The Fab Five

Ella celebrated her 5th birthday this month.  It seems almost unbelievable that my little girl is five, but she reminds me of it nearly every day.  "Mom, I'm five now.  I can do that by myself."  

We celebrated in style with a cowgirl themed birthday party.  I tried to offer a simpler celebration option, like just taking one friend out to the bounce house, but she insisted on a party (o' my I've set the bar too high too soon... next year definitely will be more low key).  That being said, it was a wonderful party.  She had about five little friends over, and we colored, played pin the badge on the sheriff, had a cowgirl boot piñata, and learned to rope the hobby horse (thanks to Shaun and his cow roping skills).  The kids had a wonderful time, but I was exhausted when it was all said and done.  

 My most favorite part was decorating.  I was inspired from ideas on Pinterest, and I was pretty proud of the final result.

 We started out by doing some coloring- cowgirl coloring pages.

 We even put bandanas on the windows to add to the cowgirl feel.

 Everyone got a photo opp with the hobby horse.  Riley and Amelia took a turn riding together.  Those two are so stinkin' cute.

 After that it was time for a little game of pin the badge on the sheriff

 Followed by a turn at the piñata, a cowgirl boot

 Even Amelia took a turn hitting the piñata

 And then it was time for ropin' the horse.  Yipee Kay yai eh!

 The kids waited patiently on the couch for their turn to rope the horse.

 Shaun was so good with all the kids.

 Some of the girls got really into it, like Miss Maggie Mae of the wild west, or just Maggie.

 After that we opened some fun gifts.  I told Ella our gift to her was the party itself.  She also got a bike from nana and papa, and we got her the helmet.  Grandma and Grandpa C sent gifts too.

 And after some cake and ice cream, the group posed for all together shot in front of the hobby horse.

Of course I couldn't get one single photo where everyone was looking, but hey, we tried.

So Happy Birthday Ella Celeste!  We love you o' so much!