Giddy Up Cowgirl

After over a year of planning (well, the idea came to us but we haven't actually been planning for that long), birthday party week had finally arrived. For the first time in 6 years we decided to have an outdoor party--how on earth can you ride horses indoors?? On party day the last two years the weather has been absolutely gorgeous! Therefore we decided to go for it.

On the Monday before the party (which was Friday afternoon) I took a look at the weather. Oh goodness. Thursday was 60% chance of rain and Friday was 70% chance of rain. We had to decide on a rain plan. But we also had to talk with Lily and let her know we might not be able to ride horses at her party. This was also a good opportunity to teach her about God.

We began to pray for sunshine on the afternoon of the party. All of the prayers were for selfish reasons because I wanted my horse loving girl to have the best party ever. But I also know that we are just a minuscule part of God's plan and rain was probably needed by more people than didn't need rain.

We had many a talk with Lily about how we can pray for sunshine, but God may still make it rain. And that is okay. God is still God and He still loves us even if he doesn't answer our prayers in the way we desire. He can do anything, but may choose not to.

As the week went along, the chances for rain disappeared on Thursday and were down to 40% on Friday. Wow God! Thank you for showing us you are in control!

Friday came and the chances for rain had gone up to 50% in the morning. We were so thankful! The line of storms had stayed south of us and all we had was one small cell that was carrying rain dump on the party house but the rain was gone by the time we got there to set up! On the way to the party we had a prayer time of thanksgiving!

Such a great teaching opportunity!!

Welcome to the Party!

As the girls arrived, there were coloring and activity sheets for them to work on.

Once everyone arrived the first group of girls headed down to the horse with JD. The others stayed up at the house with me. I had some fun games to play--horse shoes, tin can knock down, bean bag toss into the cowboy hat--and since we were inside due to the 30 mph winds we just did the bean bag toss. That didn't last long--maybe 2 minutes.

I bought supplies to make a picture frame decorated with cowgirl foam stickers. They enjoyed picking out their frames and putting it all together. I think that fun lasted 5 minutes.

All the girls who were inside wanted to be outside. So instead of me stressing and the girls bored, we had a change of plans and headed outside. They all stood and watched each one take their laps around the pin.

But some then hopped down and started playing like real cowgirls--in the dirt. They found a beetle home and were poking and prodding and watching them move all around. They were like this for probably 30+ minutes.

Lily let all her friends ride first. She acted like a pro when it was her turn.

Before heading back inside for cake and presents, we had a little photo op. The girls put on hats, bandana, lips and mustaches and grabbed a horse to say cheese. Aren't they so super cute? Each girl also had her pic made with the birthday girl. They got a copy of each with their thank you notes.

Who wants cake?

 Thanks to all the girls for some fun gifts! She has enjoyed them all!

This great day would not have been possible without this sweet couple. We are so grateful for them opening their home for our precious girl. We cannot thank them enough for the time and energy they poured out. May God greatly bless you for your sacrifices!

Thanks also to Ra Ra for taking care of my sweet boy so I could party with the big girl. I couldn't have done it without you!! (And I didn't get a picture of the two of you. So sad.)

And for the record, we were all there!! Max even matched Big Sis. Maybe one day I will get a pic of them in their matching outfits.