“I want to ride Dondola!” Emi exclaimed as soon as they’d finished eating breakfast.
“Me too!” Angelo echoed. Amanda laughed. “Whoa! Digest a bit first,” she told her two eldest. “I think even the horses would appreciate you both taking some time to digest before you go romping around.” Emi frowned a bit, but it didn’t last very long. She went on to tell her parents how she was certain she was ready to jump hurdles and do the ‘more difficult’ horseback riding skills. Niels, as usual, was very encouraging, but was sure to tell Emi that they’d take it one step at a time. After all, it had been a while since they’d taken the kids horseback riding. It was Elia’s first time in Tuscany as the last time the van Loons had been there, it had been during Amanda’s pregnancy. Juggling the baby girl on her knee, Amanda glanced down at her and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you love horses as much as your brother and sister. You had the chance to spend time with them before you were even born.” Emi gave Amanda a strange look, making Amanda laugh. Amanda was quite aware of how stupid she sounded, but it made no difference to an infant who could barely say simple words. She could only hope that Elia wouldn't be frightened by the massive animals. Based on her reaction to most things lately, Amanda was mentally preparing for another tantrum, but she hoped she'd be proven wrong. It was just the start of their vacation, but Amanda felt more relaxed already. She hoped the change of scenery, with all the open land, fresh air, and the horses of course, would do wonders for Elia’s chronic fussy nature. Maybe Tuscany would continue to bring them hope as it had through the years.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
Categories |