Just call him James.....James Bond

Meet C & J with their "pony" James. James Bond that is. I put "pony" in quotes because technically, in the equine world, he is indeed a pony. But, to me, he's a horse. I mean look at him - he's a horse right? No, he's not. He's a pony. C & J know the difference. They take their riding very seriously, and it's clearly important to be accurate.

This is J, she rides first. She's been riding for about a year. Here she is with her instructor (trainer? coach? this whole world is new and fascinating to me - I don't yet have all the lingo). J is studious, determined and focused when she rides. She has perfect form and a natural grace on top of a horse, err, pony. She's downright elegant when she rides, you'd never know she's only 5.

Plus she's cute as a button. I mean come on, look at those dimples!


She has a relationship with her pony that is mature, intimate, passionate, intuitive. She can tell you what James likes and what he doesn't like. And I believe her. It's quite mystical, very romantic, and profoundly sweet.

C, on the other hand, is more cowboy than Prince. He has tremendous confidence when he rides. Not that J doesn't, she dances, he swaggers. His form is not technically perfect but he rides with such gusto and enthusiasm it doesn't really matter. He's got a certain style, a certain panache.


He too has bonded with his horse and loves to give him treats and take care of him. And it goes without saying that James is so gentle and protective of his young charges. C is in my son's class at school and I have to admit as a Mom I'm so impressed with these children. Both of my kids are afraid of dogs. And I can't get my 6 year old to ride a bike. Not only do C & J have NO FEAR when it comes to this animal. It's obvious they have a real devotion to both the sport and to James himself. I think passion at any age is remarkable. And on these two kids it's palpable and a joy to witness.


Happy Trails!

Nana's Garden

Clark Street is on the road this month so you can expect to see lots of updates from the home state of TEXAS. For the first leg of our journey we're staying with my in-laws, and my Mother-in-law Jeri is Sadie's favorite person on the planet. Sadie is in heaven at her Nannie's house. And they just so happen to have one of the loveliest gardens I've ever been in. The light was just right the other day so we went out to grab a few shots. Some of these I'll treasure forever. Here's Sadie with her beloved Nannie.


And then I couldn't resist capturing some of the pretty things they have in their garden. This candle holder is on the most elegant art piece that also functions as a table.
Throwing rocks in this little fountain is a favorite pastime of both my kids. Someday I should pull together all the photos I have of them as they've grown up, measuring their size in relation to this quaint spot.
Through this sculpture you can glimpse the waterfall in the big pond (complete with fish to feed) and the cute little blooming lily pad that's floating there.

Sadie this trip loves to jump on the rock path up to the bridge and then shout "TA-DA!" This is her moment of triumph.

And then there's dusk. My favorite time of day for so many reasons. And my sweet Sadiekins showing her curiosity and reverence for the melodious wind chime.

Nana's Garden will always be one of those places they remember most about visiting their grandparents in Texas.

Picture Party!

Over the weekend we had a very impromptu "Picture Party". And I had the pleasure of snapping away at my dear friends and their kids. Some of whom shall remain nameless.

This is Zoe. She's my Sadie's best friend. And I certainly hope this isn't a problem later in life when Zoe is attracting the attention of EVERYONE and poor Sadie feels inferior. Because even though my Sadie has blue eyes - they aren't anything like these.


Or these. On Cooper. Who is a very mischievious 5 year old these days. Something totally new for him. Usually shy and reserved he's very playful right now. I have pictures of him sticking out his tongue and wagging his bum at me but I decided to show his less silly side.

This is Tucker. Oh yes, he's got big blue eyes too. He's the oldest, about to be 7. And is very much the big brother. And knows a lot about sports. And sports teams. And the rules of the sports. An impressive amount really, it's easy to forget he's only 7 when you get him going about football and first downs.
Here we have Molly & Bill. you can see where the kids get the eyes can't you? They are dear friends who we'd be lost without. We've braved many a long winter together filled with "rescue me!" play dates.


On to our next family, TMJ. This is J with T. Interestingly enough the playful ones in this family are Mom & Dad. T was perfectly cooperative but M & J had a hard time sitting still and doing the work of modeling for the camera. That's OK, we all had more fun as a result. And I got some truly hilarious pictures. These aren't those. I worried those were more "you had to be there". So I added the sweet ones. That's more my thing anyway, don't ya think?


This is M & T. Oh sure, all smiles here. This was before the ear biting......

Another gorgeous kid with incredible eyes. We're so lucky to have the friends we do. Not just because of their excellent features. But also because of their wit and charm and Northwestern Smartypantsness. And they are "good people" as we like to say. We totally dig them all.