Birthday Parties-- A Look Back

My oldest beauty is turning 4 next week!  I can't believe it's been four years already!  Four years ago I was impatiently awaiting her arrival and ready to punch the next person to ask when she was due (she made her entrance 10 days late... stinker!)  She decided to come to us just hours after my birthday, so we are forever linked that way.  With the upcoming birthday and the party that we are planning for the weekend after her birthday (we will be in Disney for her actual birthday, remember?) I thought it might be fun to look back at last year's party...

As soon as I caved into Pintrest, I got hooked on creating my own decor for my kids' birthday parties.  Blair's 3rd birthday was the guinea pig-- I learned really fast just how much time and energy goes into personalizing a birthday party.  We chose a venue for the party instead of trying to host at our house.  Since her birthday is in the winter, we are pretty limited to indoor locations and I get anxiety just thinking about a houseful of kids... I should probably work on that... but I digress... This particular venue kind of fell into our laps via Living Social.  A local horse farm hosts birthday parties that include use of a heated room off of an indoor riding arena, as well as pony rides for 15 friends!  Who can pass up 50% off??  Even though Blair hadn't really been interested in horses or ponies up to that point, she did have an authentic pair of pink cowboy boots from Montana, so I ran with it and the cowgirl themed birthday party was born.  Here are some pictures from that day!

 

I made the banner with scrapbook paper, card stock and stencils.  The rocking horse was ours from home.

I tried to make the food things real cowgirls might eat: bbq pulled pork, fruit and green salad, and s'more pops.

Another view of the s'more pops... I made the stands with styrofoam wheels, ribbon and scrapbook paper.

A real cowgirl drinks organic milk and IBC root beer, right?  We found the metal bucket at Tractor Supply.

My friend, Amy, is an awesome photographer and her daughters were invited so she took some pictures as well!  These were so easy to make- pretzel sticks, white chocolate and yellow m&ms.

The party favors were Cowgirl Cookie Mixes, adapted from Bakerella's cookie mix.  The only real difference is that I used jute string to tie them instead of leather.  The jars are from Hobby Lobby, as are the fabric swatches that came in a pack of squares.  The hat came from our rental home, left behind by bad tenants, ha ha. 

A closer view of the Cowgirl Cookies.  I heard rave reviews from the recipients!

The cake was made by one of our local bakeries, the ever favorite, Ele.  It resembles a pink bandanna and I love it.  Again, Amy took this one.

I found these paper straws on Etsy, although I can't remember the exact vendor (sorry!)  The glasses were from The Christmas Tree Shops.  Amy again deserves photo credit.

Amy took this picture of Blair on her pony.  She loved that guy!

Here is my darling, little cowgirl, sporting her pink boots, skinny jeans and plaid.

I just love this picture Amy took of Blair waiting to blow out her candles!  That little face is so precious!

Amy created this adorable succession picture of Blair blowing out her candles.  LOVE!  

I can't wait to post pictures of sweet girl's 4th (eek!) birthday in a few weeks!  She is sleeping soundly next to me right now on the couch... can't believe she's just about four.  Wow.