Another improper picture

Happy birthday, Erin!

February 1970

(Almost) Forty years ago

This time I know that the little one is Erin!

July 1971

Very short visit

Erin and Franco had a six hour layover in Denver on their way home from Costa Rica yesterday. That was just enough time for a very short visit.Erin and James.

Ryan and James admire their new Costa Rican alligator.Look, we got Dominoes, too!

Smiling for the cameras.

I thought the light would be better outside...

but I was wrong! May 2010

Bray girls

Colleen Jennifer

Erin

1971

Cinnamon

As of last Friday, there are three new little Buxtons living in our basement. Adorable as they are, the new arrivals are not the subject of today's post. Instead I'm thinking back to 1983 when the first Cinnamon came into my life. That Cinnamon was a chestnut pony mare, about 13.2 hands tall, who belonged to Tom Sawyer Day Camp. One of my classmates had leased her for the winter, but she was a timid rider and it wasn't long before she decided Cinnamon was unmanageable. I was a lot braver so she became my project.

And what a wonderful project she was! She was being boarded at Eaton Canyon Riding Club which was just down the road from my parents' house. I rode her several times a week and her previous bad behavior all but disappeared with more frequent exercise.

My best friend Sarah rode her, too!

Even Erin and her friend Lisa shared in the fun. I really like this picture because Cinnamon's forelock and Erin's bangs look almost identical!

Snickers may hold the "Best Pony Ever" title, but Cinnamon is the one I most wish I could own now. She was such a nice pony. All these years later and I still miss her.

1983.

Party girls

Pat Treder/Trisha Simoes posted this picture of her and Barbara's first grade birthday party on Facebook. I'm guessing it was taken in April 1976. I am in the front row next to Sarah Kelsey. Erin is in the backrow. Most of the kids at the party are Erin's classmates from Assumption.

Christmas 1972

Here's another "twin" picture for you, Erin.December 1972

This one's for Erin

This is the only picture I could find that might work for your baby picture contest. Sorry I couldn't do any better. It's a cute picture, though. I like the rock driveway.

February 1971.

Eeeek!

1983.

Trail riding with Erin

These pictures were taken in December 1987 while I was home in California for Christmas break. I borrowed two horses and Erin and I went riding in the Angeles National Forest. Apparently I was unable to borrow saddles!Erin rode Barbara's horse Baby.

And I rode Kathy's wonderful Elliott.

Happy birthday to me

When we were kids, our parents gave us two choices in regards to birthdays. We could either have really good presents or a small gift and a good party. In 1981, I chose the party. I can't remember whether or not I had a slumber party but I definitely remember the riding. We rented horses at Azusa Stables and went on a little trail ride. Little did I know that in a few years I would be riding those same trails on a regular basis!
The picture above this is of my friend Cindy. The next one is of Erin and Amy.

I rode a skinny little bay horse named Gift Wrap. Check out my fancy equitation--those heels are down!

Christmas past

Erin's favorite picture that I keep forgetting to mail to her.
Christmas 1970.

Christmas 1981

These pictures were all taken on Christmas day in 1981. The first picture is of me looking stylish on the couch. This must have been one of the few years Mom didn't give us new pajammas on Christmas Eve so that we'd look cute in the holiday pictures.

Me again.

Dad trying to assemble Erin's Barbie doll head.
Erin inspecting Dad's work.

Colleen.

Mom and Dad looking pretty happy about something.

Another graduation picture

Erin and Dad on the day of Erin's 8th grade graduation. 1984.

Can we keep him?

I have only the vaguest memories of when we got Jock. I remember Colleen calling me to the front door. She said "Come see this man's cute dog". Since he's in the house, I would guess this picture was taken that day or very shortly thereafter. The date on it is February 1973.
This is Jock and I in July 1973. I guess this is where James gets it from...

Bowling

Erin and Franco introduced Ryan and James to the joy of bowling when they visited in 2006. It is now one of James' favorite activities!Ryan likes bowling, too. The gutter bumpers really help out. There are no gutter balls for the Buxton men!

Little bowling shoes. Erin Bray, amateur bowler extraordinaire!

More Jock

That last picture of Jock made me sad so I had to scan some from when he was a lot less pitiful. The caption on the back of this one says Erin is feeding Jock a special birthday meal in 1984.Jock was an outdoor dog. He did not get to come in the house, but he still knew how to visit me when I was holed up in my bedroom.This picture is also from 1984.

Christmas 1993

Here are a few pictures from my Christmas trip to California in 1993. I like this one of Dad with his style-y Moo Cow coffee mug.Dad and David.Dad, David, Mom and ErinSally Wally!

Sisters

This picture was taken when Erin came to visit me in Denver, June 1999.