Valentine's Day and Birthday Party!

Kara turned 4 on a Tuesday.  That's not a terribly great day for a party, so we had planned on having her party on Saturday.  Originally, I was hoping that we would be able to get away with a family trip to the zoo (or maybe a trip with some friends).  However, one of Kara's favorite books to look at is our 2011 Shutterfly Photobook.  In that book are all the pictures from Jack and Anna's fourth birthday party blowout.  She decided that ponies are a must when you are turning 4.  So, we decided to have the party here and have the same pony folks (Mary's Go Round) come down.  Fortunately, February is a slow month for them, so we had no trouble booking the ponies.

But, I am getting ahead of myself.  Since her party was planned for the weekend, we didn't do much on Tuesday.  Normally, I would cook a birthday meal.  However, for her birthday meal, Kara requested, "what we had on Thanksgiving."  I agreed, but said it would have to wait for the weekend.  Our birthday dinner compromise was chocolate chip pancakes, which my kids can scarf down!  Seriously, they ate more than I did (and I'm no light weight!).  She had some presents from family to open, and we staggered them throughout the day.  It was a nice day and she enjoyed all the special treatment of it being her day.

Cute sparkly hat from Grandma!

On Wednesday, the kids and I made Valentines for Jack and Anna's class.  I love doing crafts with them, but I often lack creative ideas.  I found this Valentine online last year and we decided to do the same one.  It was amazing what a difference a year makes.  I cut out the shapes, but the kids were entirely self-sufficient.  They really enjoyed making them.  It was a great time for all of us, I loved sitting at the table with them and watching them work.  They were very kind to each other and it was just a peaceful, pleasant moment.

As I mentioned, Kara's party was originally going to be on Saturday, but the forecast was pretty dismal.  We had more than 15 kids coming and I didn't want to try and entertain them inside.  So, we moved the party to Friday.  The kids were so excited, it was like Christmas eve in our house on Thursday night (well, for the girls, Jack was a little more contained).  The weather Friday (today) was beautiful!  The kids seemed to really enjoy the ponies and playing with their friends.  The pony folks brought two ponies: one was for decorating and the other for riding.  They completely covered the decorating pony in stickers and hair decorations.  Kara also spent a long time brushing her, it was very sweet.  I think everyone got the ride the pony multiple times, which was also nice.  Finally, there were 2 goats to feed and 2 bunnies and a duck to pet.

According to her owners, this pregnant pony loves the attention she gets from the "decorating."  

Cowgirl Kara!

For her cake, Kara chose a cupcake theme.  Mind-blowing, according to Thomas.

Opening presents.  She got lots of very cool things.

By the time we got around to pin the tail on the pony, most of our friends had left.  Macey was the definite winner of the game.

I had planned some activities (two crafts, some cowgirl themed library books, and some games) but it didn't really go as anticipated.  The kids seemed to enjoy just running around outside and I decided to leave well enough alone.  Fortunately, Kara told me it was just what she wanted and she loved it.  So, even though it didn't go quite as I'd planned, I am thrilled that she was so happy with the result.  I was also very thankful for all the friends who pitched in to help during the party (and stayed after to clean up!!!); it was a lot harder to run things without Thomas there.  Hopefully, this is the last birthday he'll have to miss!