Instead of a birthday present, the kids VERY often ask for a special Mommy-date or Daddy-date.  This year Tab asked for a Mommy-date.

About a year ago she’d mentioned she hadn’t ever ridden a horse.  That became plan A.  Thankfully, my prayers were answered and the weather was PERFECT for our trail ride at Heberle Stables.   Tabitha did not know where we are going and as we pulled onto the property and Tab figured out what the sign said she was tremendously tickled.

We got our helmets on

and our guide, Will led us to our horses.  Tab rode Phil and I rode Dan. 

These guys are about 16-17 years old.  They are brothers and Percherons.  We rode around Ellison Park.  It was beautiful. 

This lovely young man, Will, gave us a great tour. 

We walked through their barn after we were done and met at least 20 other horses. 

We ran back home to change clothes and grab my wallet, and then headed to Cracker Barrel for a birthday lunch.

We then headed to the mall where I asked Tabitha if she would like to get her ears pierced.  She enthusiastically replied in the affirmative.

She’s always super stoic with pain and I knew she could handle this.  She seriously impressed the woman doing it and the family standing by watching.  It made me tear up a little, but she did amazingly well. 

She picked crosses.  At first they seemed to be out of them, but the sweet attendant, Maria, went and searched in the back to find them. 

It was SUCH a fun birthday date. 
I love this 10 year old!