The New Year

I'm really having a hard time saying or writing Happy New Year which is why that isn't the title of this post. Maybe I'm a little crazy but I'm still having a really hard time with Sassy's death and I don't want to associate it with the new year because I'm truly hoping 2013 will be a better year than 2012. Not that 2012 was all bad, after all, this is the year that Loki came into my life! But still, I will be mostly happy to get this year behind me. 2013 means the return to the states without the thought of having to return here looming over my head like last summer.

One of my first rides on Loki. Not the most flattering picture of either of us. He has that weird bridle thing on and I look like a midget but it was love at first ride! (I think my tiny saddle makes his back look much longer than it really is!)

My husband and I have never really been that big on celebrating the New Year. We've just never been that much into the party scene and now that we have three kids a late night for us usually ends somewhere around 10 or 11 pm. As I glance at my clock I realize we have a half hour until it is the new year over here in Okinawa. (Wow, I am up late!) And I'm sitting on my bed writing on this blog, hmmmm, I guess that makes me really lame. Oh well.

I'm also not really that much into resolutions. My goals for 2013 mostly consist of getting to June and the states and then riding every single day that I can. I'd like to improve my riding ability every time I'm on my horse. I want to be a better horsewoman tomorrow than I am today and improve every day after that. But as far as specific goals... I just don't really have any right now. I think I'm sort of operating on survival mode over here. And riding wise I don't even know what I will need to work on by the time I get back to the states b/c there is no such thing as being able to ride consistently over here.

But as a New Years Eve gift I did get an email that the barn is back open to Americans. LOL! I thought we had barn drama in the states! I guess it isn't really that funny but since it is something I have absolutely no control over I don't know what else to do but shrug at the absurdity of it. So it's back to work for me. I've decided to keep working as I really need something to do or I'm going to go completely stir crazy over here. And I really do enjoy my clients and the other instructors. I'm just going to have to be a little thick skinned about some of the other things.

Riding privileges have been returned!

It is positive, though, to have the barn back open in time for the New Years. I'll take it as a good sign anyways. We have our annual New Years beach ride on Wednesday. I've never been to one and I've heard it is more stress than fun for the instructors but we shall see.

I do hope that you all have a wonderful New Year, though!

Lament: A Passionate Expression of Grief

My heart is broken today. My dog, Sassy, died this morning.

You know the military life does require sacrifice from time to time. I wasn't able to go home for my Grandfather's funeral. My youngest daughter was born while my husband was in Iraq. I've been living on the other side of the world for way longer than I'd like. I know that there are those who have sacrificed so much more than I have and who have lost so much more... so a part of me feels very guilty for my grief but I am so broken right now. I am so sad that I didn't get to say goodbye to her. Having to leave her in the states, not being able to explain where I was going and why and that I would be back... and then losing her... it's one of the hardest things I've ever experienced.

Sassy was my baby. Really she was one of the most obnoxious dogs you've ever been around. Nobody and I mean nobody could enter our house without the entire neighborhood hearing about it. Once people came in and got settled she was quiet but God forbid they need to get up to go to the bathroom or something. She was a born watch dog and probably a little neurotic.

But really she was the ultimate one person dog. If you weren't her person she just wasn't interested, well, unless you had food, then she was very interested... until the food was gone. She was my shadow. She literally followed me everywhere I went in the house and out. For the longest time I didn't know what it was like to go to the bathroom without company. (I think she was secretly preparing me for motherhood.)

I'll never forget the first time we tried to have her dogsat. My husband and I had to go somewhere, I don't remember where but we were only going to be gone for a couple of hours and we asked a friend and neighbor down the street to watch Sassy for us. I'm not sure why. I guess we didn't want to have to crate her as she was still too young to be trusted out in the house without supervision. When we got home that night there was Sassy sitting on our front porch waiting for us. We talked to our friend and found out that she had escaped from his yard three different times and run back to our house. She knew where she belonged.

I'll never forget the first time I saw her. It was at a puppy store. Yes, one of the ones in the mall where you aren't supposed to buy animals. But this was 13 years ago and I didn't know any better at the time and of course I absolutely don't regret her in the least. When they brought her out for us to meet her in the little meeting cubby she just ran around and barked at me but it's hard to explain how. She was just so... sassy... like she knew she was hot stuff and she was going to tell you all about it. That's how she got her name.

