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I've got a lot going on upstairs and it's all going to come out today. I'm going to break it down into several posts because let's face it, I tend to get lengthy with what I consider important details. We need details:) It's not necessarily in order of events, but I figure I'd start out by sharing something MOD related. The annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show took place a week ago and my boys had an opportunity to participate. They needed some Ambassador Family children with some riding experience for a little event. Three years ago, we took T to this event because he started showing an interest in horses. He actually said, " I want to be in the arena." Well, three years later, the kid got his chance!

A week ago, we took the boys down on a Wednesday night to meet their Arabian friends. D was going to ride Tradition and T was riding Stella. They met them at their stables and we got sort of the behind the scenes tour. The boys fed them carrots and mini peppermints. They could have spent the night right there in the barn. The boys tried on chaps, boots, and a few other items on for size. They would be in the arena two days later on Friday night participating in a lead line. Due to liability, they had to have sidewalkers and someone holding a guide rope, but we made sure that folks knew they could actually ride solo. I was asked to submit a little blurb about each kiddo's preemie journey. Some days, I just can't believe that we're here. These not so little anymore guys were very lucky and made it! I mean, they haven't come through prematurity unscathed. We have ongoing speech therapy for one and numerous therapies for the other, but they are alive and thriving! People need to know that. When I stop and take a real unscheduled breath, I am just amazed and SO proud of them!

Friday night came and we jammed down to Westworld for the big event. As soon as we showed up, the gals whisked the boys away on golf carts to get them into their costumes. They were pleased I had them in blue t-shirts. We hadn't really discussed colors or anything. Somehow Mom knew to go with blue. We put them in their walk shirts because we were representing our family team. They mounted their horses and spent a little time in the practice arena. We were concerned about noise level as it can get really loud in there. It was a bit uncomfortable for T at first. This was something on a much larger scale for him compared to a mini horse show at our usual riding spot. He did great! When they got out there, the announcer spoke about each kiddo and we put a little blurb in there about their angel sibling too. D worked the crowd, and waved as he made his rounds. The audience cheered, one section in particular became quick fans, and that's when I got choked up trying to take pics with my little phone, feeling SO darn proud of these two knowing that it could have been so very different.

I got some great photos of them! The boys were tickled when they were each presented with a little swag bag which included signed Breyer figures and official horse show jackets with their names embroidered! Very cool! We spent the next half hour thanking everyone and talking about how neat it was. It's definitely something they will remember for a long time. We wished that we could have stayed longer, but we were leaving the next morning for our second straight weekend in CA and still needed to pack for 4 people.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 2016

Boys waiting patiently before show.

 D making his rounds in the arena.

T looking very pleased with his ride! They both had a lot of fun!