Pony Party

So this year we weren't planning on doing a birthday party, but found out about a cute idea and couldn't resist.  Ellison loves dolphins and ponies, and we found out about this cool farm close to us that does birthday parties.  So on her birthday afternoon, we headed over to Still Water Farm with some friends to celebrate our big 5-year-old.  The farm was so beautiful!  We had a gorgeous evening, and the fall colors were still pretty.

The kids played on the playset for a little while as we set up and waited for the guests to arrive.

Then it was time for pony rides and grooming.

Birthday girl was first up, and so excited!

Riding her pony, "Penny".

The owner of the farm has 9 kids that all help out!

After taking her ride, Ellison and Anna got to brush "Rooster" the pony.

The kids all took turns riding ponies and brushing Rooster.

The farm had all kinds of animals: donkeys, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, peacocks, pigs, etc.

Ellison and Davis petting a goat.

Anna and Ellison petting the goat.

Ellison watching Rilee groom Rooster.

Mason riding Logan

Baity

Ella

Ellison and Laila

Then it was off for a hay ride around the farm...

Jamie (Anna's mom) and Ellison

Jamie, Anna, Davis, Ellison, Natalie, Ella, Baity, and Tripp

The only pics we got of me and my birthday girl... :-(  Me and Jonathan were so upset we never got pics taken with her on her birthday!

In the stable watching one of the horses while waiting to wash hands.

The meeting room in the CUTEST log cabin with a wood burner and doors that slid open for an outdoorsy feel.  So cozy!

Elli on the left.  Waiting for pizza...

Davis, Anna, Ellison, Ella James

Ellison picked out the cake she wanted. :-)

My friend, Maranda, helping to light the candle so I could video tape while Jonathan took pics.

Ell and Mason during "The Birthday Song".

After pizza and cake, the kids headed out to the pen to feed some of the animals.

Caroline, Laila, Ellison, and Maggie

Time for... utter chaos!  The gift opening did not go smoothly - kids all up in Ellison's grill, wanting to helps open, grabbing things, etc.  But it was all good.  I think this is the one moment when one of us moms tried to bring order and have the kids sit in their seats.  It lasted all of 1 minute.

Unfortunately, not only did we forget to get a picture of us 2 with the birthday girl, but we forgot to get a group shot as well.  Grrr.  Thank you to Sam, Claudia, Mason, Laila, Anna, Davis, Ella, Ella James, Caroline, Rilee, and Baity for making such great memories for Ellison on her 5th birthday!  We were so glad to have them all join us for the fun!

[November 5, 2011]