Family Night

So, V and I had decided to skip Family Night. Not a big deal, we figured, the kids are telling us how they are doing and they have been there for all of 2 days, so really, what would we talk to them about?
It would appear that the kids had other plans. The moment I got there, Ayla asked "Are we staying for family night? There is a carnival!", to which Colin quickly added, "And Pizza." So, I called Vanessa and told her that the kids wanted to stay, and that I would have them home for around 8:30, as they had to shower and get to bed, as early mornings are a bit tough. She said that yes, perhaps I could reinforce that it was SHOWER and BED as soon as they get home. And so the kids agreed to the deal. Of course I had no cash, so we drove "back to the city", as Colin calls it, to get cash and passed the pigs along the way. (More on the pigs at a later post.)
We parked at Cedar Creek, the riding camp, and it was immediately clear how comfortable the kids are there. They know the roads, the buildings, the staff. I spoke to both of their instructors. Jess said that Colin is a great calming influence on Patches, who tends to be an excitable horse. Ines said that the bond between Winston and Ayla is very strong, which is great as it helps them both to excel. The levels are a bit different from last year, but both teachers said that the kids were progressing very well. We then went to see Winston and Patches. Winston was by the fence, so we had a lot of time with him, and I also saw Patches and met Honey and Chocolate (who left horse snot on my white pants) and another horse whose name the kids did not know but who I particularly liked. It is obvious how much Colin loves the horses. He kept asking if we could go and pet them a bit more. He hugs them and calls them and said that "if I could, I would just jump on the horses back and ride him bareback right now!". We then went for pizza, saw the pools and water slides, and spent time in the jumpy castle, after I nixed waiting for the obstacle jumpy slidy thingy, as the line was slow. Very, very, slow.
The majority of the kids there were from the regular Green Acres camp, so Colin and Ayla did not run into anyone they knew, but that did not stop them from having fun. They play well together and seem so comfortable in each other's company, it's nice to see. Although Ayla still pulls the Older Sister routine sometimes, like asking if she should supervise Colin eating his lunch (yes, still dealing with lunch issues).
Overall I think the kids appreciated staying.