Sunday, September 8, 2013

Horseback Riding with Grace...

I got Grace a gift certificate to take her horseback riding for her birthday.  We had a wonderful day together and it made me realize that once each grandchild turns 5, I won't be buying them gifts anymore.  I want to give them a day with grandma doing something fun together, just the 2 of us.

We got up to Garden Valley and as soon as we got on the horses, it started raining.  But it was so beautiful and wonderful that neither of us minded.  In fact, I think we both really enjoyed riding in the rain.

We stopped at the old Youren house - you know how I love old buildings!








Can you tell I was soaked?



After riding, we drove up to the old Charters Mansion.  It's now deserted but I hear they're going to turn it into a restaurant.  It's owned by Don Weilmunster - big surprise!
 

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8 comments:

  1. DeeSeptember 8, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    Your day was wonderful for both of you, one not to be forgotten. She will always cherish your time together, and so will you. What a marvelous idea. And that you will continue to do this for your "grands".

    A pity that the Charters lovely home is owned by that kind of person. It would make a charming restaurant.

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  2. JACKISeptember 8, 2013 at 8:50 PM

    I love the idea of a 'date' instead of presents! I'm sure all the grandkids would agree! :o)

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  3. SheriSeptember 8, 2013 at 10:25 PM

    Jodi, Love this idea....but love even more that you continue to occasionally BLOG. You really are a gifted story teller and I look forward to reading you just like the Readers Digest. Please try to continue!

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  4. KevSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    You a model Granny!!!! Well done

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  5. AnonyvoxSeptember 9, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    I am embarrassed to say that I don't know exactly where the Charters Mansion is located--I don't believe I've ever seen it up close. Is it at the base of the mountain, on the mountain side of the river?

    I absolutely agree that experiences are way better gifts than things. Plus, the moms don't end up with all the plastic crap to clean up from some junky toy that the kids are just *dying for* and forget all about after 10 minutes.

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  6. JodiSeptember 9, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    Casey, the Charters Mansion is at the base of Charters Mountain. If you're driving in to Garden Valley, it's the big White House you can see on the other side of the river. I learned from our guide that it was actually a kit house from Sears. I think we called it a mansion because compared to all the other houses in it was huge!

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  7. jaciSeptember 10, 2013 at 11:00 PM

    Jodi -

    I love the idea of a date (and I especially love the idea of dating on a horse) with your grandkids! And I love old buildings. And - like Sheri - I love that you still blog occasionally. You really are a gifted writer (and you're funny, to boot).

    What a wonderful blog post. :)

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  8. AbbieSeptember 28, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    super. Gifting an experience together instead of a tangible item is so incredible! I love that idea - you are one cool woman and grandma.

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