Horse Ride with Japanese Students

Today my aunts, Renae, Peggy, and I helped out on the annual Sister's City Horseride today. The Sister's City Program is where two cities exchange a few select students to visit each other's country for a couple of weeks. So we had about 15 students from Iwamizawa, Japan going on a trailride with us. Our job was to make sure the kids stayed safe throughout the ride and had a fun time.

The two students that we were assigned: Yosuke (pronounced like Yoshkee with a long o sound) and Yui (not the correct spelling but how you actually say it.)

They look excited don't they? Most of them were really nervous and many asked for the smaller horses that were available.

Yui got Dolly - I taught her how to stop, turn and go. She caught on quickly.

We're off!

At this part of the ride back, Yosuke commented, "It is beautiful here."

He actually spoke pretty good English and we ended up having some good conversations, although we had to keep it basic with simple words he could understand. I learned that he was 15 years old and in the ninth grade. He said he liked basketball and "this" as he pointed to his horse. He has ridden only twice in his life, so I was impressed. Sadly, the ride was too short for him - he wanted to ride longer and said "I am sad." He told Renae a couple of times, "I am really enjoying this." Me too, Yosuke.


I was impressed to learn that the city mayor rode with us. We've never had any city official do that before. He was a lot of fun, a wonderful helper, and a great rider.

The Pocatello mayor.

Me and Yosuke! We had a great time talking, I am glad I took the time to get to know him.

I didn't realize how funny I was standing until I saw this photo. My horse was pulling me over while I was trying to stand still for the picture. I was leaning in to make sure I was "in the shot."

I don't know what it is with the Japanese students - every year they give the peace sign in every group photo. I wonder if they think it's some kind of American sign that they think we do or if that's how they do it in Japan - I don't know. Next year I'll try to remember to ask - at least I got Yoshkee to give a thumbs up instead in some of them. I wonder if he even knew what a thumbs up meant?

Yeah, thumbs up!

Afterwards we were all fed lunch. The Japanese girls were suspicious of the "red drink" (the punch.) I told them it was good and to try it. One girl put her cup under the nozzle but only let me give her a tiny bit. Once she sipped a little of it, she looked at me and said, "Good." So then the other girls took a little bit of it too. :) Cute.

We never got a photo with Peggy, she took off too soon. But here is me and Renae.

I love going on this annual horse ride and meeting the Japanese kids. They are always so nice, respectful and fun to listen to (even though I usually don't understand a word.)

I am really looking forward to next year's ride.

Police Department Farewell Picnic

Last night our family headed over to a farewell picnic that the police department held in honor of Jed and his upcoming departure. It was an enjoyable and casual evening with many who showed up to offer their best wishes....and have some of the yummy food.


Chief Dial

Chief and Corporal Swanson.

Rigdon with "Grandma" Dawn (over Parks and Recreation.)

Chowin down.

Officer Hammer, Officer Curnutt and his family.

From left: Officer Hintze, City Councilman Mr. Beatie, City Councilman Mr. Russell, Officer Peterson and his wife.

Officer Tincher.

Officer Mohler cooking up the hamburger patties.

Jed's fellow officers presented him with a few words of wisdom, a few jokes (at Jed's expense of course)....


....and a gift with a card.


The gift turned out to be a Ka-bar knife - an old style Marine fighting weapon.

Bob and Jed are really good buddies.

Jed then was given the chance to say a few words. Although he's laughing here, he did have some more serious and emotional moments that got us all a bit teary-eyed.

Lots of love coming right up.

Aubrey couldn't pass up the opportunity to give her daddy a hug too.

Shakin' hands with Chief Dial.

Our family.

Aubrey's behind the camera now.

Where are the parents of these kids, I mean really, who lets their kids run around wild like this?

Munchin' away.

Rigdon running off like usual.

Our boys never waste an opportunity to wrestle around.

I think they're tired of getting their picture taken, what do you think? I guess a bunch of cops are the last group of people you want to tick off.

Beth (City Clerk)

City clerks.

The guys posing for a few final pictures.

I told the guys to do a funny shot...so Officer Swanson pulled out his pepper spray and let it fly. That's not quite what I was thinking of but really funny!

Sorry friends and family, I wanted to invite you to but I was informed that it was meant for just the city employees and their immediate families. We'll try to put something together soon for all of you too.

Thank you to the City Council and Police Department for putting this on for our family, we really appreciate all of your love and support.

Even Mayor Christensen showed up to offer his support as well.

Uncle Dave and Tammi's Visit

My Uncle Dave and his wife, Tammi, traveled from their home in Wisconsin to come and visit family in our neck of the woods for a few days. We rarely get to see them and so this was a special treat. A special picnic was held last night at my parent's house for all of Dave's siblings, my cousins, etc. We had a great time catching up with everyone.

Waiting around for the rest of the family to show up.
Jed and my brother, Cory.

  My Uncle Dave and Aunt Tammi - our special guests.

Just relaxing, laughing, and joking around.

Dave, my dad, and Karl.

Rigdon and Hudson making plans to raid the table.

My cousin, Wyatt, with Rigdon, Tammy

My mom getting things set up.

Spending time in Grandma's garden.

The peas are on and ready to eat! Yummy!

Our family shares this garden with my brother's family and my parents. It's kind of become the "community" garden. My kid's favorite part is most definitely the weeding, not! But the reward is worth it in the end.

Brooklyn, Rigdon, Hudson playing in the horses' water trough.

The older boys wrestling on the trampoline.

The most popular entertainment for the kids - the horses!

I can just imagine what Rigdon is saying in "real" English - "Come on horse! Eat my hay!"

Awe Mom, that didn't work!

I love my family!