The Big Party!

I really don't know why it's taken me so long to post pictures from Leighton's 2nd birthday party... but the time has come!  Despite a few sprinkles and a very cloudy day, the party turned out SO well.  We had L's cowgirl party in the saloon/courtyard at my parents' dance hall.  It was the perfect setup because we had all the tables and food in the saloon, but there was plenty of room for the kids to run around outside... and what better place to have a cowgirl birthday party, right??

(my absolute favorite picture from the party! notice the upside-down gun... she has no clue!)

In the days/weeks leading up to the party, we went back and forth on whether or not to rent ponies for pony rides.  I, obviously, thought it was a must but Lyn, as the voice of reason, said that we should probably hold off because L would likely be scared of the ponies and wouldn't remember the party anyway.  So, it broke my heart, but I told the pony lady that we were going to do without.  Two days before the party I asked Lyn if he would be upset if I called the pony lady (who actually does have a name) back.  Because he loves me (and knew that was coming), he agreed.  Lucky for us, she was still available... and I sent her a deposit the next morning!  Talk about the best decision EVER... our little girl took one look at the ponies and fell in love!

(please pardon my expression, but this was her first time to ride. i was holding on to her for dear life, but by the end of it, she was pretty much riding by herself!)

She rode "Chippie" and (I forgot the big horse's name) like she'd been riding every day of her two-year life!  And when she wasn't riding, she was either petting the ponies or holding their ropes or crying because she wanted to ride.  

 Just look at that smile... she was so happy... and we were too!  Money. Well. Spent!!

 (I just love this picture)

And here are some other pics from the party (thanks to Ann for capturing everything)...

 

As for the food, my dad (A.K.A. "Pops") grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the pit.  I kept everything else simple and served chips, fruit, veggies and dips.  Then for the desserts, we had cowboy boot cookies, cowgirl cupcakes, and an ice cream bar for the kiddos (and grown-ups... who are we kidding).

The birthday girl with her cupcake...

For each of the kiddos we had a hat, a bandana and a sheriff badge... 

 And for favors, we had paper bags to fill with candy in the "General Store"

 And what party would be complete without a hay ride...

... and a photo booth (I was super pumped about this)...

 It was tested out by the daddy, of course...

...and maybe a few of his friends...

And here are some of my favorites from the little folks...

 

And guess who figured out how to hold the gun the right way...

 (she's concentrating so hard!)

So there you have it.  It was a lot of work, a ton of fun, and I was very glad it was OVER.  The best part was every time we asked Leighton if she was having fun at her cowgirl birthday party, she said "Yes" with a big smile on her face!  So worth it!!

Happy birthday to my BIG, sweet two-year-old girl.  We love you to the moon and back!