When I found out how much they wanted for her I nearly died. I couldn't afford her but my parents were also looking for a dog at the time and they bought her. Let me just say that I pouted and pouted because they wouldn't give her to me. I admit it I was a big child. My behavior was somewhere around the age of a 4 year old but I didn't care. I wanted her. It probably wouldn't have worked, though, except for the fact that my Mom had already decided she couldn't handle her. Every time she let her outside to go to the potty she would climb under their woodpile. (This was during a very cold November.) She was such a pain as my Mom would tell you. But really I think she just knew she was meant to be with me. I never had any trouble getting her to mind and stay with me. I really think we were just made for each other.

She was just so special to me. She was as much a part of my family as anyone of my kids or my husband. The decision to leave her in the states was very hard. I knew it was the right thing to do with her age and medical issues but it was just so very hard to leave her and I really was afraid of this happening.

I know this is text heavy but it was something I had to write. I have cats over here in Japan and I do like them but it is not the same. I don't know that I would call myself a "dog person" or a "cat person" because really I enjoy both species but having the loyalty of a good dog is something I will never take for granted. I just wish I could have said goodbye.

Sassy you weren't the best dog in the world but you were the best dog for me. You kept my secrets. You let me cry in your fur and you always made me feel like I must have hung the moon. I will miss you so very much.

Let's Get Positive

I hate to leave my last post up for too long because it is kinda depressing so on to happier things!

I had a very blessed Christmas this year! Truly I am so spoiled. I know that I am and I often act exactly that way but I'm trying to keep reminding myself to be grateful and hopefully pass some of my blessing on to others.

From my amazing husband (It's super romantic because he knows me so well!!!):

Mines in black and I plan on putting a Logo on it somewhere

I am so very excited to get home and be able to use this trunk! Aside from being spoiled I am also a little on the anal, obsessive compulsive side. When you move barns as often as I do having something like this to keep all your stuff organized is a must. I know there will likely be barns where I won't be able to use it as much but it will still be handy for years to come.

From my Wonderful Mom:

Can't wait to try my new cooler from Ottb Designs on Mr. Loki

and:

Awesome eventing t-shirt from Dapplebay.

And a very generous amazon gift card from my M.I.L.

I ordered back on track quick wraps and the following books with my gift card.

As I said, I have had quite a blessed Christmas. I would say it was just about perfect other than not being home with family. It was wonderful to have my M.I.L. here but still not quite the same as being home for the holidays.

I hope all of you also had a happy and blessed Christmas. And here's hoping that 2013 will be the best year ever!

Thank You and Goodbye

No more riding for the time being. Due to an ongoing situation with Prince, a horse that was injured by an American, the Japanese barn owner has decided to ban Americans from the barn for the time being. I'm very sad for all the people this affects and I hope it won't last too long.

I'm more glad now than ever that I only have 5 months left here.

Tis The Season

It's Christmas Eve day right now (as I write this) in Japan. I just wanted to take a few minutes to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

We had our barn Christmas Party last weekend. Lots and lots of food, a piñata and of course pony rides for the kids. The horses all got stockings which were quickly filled with goodies.

The Piñata. Nobody seemed too upset to be hitting a horse but I wasn't so sure about it.

My girls enjoying the craft "paint your own horse ornament"

Weston hanging out on the roof of the barn

Pony Ride: Weston on Sly

Pony Ride: Elaina on Mocha

Pony Ride: Evie on Rocky

I'll have updates on Aqua Blue and some other goings on later. I hope you enjoy your Holidays!

Welcome Aqua Blue

So I got this photo from one of the other instructors today. I don't have any new information other than his name is apparently Aqua Blue. Can't tell much from the photo other than he's skinny (of course). I'll get to meet him tomorrow so we'll see. He does have a pretty cute face.

Blue Sky something

We are apparently getting another new horse on Friday. Another three year old bay. Yamma wasn't sure of his name other than it is Blue Sky something. I probably won't be able to go to the port to help with pick up but I will see him on Saturday when I work. I hope he is a tough horse. We'll see I guess...

Reflection

6 years ago today I met my little girl face to face for the first time.

Evelyn Noelle "Evie"

She was so tiny and she looked so much like her Dad. She was due Christmas Day (hence the Noelle as a middle name) but came 10 days early. I never believed in love at first sight until I had children but now I know it is real.

