Georgia's Ranch Birthday Party

Well I am really racing to get caught up with events that need documenting around here! Georgia turned seven at the beginning of May. I had been promising her a party, a real, planned out, lovely party for an entire year leading up to it. She reminded me often that her last friend party was when she was three.

Then her little sister decided that she would join our family. As I have already shared multiple times, sick is just the beginning when it comes to describing my early pregnancy. I told Georgia that the party was still on. But it had to be pushed back several weeks. We made her day special, then set our sights on the end of May for the big event.
Georgia was so inspired by our Spring Break trip to the Dude Ranch, that she wanted to continue the theme. So we set up a party at "Georgia's Ranch."

Our desert table.

Birthday girl!

We had horseshoe cookies made to go along with our theme. As Georgia and I carried the two boxes full of them to the table, she dropped her box, and all the cookies broke. I hope it is not bad luck to break a horseshoe, because that would mean we have an entire box full of bad luck headed our way.

Dressed in our duds.

The invite.

We had a new cake decorating business here in town do the baked goods. It is owned by a young woman, and it is always nice to support those shops. Our poor horse topper took a tumble halfway through the party, thanks to Walker's helpful hands.

Georgia really wanted her horse Brownie to greet her guests as they arrived. We also made sure they were ready to ride with the correct gear. A pink handkerchief, and a sequin cowgirl hat.

Our table set for "chow time" on the Ranch.

Hats and handkerchiefs ended up strewn all over the yard.

We sent the girls home with their hats and handkerchiefs, and a bag of salt water taffy.

Suddenly everything happened at the same time. My friend Michelle (a real life pioneer woman, with a farm, homeschool and all, plus Relief Society President calling… props, girl) pulled up with the horse trailer...

The guy we had come out to mark utility lines to put in a new basketball hoop came to spray...

And all  our little Ranch pardners arrived for the party!

Our ride for the day was named Amigo. He was the gentlest of the gentle. Some of the girls had been very hesitant to ride, and a couple moms called me to let me know that their daughters may sit out the horse ride portion of the party.

We put the girls at different stations, and I had the reluctant girls do their craft before going over to see the horse. By the time they got there, they had watched all their friends ride. We ended up having every girl not only eager to ride, but excited to try trotting! They all did really well with the loping, and it it was awesome to see them get past their initial fear!
Georgia was our first rider. She just loves it!

Our craft table had the girls decorating and painting a horseshoe to take home as a lucky charm.

Michelle brought her little guy who is Walker's age, and the two of them found plenty to entertain themselves. Overlook our sad, sad bush that needs to be pulled out. We had several trees and shrubs that did not make it through this past bitter cold Winter. It was brutal!

Wally taking a ride while the girls ate.

The cowboy of my dreams. Del was so helpful all day, even though I know he had a million things he needed to take care of.

Our "grub." We kept it simple, and seven year old friendly, with sandwiches, chips, fruit, and yogurt. Some of Georgia's favorites.

Again, look past the dead shrub backdrop. I need to get out there with a chain saw. I'm not afraid!

Handsomest ranch hand in the county.

So excited, and relieved to have pulled off another birthday around here! It was a good time with these cowgirls at the Ranch!