomorrow, and I will definitely take some pictures and post all about it. Marlo said that I would be on either Magic or a big pony who's name I can't remember. I am not going to be able to sleep tonight! I don't really know what to expect from this lesson because I have never taken lessons tailored to Dressage. The only thing I can guarantee is that I am going to be SORE from this lesson!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Family Reunion...of Sorts
This past week my sister Jenetta and her husband James came to town for a visit and we had a sort of Family Reunion. They got here on Wednesday night and spent that night here with Robert and me. It was so great to have them here. The dogs had a little bit of a hard time settling down with them here though. That may be something we need to work on....or they just wanted their walk.
My older sister Jenetta
James and Jenetta 
Everyone except Daniel (who was taking the picture) Thanks Dan! 
Payson Lake
Jenetta and James
Everyone getting dinner ready
The girls in the canoe
Dumping the water out after each canoe run
Mom and Dad
Me with my younger brother and sister
My siblings! Lol, right as I took this picture a bee landed on Daniel's leg, and he started to react to it.
Yummy peach cobbler
Dan and Kathryn playing cards 
It is not a super easy hike, but it isn't too terribly hard either. My morning walks have defiantly gotten my leg muscles in shape to the point that my calf muscle only twinged once about 3/4's of the way up. My problem was that I do not have a heart or lungs that are in shape. It was very hard for me to breathe normally on the way up. I am hoping that learning to run will also increase my heart and lung endurance. The scenery was so very beautiful! I love our mountains here in Utah.
Looking down into Alpine
Some of the cliffs around the cave entrance
Everyone at the entrance to the cave. Sorry mom, for cutting your face off! Robert couldn't see what exactly he was taking a picture of. 
The "Heart" of Timpanogos cave
My older sister Jenetta
James and Jenetta
On Thursday while Robert was at work Jenetta and I walked the dogs in the morning, and then she and James went to visit a friend. That evening we met the rest of the family at Los Hermonos mexican restaurant in Provo.
Everyone except Daniel (who was taking the picture) Thanks Dan!
It has been a family tradition for a long time to go there on people's birthdays, and now it is whenever we all get together. The restaurant has great food, and even greater "specialty drinks" they are smoothie like drinks that are heavenly!
Robert and I headed home after dinner so that he could still go to work in the morning. Friday I hung out at home for most of the morning and afternoon. Then I drove down to my parents house around 2. Everyone except Robert headed up the canyon for some canoeing on the lake and a cookout.
Payson Lake
Jenetta and James
Everyone getting dinner ready
The girls in the canoe
Dumping the water out after each canoe run
Mom and Dad
Me with my younger brother and sister
My siblings! Lol, right as I took this picture a bee landed on Daniel's leg, and he started to react to it.
Yummy peach cobbler
Dan and Kathryn playing cards
We all had a blast playing cards after dinner. We played a couple different games including "Egyptian Rat Screw" and "Speed". There was lots of screaming and laughing until we couldn't breathe .
We left the dogs at my parents' house because they were not allowed at the lake....it was kind of weird to be without them. That night Robert came down and everyone slept at the house. It was wonderful to have everyone there together! We stayed up playing games and eating junk food...it was great!
Saturday morning we got up early and made sandwiches and getting ready to go up to timpanogos cave. I had only been once when I was younger and I really couldn't remember much of it at all! Robert had been there more then I had, and had helped clear out some of it as his eagle project. We got there and took some pictures then started up the 1 1/2 mile hike to the entrance of the cave.
It is not a super easy hike, but it isn't too terribly hard either. My morning walks have defiantly gotten my leg muscles in shape to the point that my calf muscle only twinged once about 3/4's of the way up. My problem was that I do not have a heart or lungs that are in shape. It was very hard for me to breathe normally on the way up. I am hoping that learning to run will also increase my heart and lung endurance. The scenery was so very beautiful! I love our mountains here in Utah.
Looking down into Alpine
Some of the cliffs around the cave entrance
Everyone at the entrance to the cave. Sorry mom, for cutting your face off! Robert couldn't see what exactly he was taking a picture of.
The cave was amazing! There was only one part of the whole tour that I remembered from when I went before. That was the room where they turn off the lights and let you see just how much light the first explorers would have had from their candles. Our guide also shined a laser pointer into a couple girls' diamond rings to show the prism effect in the dark. Here are just a few of the pictures I took.
The "Heart" of Timpanogos cave
The walk down was sometimes as strenuous as the hike up! It was pretty steep and was a strain on both the knees and hips. That night James and Jenetta cooked us a wonderful dinner! We all sat around and talked for a while then sang a late Happy Birthday to Jenetta. Robert left about an hour before I did because I didn't want to say good bye yet. It was sad to leave, but they will be here again for Christmas, and for a while longer! I love my family so much and am so glad that we could all be together this week.
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