Birthday and pony rides

I love this stage we’re in with our older kids.  They spend their days imitating lions, snakes, bunnies… you name it! They are so intrigued by animals and animal noises, and because we live in the burbs, we don’t get to see a grand variety of species… other than your occasional possum and squirrel.  Last weekend, our sweet niece turned 5 and had a lovely cowgirl themed birthday party.  We took our crew down to the park to celebrate, have cake, go on a nature walk and ride ponies.

The kids lit up at the sight of these two little ponies.  Grace did such a great job at waiting patiently, but once it was her turn she made it a point to let us all know she was on the pony and she was having the time of her life.

I think these are the times that we’ll remember when the kids are older.  Their face all lit up and the excitement at the slightest of things.  Grace had such a great time, she requested to have her own pony at home that she can ride up and down the street.  We bargained and there’s now talk of a possible goldfish… we’ll see.

Here are a few pictures from our time at the party.

Haddon wouldn’t ride the pony without dad holding his hand.  He’s such a daddy’s boy and I love it.  I love how sweet these two are with each other and the bond that they’re building.  Also check out the picture below.  Alex thought it would be a good idea to teach him how to play swords with sticks. I wasn’t too thrilled about it but boys will be boys… right?

Grace is at the stage where she wants to dress herself.  She pulls things out of her drawers and nine out of ten she really makes it work.  On our way to the park, we realized that her boots no longer fit her so we made a quick target stop to purchase a new pair. These days when it comes to girl clothing, I’m not too concerned about spending the money because I know Emory will one day fit into whatever Grace hands down.  Haddon on the other hand is a completely different story.

Grace wasn’t too pleased when we told her the ponies were leaving.

The sweetest little lady at the cowgirl party.  She slept through the entire thing.

I love this picture so much.  This little boy is so handsome and a ball of love and those eyes!!!

Grace will be five next May and the idea of a pony party is sounding better and better.  Until then, we’ll continue to imitate lions and I’ll pretend to be mommy-horse and ride them around on my back.