As Evie got bigger and went from crawling to walking she earned the nickname "Evie the Destroyer." She loved to walk around her brother's Lego creations and kick them over as soon as he wasn't looking (he absolutely hates Legos to this day). She's my little helper and Miss Independent. She can "do it all by herself." She is in Kindergarten this year and so far everything has been pretty easy for her. She is still so innocent and sometimes I do wish I could freeze time so that she can stay this way forever.

Like so many I am horrified to hear about this latest school shooting. I simply can't imagine it. Possibly an entire Kindergarten class gone? How is that possible? Reading about this tragic event all I can see are the faces of my daughter and her classmates. The thought of someone hurting them is truly unbearable. The pain that so many families are going through right now... unbearable.

It is times like this that I am truly thankful for my faith. This blog is about horses and I try to keep it about horses for the most part. But, right now, I am so very thankful for the hope I have of seeing my loved ones again someday. This tragedy is heart breaking enough as it is. I just can't imagine going through something like this without having the assurance of meeting in heaven again someday.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends affected by this tragedy. Now, I think I will go kiss my sleeping 6 year old (and the 7 and 4 year old as well) and whisper how much I love them.

Evie and I on her field trip to watch Puss in Boots in Japanese

Horses, Don't Try This At Home

Warning: somewhat graphic photos below.

So as most of you know a horse is capable of hurting himself or herself on pretty much anything. Hence the desire of many of us to try and bubble wrap our horses as much as we can. Here in Japan there is no hint of bubble wrap. Honestly It is amazing our horses aren't hurt more often.

This time it was Sky. When I got to the barn the vet was already there and in the process of stitching up a HUGE hole Sky managed to rip in his throat latch area. I'm not sure exactly how he managed this feat but somehow he found a bolt on the outside of his stall and decided to try and impale himself on it. Honestly, I'm not sure how he isn't dead. I have to imagine there are all kinds of major blood vessels he could have hit but somehow didn't. As long as we can keep the infection out he should be fine, though.

The photos in no way show how bad this looked in person

The vet did an excellent job with the stitching

You can see the tube that was inserted to help the wound drain

The vet has been out every day since Sky injured himself on Friday and so far Sky seems to be healing pretty well. The drain will hopefully come out this Friday if everything still looks good.

***side note***

You might have noticed I added a counter in the top right hand corner of the blog. It's basically counting down to June 1st. I'll still have about two weeks to go after that since our actual leave date isn't set yet but I figure by that time it will be close enough to start celebrating anyways.

I LOVE EVENTING!

I have been following Eventing Nation's coverage of the USEA convention in Colorado that happened/is happening over this weekend (Dec 6-9). Some of the things coming out of it are so exciting! David O'Connor taking over the coaching reins and his plans for the future of our team being just the tip of the ice berg. I'm also excited because I just learned that next years convention will be held in Cincinnati, OH and come hell or high water (as the saying goes) I will be there!  I cannot wait to get back to the states and back into the eventing scene! GO EVENTING!

Killing Me Softly

I've spent a lot of time feeling sorry for the horses over here. It's not really that hard to do when you compare the care these horses receive to what most horses receive in the U.S. Try as I might I just can't wrap my mind around the mentality I encounter every time I am at the barn here. But last night I felt like I had a small epiphany. I had the sudden though of what if... what if I had been born here and this barn was the only thing I knew about horses.

It made me think of some of the Japanese girls that I've seen riding out at the barn. Did they have stars in their eyes when they first saw a horse? I have always loved horses. I can't remember a time when I didn't have horses somewhere on my mind.

But would I still feel the same about horses now if I had grown up in an environment like this? I wonder if my passion would have died softly without me really even being aware of it? I would probably never have known what a true partnership or bond with a horse felt like and how it can make you feel like the most special person on earth.

Yes, we tend to anthropomorphize our animals a lot but for good reason I think. I'll never forget when I had Ghazal shipped out to be with me my second year in college. He heard my voice before he saw me but as soon as he heard me he neighed and came running over to where I was standing. Felt. Like. A. Million. Bucks.

And the girls and boys who come to ride here will most likely never get to experience it.

