Elena Rae's Rootin' Tootin' 3 Year Old Cowgirl Pony Party!

So, Elena's birthday party was last Saturday (birthday was yesterday). She decided to have a "Cowgirl" themed party. So Marci had some ideas of her own - and tied them in with Elena's ideas and decoration choices as well.

Instead of a crown, Elena had a VERY FUN AND STYLISH COWGIRL HAT - WITH FITTED BOA FOR EXTRA SASS! Of course, the outfit was completed with her boots, blue jean skirt, and baby pink cowgirl shirt!

There was a barn pinata - one of Elena's personal picks.

And then there was the "pony cake" - which kind of went with the theme - but the "My Little Pony" was just a tad BRIGHTER than the rest of the cowgirl decor - another Elena pick.

Marci made each of the kiddos a personalized bandana - so they could all be "Cowkids."

Even Augie left his on for a picture . . .

and that was about it . . . the cowboy knows what he wants . . . and it wasn't to wear a bandana!

Then . . . there were gifts! Lots of gifts - so here's a few quick pics.
Elena has her own sunglasses now (courtesy of the StaatsPac - Alexa has a pair that we got her for her birthday also - so now they both have REALLY cute shades!)

Then there was the horse trainer set from Gamma and Pops - complete with horses, fences, cowgirls, etc.

And some RIDICULOUSLY PERFECT boots from Natalie, Corey, and the kids! They were a HUGE hit with Elena!!!

Elena was even nice enough to let her little cowgirl sister Alexa play with one of the ponies that she received as a gift - it was a baby pony with a high chair. (Notice Alexa is also wearing a baby pink t-shirt with a ruffled blue jean skirt and personalized bandana - no boots though - because Lex is a one shoe or no shoes kinda girl!)

Gamma sure enjoyed the time with the kids too! She had her hands full all day!


So, we ate lunch, we sang happy birthday, we opened presents, and we had some cupcake cake. It was time to move on - or out - as in outside . . .
So we hit the pinata, let the kids get a little sugared up, and then just let them run around outside and play!
Alexa got the "Gator" out. And we decided to see how Augie would do in the motorized toys department.

He loved it!!! And Alexa loved getting to show him how to drive - even though she still has a hard time reaching the pedals.

It's REALLY HARD to hold a baby steady, walk, and lean over to push the pedal to make a little machine like that go. So, we traded in the Gator for Alexa's 4-wheeler!!! Yeah, it's a Tinkerbell one, but Augie's not above that - it moved - and he could help push the button himself! It was a hit for sure! Perfect size even! I really want to get him one of his own now, but I think we'll wait for his bday - it won't be long now - only 3 more months. :(? :)?

Then we picked up Alexa to ride with us!
She is great about sharing - and even let Augie drive. She didn't complain once!!! She just laughed and said, "Au-gie! Au-gie!" and patted him on the back as they rode along.


As the crowd of kids and parents departed, our family (which was about 1/2 of the people at the party because there are so many of us), decided to go out for some eatin' and dancin'. We headed out to a little place called "Oscar's Store" where they have great food and live music on Saturdays! (No, we're not from the country or anything!!!)
Augie wore Uncle John's Cowboy hat to prove that he was a cowboy!

And he danced Momba into the ground!!! He loved it! I loved it! It was just REALLY HOT!!!

After we waited (awhile - we had a party of 18 to be seated), we had a delicious dinner, and then we returned outside to see the band for the evening and do some more dancing.
Elena was re-energized after dinner . . . and she DANCED . . .

and DANCED . .

and DANCED - until she got a little worn out!

Gamma and Pops joined the fun too!

So did Lex!

And Augie didn't have to join anything, because he was the ring leader - first one on and off the dance floor that night!!!


I tell you what - we sure have a lot of fun when we go to Gamma and Pops to visit. But Augie sure does love having his cousins around. He tries to keep up with them, and he hates taking naps when we're with them (which is the opposite at home). But it breaks my heart every time we have to leave - - - - because I know how much they love each other and want to be together and play together.
It really gives me motivation to buckle down and get stuff paid off so we can build our house and move out there! I just pray that the Lord gives me discipline to stay the course so that we can get there sooner!!!!