We had the last of the donated parties on Saturday morning, and it went off without a hitch. I think that has a lot to do with this amazing group of people pictured above! These were the volunteers who donated their Saturday to helping with the party. Cathie, Carri, Marvin, Taylor, Dan, Betty, Darren and Trish–thank you so very much!! Also, thanks to my stone cold fox hubby (Sam, we’re lovin’ that title!) and my sweet daughters. We think the birthday girl had a good time. Isn’t she sweet? Her name is Lauryn and she turned five on Friday. We were happy to have her, her family, and friends out celebrating with us. They were a happy, cooperative group who were nothing but appreciative and kind. Seriously, groups like these make us want to have birthday parties on a regular basis. I heard that it was going to be pretty breezy, but the weather turned out to be perfect. There was a slight breeze during the whole party that helped cool us from the heat. It’s an odd day when I do not want to complain about the weather. I need to work on my whining. I’ll try… starting tomorrow.
This little girl was adorable. She was so excited seeing the horses. “Hor-see! Hor-see!” I just loved her. Little Sophie loved petting and being near the horses, but she had no interest riding them. Fine with us. It’s like I’ve said before, the ranch means different things to different people. If only everyone was so easy to please.
Dan and Betty were our round pen wranglers. They gave pony rides on Red and BB.

They both have a great way with children. They’re calm and loving and fun. We are blessed to have their help!
Cathie and Trish lead the horse painting and grooming station. That’s a big job. It takes a lot of reminding to keep little ones from walking behind the horses. They both camped out by the Cochise’s back end to add a little extra measure of protection. Here you can see Trish and Claire helping the girls find just the right paint color. They took it pretty easy on Ol’ Cochise. He’s had much worse in the past. While I was talking to Marvin (pictured below) earlier today, he griped and said that he wants Cochise to stop being painted. He is the horse Marvin always wants to ride, and he gets a little embarrassed that Cochise is often so colorful. I think Marvin secretly loves the fact Cochise looks so fancy! Marvin helps us with anything and everything at GG. Yesterday he was the grill master cooking those hot dogs to perfection! Today he went out and fed the horses. What a guy!
I often wonder if the horses ever get a little taste of paint while innocently chomping away on their hay. Sorry if you do equine buddies, it’s just such a good place to set up the crafts.

Taz was a trooper in the arena once again. It’s the perfect place for Carri, because she seems to have energy oozing out of her pores. She leads children around in that deep sand for an hour and a half and still has energy to burn. I should probably find out what she eats.

Cute,

cute,
and more cute!

This is Lauryn’s little sister Brooke. My Brooke reacted every time one of the guests said her name. I had a good time watching that. Oh, can I ever relate. I think about every other girl of the seventies was also named Michelle. There were smiling faces all over the place.

This dad was a man after my own heart. Every time I saw him he had a camera of one type or another in his hand. Isn’t that why we have parties for our children–for the pictures and video? Oh, and the happiness of our children. Of course.

I think I’ve ruminated about this party long enough. Lauryn and gang, that’s for making this party so easy and fun. We hope to see you all back out sometime soon.