Honestly, the whole thing just makes me very sad sometimes. More than anything I really just want the next six months to be over so I can get home and hug and love on my ponies. I am very thankful for the many blessings I have in my life tonight. Sure, I might not be Jessica Springsteen blessed (who is?!) but after living here I really do realize how very rich I am in so many ways. Go hug your horse!

Just one of the faces I am missing

Cascade

Soooooo we got another new horse. A chestnut named Harris Cascade. I didn't go to the docks to see him get here this time. Mostly my schedule wouldn't allow it and to be honest it is a little harder to get excited about it just yet after what happened with Tsubasa and Diamond. This picture is from our facebook page. He does look to have a kind eye from what I can see. If it doesn't rain tomorrow I will be at the barn to meet him. Supposedly we are going to be able to start riding him right away so I guess it is a good thing my saddle made it here safely.

Cascade is from the same owner as Diamond and Tsubasa. From what I understand the barn owner felt that Diamond and Tsubasa had been misrepresented since he wasn't told that they were cribbers and Diamond was also a little bit of a weaver. So the original owner took Daimond and Tsubasa back and promised to send two "better" horses. I guess we will get a second horse sometime at the start of the new year. I wish we could have kept Tsubasa but hopefully these two new horses will work out. We really really need some new lesson horses at the barn. 

Just Do It

A friend of mine has been trying for a while now to get me to run a half-marathon with her. So a couple of days ago I decided "why not?" For a long time I didn't consider it because I wasn't able to run consistently but with some changes to my schedule/life I think I'll be able to train pretty consistently... now. I think my goal will be to run an average of 8 1/2 minutes per mile. So far my best time for five miles is about 42 minutes which is pretty close to my goal pace wise but the longest I've run at one time is about 7 miles so I still have my work cut out for me. The race isn't until sometime in March so barring any injuries I should be able to do it.

I figure at least by the time I get home I will be in great shape for the summer season.

All I Want For Christmas Is... Everything!

It's that time of year again. Christmas is around the corner and everyone wants to know "what do you want for Christmas?" To make things easier for our family Jay and I have used the Amazon wishlist feature for several years. I love the Add to Wish List button that you can put right on top of your screen.

Of course money is tight for everybody these days. Just because something is on my wish list doesn't mean I'm necessarily expecting it. It's just there in case the funds magically appear someday. A lot of things on my wish list aren't really things people would want to get as a gift even though they are super practical. For instance:

I've had my eye on this folding muck cart for a while. I don't really need it at the moment because I'm currently trailer-less but in the future I know it would be handy to have for events. But probably not something most people would want to buy as a gift.

Some of the items on my list are just way too expensive as a gift. I'm just hoping to save the money for them one day. For instance:

I would love to get this tack trunk from smartpak. I've been researching tack trunks for a while and so far this one seems the best for my use. When you are constantly on the move like I am and you never know what barn you'll be at next having something like this would be so convenient. A trunk that can hold both saddles and still be mobile! it makes my OCD self so happy at the thought. As pretty as the wood trunks are I just don't see them as being a practical buy for me.

And of course some things I'm actually hoping to see under the tree this year. (Actually I probably won't see them whether I get them or not b/c most likely they would just be waiting back at the states for when I get back but it's the thought that counts!) For instance:

I would love to get this cooler just because it's... well... cool! (pun intended) I'm super proud of Loki's track background and what a fun way to show it off.

And finally there are the smaller things that are easier for my non-horsey family members to buy. Shirts, books, etc. An example:

I love these t-shirts! A friend of mine from the barn at which I boarded when we were in Washington State started this company and I think she's got some superb ideas. The company is called Dapplebay, inc and you should definitely check it out.

So what about you? What's on your wishlist this holiday season?

Zelly Belly

My wonderful, accomplished sister borrowed my white pony for a blog pic over on her blog Musingly Mindee. I have so few recent pictures of my first love that I had to copy and share!

I'm also very very thankful for this wonderful horse who really taught me so much! I don't get to love and brag on him nearly enough. Oh the stories I could tell about this amazingly talented gelding with a big sense of humor!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving over here in Okinawa. I figured I'd be all traditional and write a post on what I'm Thankful for this year (and every year).

This is of course not going to be a comprehensive list. The truth is that all of us in the U.S. have so much to be thankful for and so many things we take for granted. This is just a list of things that come to mind today.

