Freedom

I know I have posted on Freedom Farm before, but we just love it so much, that it never gets old. Freedom Farm has provided Melissa and so many other kids the opportunity to reach their potentials and soar. With a wholistic effect in all areas of social, physical, and mental skill, it just can not be beat.

Due to some extraneous circumstances for the owner, the annual riding celebration was held without any actual riding going on. But, no matter....there were so many other fun things to do, that all these kids still had a wildly special day. And with Uncle Neddy's famous pork chops on a stick, what else do you really need?

The kids got to brush their horses in the arena and introduce them to their family members.

As you can see, Melissa had quite a fan club of her own.

There were adorable bunnies, baby pigs, llamas, and goats to pet.

Crafts such as make your own mugs and bracelets.

Naps.

Horse Bingo.

Oh. And cow roping. Can't forget the cow roping! This kind comboy had the patience of a saint and spent all day helping kids try over and over again until they made a successful hitch. And once they did, they were so very ecstatic! I think the cowboy was, too!

And of course, awards......

....this year with name engraved trophies and certificates.

We ended our lovely day with a horse drawn wagon ride around the farm. It was such a perfectly beautiful fall day. Celebrating Freedom Farm and all of the volunteers, family members, and kiddos who make this place so special was a wonderful way to spend the day.

This evening, we had the honor to celebrate our favorite young man who is dedicating his life to ensure that we all continue the freedoms that we are blessed with in this country. During his one week break, we celebrated with Bob's nephew, Daniel, who just graduated from the Marines!! An extensive, difficult, and gruelling program, now completed successfully. Handsomely dressed in his Marine apparell, he looked like a completely different young man. We wish him well as he returns for combat training, then moving on to special ops. God bless Daniel, and all the members of our military who give themselves selflessly day in and day out so that we may live out our own days in relative comfort and security.