Ava's Birthday Party

The sunday before Ava's birthday, we had Ryan's family over for a birthday party. It was a Rapunzel themed extravaganza . . .it's so fun watching Ava anticipate everything so much. She was giggly with excitement as every one came in - showing off her cake and running around.

Seems crazy that I now set up our own "kid's table"

Rest of decorations

A happy almost birthday girl with her beloved Rapunzel cake

Janet's did an awesome job (and yum)

Then because my girls loved it so much last time, we had to come up with another game. So "pin cinderella in the window" began . . .

Olivia took the first turn - we let her go blindfold free

Uncle David gets blindfolded AND spun

Grandma's turn

Apparently I was going for the same spot

Grandpa was a little off . . .

Or maybe I should say, "Like father, like son." I love Ava giggling at her daddy in this one.

Birthday girl gets ready to go

I may have purposely tied it so she could see a little . . . ; )

Kate's turn!

Grandpa Mel was even a good sport

Ready for presents!

Hmmm . . .

New clothes are always a hit with this little girl

Cake time!

blowing out the candles

Playing with her new Rapunzel horse in her room with Aunt Tara

Kate just monkeying around

Which means that Olivia must join in too!

The fair!

We headed out for a quick evening at the fair the other week - the girls were super excited.

Watching the girls barrel race - Kate didn't want to leave

We walked through the horse stables for a while. A little girl there let the girls feed her horse some snacks.

Petting the bunny

On to some rides - first try? The ever beloved slide.

"Remembering" how much she likes it : )

Kate's turn . . .

She wasn't a huge fan. : )

Then Olivia headed on up . . .

As soon as she got down, she was ready to go again. In fact, there were rides she wanted on that we wouldn't let her. : )

Kate found a home with the truck "train" ride.

Ava and Olivia in their truck

Happy girls

Right as we got our snack, the puppet show was starting so we settled in to enjoy it.

Ava and Kate

Daddy and Ava

Kate and Olivia didn't think it was as fun as Ava

It won't win an emmy but hey, it was free : )

Since Kate and Olivia were less than thrilled with the show, we left Daddy and Ava to finish it and went to enjoy one last truck ride before heading home.

Loved the fun family time together . . .until next year!

Last Horseback Riding Lesson

Because Melissa has to go back to college (which I guess is ok ; ) ), Ava's horseback riding lessons had to end for now. It was such a special time for my little girl and we're excited already to see if we can't work it out next summer too.

One last pose on Annie

One last ride

One last steer on her own

A last treat for a horse she loved

And one last picture for some really special memories!

Thanks Melissa and Annie!

why babysitters are so much more fun than mom . . .

We're thankful for such a great sitter!! Thanks Taylor : )

it's a rough life when you're almost 4

And you have to "work" on your tan