1. I'm very thankful for Godly Grandparents. They were far far far from perfect but they had an authenticate faith that is just hard to find nowadays it seems. In a time when cynicism and unbelief abound I'm so thankful that they shared their faith with me.

2. I'm very thankful for my husband. He is perfect for me in every way. There have been times when our success at this marriage thing was far from a guarantee but I'm so thankful we pulled through and beat the odds.

3. I'm very thankful for my three wonderful children. They drive me nearly insane sometimes but honestly I can't even imagine my life without them anymore. Kids test you every day but they make you a better person if you let them.

4. I'm very thankful that Jay's mom, otherwise known as Mimi, has the opportunity to live with us for a while here in Okinawa. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to get along so well with your in-laws. Mimi is a gift!

5. I'm very thankful for my sister, my mom and step-dad and all the rest of my family. I could go on and on but they each have helped to make me who I am today.

6. And of course I'm very thankful for my horses and all the people who have been a part of my "horse world." Trainers, friends, farriers, vets, etc. It's so nice to have people who share your passion and understand the craziness that comes with loving these amazing, wonderful animals.

7. And last but not least I am so very thankful that I only have less than 7 months to go over here in "paradise." There will be a big celebration when this assignment is over!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Gone In 60 Seconds

Diamond

Tsubasa

Gone

They were here when I left the barn Sunday evening around 6:30 and gone when I got to the barn Monday morning around 10:00.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that they are... gone.

Forgive me for sounding like a petulant 13 year old but, dude, seriously, I didn't even get to say goodbye.

One last picture of Tsubasa... still skinny but looking much better.

So here's the story I heard:

Both Diamond and Tsubasa are cribbers. Tsubasa got a very bad rub mark/cut from his cribbing strap. The collar was removed to allow the cut to heal. Tsubasa cribbed like a mad-man and ended up giving himself gas colic. The barn owner decided he didn't want to deal with two cribbers and contacted the previous owner. The horses were picked up sometime after I left Sunday night. They are somewhere on the island but are going to be shipped back to the mainland in two days.

I'm so very disappointed. We could have dealt with the cribbing issue I'm sure. We were just getting plans set to put the first rides on both Diamond and Tsubasa this week. Their paperwork had just arrived and we had just found out that they both did race between 6-8 times. Neither one won anything but they were at least track broke. They were both three years old. Tsubasa was such a sweet heart. I don't know what is going to happen to them and frankly I'm just trying not to think about it.

I took some pictures and video of Tsubasa on Saturday and if it hadn't rained us out we were planning on fitting his bridle and at least saddling him to see what he would do. I didn't even get a chance to take more pictures of Diamond.

The Many Speeds of Time

Have you ever been in a place where time seems to simultaneously creep and whiz by?

That is where I am right now. On the one hand OMG! We're halfway through November!! But, on the other hand OMG I've only been here for approximately 2 1/2 months!! It feels like I've been here for-EV-er!

I'm not writing much right now b/c there just isn't much horsey stuff to write about. I've started a couple of new students over the past couple of weeks and I plan to have a few more starting soon. My saddle is supposed to get here (hopefully--keeping fingers crossed) on Wednesday. I know that I will enjoy riding quite a bit more in my own saddle. None of the saddles are great fits for the horses so I figure my saddle won't be any worse and my saddle does at least have an adjustable tree.

I plan on getting some new pictures of Diamond and Tsubasa soon. They are both looking much better. We still haven't gotten any of their paper work (that I've heard) so still no riding. This is a good thing. The more time we can give them the better since they are still so young. 

I am very thankful to have so many blogs to read every morning. I do get jealous from time to time when I read about all the different riding and training happening on the other side of the world but I'd rather hear about it than not.

Hopefully I'll have more interesting (in a good way) things to write about soon.

We Are Not Alone

 On our way to the docks (to pick up Diamond and Tsubasa) the Japanese instructor, Yama, drove us by two other stables on the island.

I was amazed!

#1 I had been led to believe that there weren't too many other stables on the island and of the ones around they were private.

#2 Do you see the hay in the above picture?!?!! I have definitely been under the impression that there is no hay on the island. I do know that the hay we feed at our barn is shipped in from Australia but it is very different from the hay I saw at the above farm. These horses (and goat!) had free access to hay. I'll just be honest and say that the English Instructors were a little green with envy!

