On Monday I asked Coryn what she'd like to do on her birthday. She wrote out a list with over a dozen different options and then she narrowed it down to her top three: The Domes, horseback riding, and Powell's City of Books.
When I told her Powell's is only in Portland, she was disappointed. But, I told her we could visit a local book shop instead. I also put in a call to the owner of a nearby stable to see if there was a chance Coryn could have a riding lesson on her birthday.
On Wednesday the birthday celebrations continued with a day with GG. At Winkies Coryn picked out a barbie and a scratch art kit. After Winkies we went next door for bagels and cookies at Brueggers and then some romping at the Lake Park playground. Before heading home we relaxed and cooled off at GG's house.
On Thursday, her actual birthday morning, Coryn opened a stack of cards and gifts from family. She received a playmobil school set, a pink tool belt (per her request), safety glasses and pliers, along with a newly repaired Josefina doll.
That morning her birthday wish came true with a riding lesson at Iron Horse Polo Stables. Coryn had her first lesson there 3 years ago on a horse named Blackberry. This time around she rode a gentle horse, barn-name: Belle, show-name: Starry Night. It was another scorcher of a day so Jo stayed home with Gloria.
Mallory and I stuck around and observed Coryn's lesson. Coryn brushed Belle, watched and learned about fastening the saddle and bridle, and then led Belle over to the training arena. Once in the saddle, Coryn sat up tall. She practiced holding the reins and using commands for walking, turning and stopping. Next, Coryn practiced a two-point stance - rising her bottom off the saddle and shifting her weight into her legs and feet - while Belle was standing still. Then, she got a chance to try posting (rising and dropping in the saddle in beat) while Belle trotted around the ring.
As we watched, Mallory told me: I feel lonely when I'm not riding a horse. Unfortunately the trainer had back to back lessons and no spare time to let Mallory take a turn in the saddle. Coryn has high hopes of having another lesson before the end of August. The middle girls may have caught horse-fever.
Thursday night Coryn requested pork chops, white rice and strawberries for dinner. When it was time for dessert, she insisted on placing the one and only birthday candle we had in her cookie dough sundae. No matter that the candle was a number 2. She thought it was funny.
After dinner Matt took Coryn to Barnes and Noble where she picked out a new Land of Stories treasury, a postcard book and a chocolate cupcake. Before returning home they stopped at the store to pick up a new pack of birthday candles.
Friday we cleaned the house, filled and tied water balloons and hid clues for a scavenger hunt in the yard. Coryn invited her classmates for a birthday party and they all came. They ate pizza and ice cream cake (topped with 8 candles) and played a few haphazard games.
Today a surprise birthday package arrived:
Coryn's first story, The Book Worm, Published!
She wrote it last fall and received so much positive feedback that she and Jo collaborated on a sequel, The Book Worm #2.
Coryn says she's a bit nervous about it being available on the internet. She wonders if anyone will buy it. Coryn says she would have re-drawn some of the pictures if she knew it was going to be printed and available to the public. Check it out here. Not a bad deal - two stories for the price of one.
Tonight before bed, I read The Book Worm to the girls and I couldn't keep myself from grinning. Its a story that was made to be read aloud.
Happy 8th Birthday Coryn Mae! We are oh-so-proud of you!
Love,
Mom & Dad
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