Dear Madeline,
We had a ranch party this weekend!  We wish you could have been there.  Maya and her father came, your father, your aunt Erin, aunt Jalene and uncle Scott, cousins River and Finn, aunt Amelia and aunt Eleanor, me, and your grandfather Rex, and great-grandmother Mildred. 

Amost everyone spent Thursday night here, then bright and early Friday we had a big breakfast.  Eleanor gave a riding lesson to Maya first.

Then, she gave a lesson to Amelia.  But, Josey is used to just walking and trotting with Amelia, so now that Amelia wants to canter, I had to get in there and convince Josey to canter with Amelia!

Then, Eleanor gave a lesson to Maya's father, Jack.

Finally, Erin got a lesson. 

Eleanor has given lessons to your dad, but he was so tired from helping to build our new round pen, that he just watched.

Amelia and Maya had a lot of fun pretending.

Erin let them use her pink walkie-talkies.

After lunch we had target practice and Maya's father hit the bull's eye on the target!  Your father made good shots also!

Later, we got the horses tacked up and went for a trail ride in the evening.  Scott, your grandfather Rex, me, and Eleanor rode horses, and Erin led Josey with Amelia and Maya riding double bareback.

Back at the ranch, Finn and River brushed Stormy and rode her while Jalene led them around.

After everyone was finished untacking the horses, we had a barbque and a campfire.  Some people spent the night again, and some went home after dinner.

It was so much fun, and we decided we're going to have another Ranch party next year.  We hope you'll be there!

Love, your U li si.