#3 The other thing I found notable was that the two farms we visited both seemed to have quite a bit of turnout. And the horses all seemed happy and approachable.

 And of course let's not forget the view! It was a gorgeous day and this farm really seemed surreal to me.

This is from the second farm we visited. Their hay looked more like what we feed but the horses seemed to have plenty. Oh and another thing that sort of blew my mind was that some of their horses were wearing shoes, say what?! I seriously didn't even think that was possible on this island!

This is also from the second farm. Can you say turnout with a view?

Well, back at our farm things are going pretty well. Diamond and Tsubasa are both gaining weight pretty quickly. Tsubasa is still a total sweet heart! If I had throw away money I would find a way to take him home with me! Diamond is a little more skittish and we think maybe younger? We are still waiting on their papers for exact information.

Lessons are going pretty well, also. Actually I'm really enjoying teaching a lot more than I thought I would. I still feel a little inadequate at times but mostly I think I am doing a good job. It's amazing to realize how much you know without really knowing you know it until you start trying to regurgitate it for someone else. (You can quote me on that, lol.)

And as for riding without stirrups I'm still at it. I'll be honest if I had been riding any other horse but Mocha on Monday I would have eaten dirt at least once. I was doing pretty good until I hit pretty much total muscle failure and then in the downward transition from canter to trot I really had to grab some mane to steady myself. But I lasted about 20 minutes without stirrups including walk, lots of posting trot, canter and jumping. I even put one jump up a whole from last week.

So in all a pretty good couple of weeks. Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here and then Christmas and I'll be down to just 6 more months!

The Mocha Challenge

Life is in full swing (still) over here in the south Pacific. Our new horses, Tsubasa and Diamond, are both picking up weight. I really think I am in trouble with Tsubasa. He is stealing my heart every time I go to the barn. He has a (so far) wonderful disposition. He's inquisitive and friendly and loves to be patted and rubbed. I just hope and pray and hope and pray that he is able to maintain his sweet disposition. I also really hope that I get to ride him when he is ready!

Not the best photo but hopefully gives you an idea of Mocha's Dachshund(ness)

Well, in order to give myself something to work towards while I am over here I've given myself a little challenge. I've finally started riding a little bit more but I'm still riding little Mocha. I think of Mocha as the Dachshund of the horse world. I'm pretty sure he is longer than he is tall. 

To say he has an unfortunate conformation would really be an understatement. Flat work is really not a lot of fun with him, not just because of his short, choppy strides paired with his short neck and thick throat latch but also because of his pony attitude. I actually really like Mocha but he gets away with a lot when kids and beginners ride him so when someone like me gets on him we are dealing with lots of bad habits. But despite all this Mocha is actually a very cute little jumper and he seems to enjoy it. So since I really just don't have the time or patience to try and really concentrate on Mocha's flat work (not that I am completely ignoring it) I've decided to try just working on me for a change.

That means I've joined the no-stirrup club! My goal is to be able to ride an entire hour at walk/trot (both sitting and posting) and canter and to be able to jump an entire course (well, as much as we have room for over here anyways) without stirrups. So far it hasn't been too bad. I was really surprised at how easy it felt the first day I tried it. The only time I have a little trouble (so far) is the downward transition from canter to trot. A lot of this is because Mocha is often times the opposite of round and can get really bouncy but I figure the bouncier he is the harder I'll have to work. I've already gone over cross rails without any trouble and one small vertical. So here's hoping I will come home from Okinawa with legs of steal and a core to match (if I can just stay away from the darn Halloween Candy!)!!

Mocha does have a very sweet face and he is a good boy just smart enough to get his way with most riders and hey who can blame him!

 If I do get to start riding the new horses then this goal might have to be put on hold for a bit depending on what kind of time I have but it's definitely nice to have something to do over here.

Time Out

I just uploaded a bunch of photos that had been sitting on my i-phone for who knows how long. I forgot these were on them. Boy oh boy do I miss this face!

I took these right around the last day I left Ohio. I happened to glance in Loki's stall as I was about to leave and found him sleeping. I wish I could have picked out the stall before I took the pictures but I didn't want to wake him up.  He's so cute when he's sleeping!

I couldn't resist going in and sitting with him for a while.