Scarlett's Pony Party

It is no secret that I have always wanted a pony.  My Daddy used to say, "but we don't have a fence" to which I would reply, "so build one!"  I guess I rubbed off on Scarlett, as she has been a horse fan for a long time.  So when we bought the farm this summer I KNEW that I wanted to do a pony theme for her 2nd birthday party.

It was Jason's idea to have the actual pony.  I swear.  Enter Barnyard Buddies.  We have seen them at family events throughout the area so I knew it was doable.  A short call, a few scheduling snafus and a very reasonable fee later - Scarlett (and Mommy!) got her pony!

I highly recommend Andrea with The Green Grass Grows  on Etsy.  She had an invitation that I liked but I wanted to change the colors to match some blue sweaters I had found a few months ago for the girls.  She was so patient with me and my papergood pickiness!  Then when we had to reschedule the party last minute, she gave me a great deal on new invites.  I just loved the look and love buying from someone who is easy to work with.  Not to mention she sent me a free printable for the party without me even asking - score!

  

I had some ideas saved on Pinterest so I can't take credit for most of this, but here is my take on a (very simple) pony party!

I made the pony and plan on putting it in the new house!  It is a piece of a pallet left over from our remodel.  I used leftover stain (Rustoleum Brand, Kona color) and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White that we used for our kitchen cabinets.  I didn't freehand, just made a horse template with some butcher paper and an overhead projector.  Didn't take me long and I loved the way it turned out!

The sign says "Every pony needs a little ranch"  We had carrots w/ranch, various popcorns, apples with dip and cake.

Yummy butter cake with buttercream icing. Made by my friend Shauna.  I made the bunting last minute with leftover invites.  I just wanted something simple and classic looking.  Her rose cakes are beautiful.

I made this caramel dip and it was fabulous!  I might have eaten it with a spoon after the guests left...

 

Caramel Apple Dip

2 blocks cream cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Caramel Dip (I like the Sweet Lava brand I find at Walmart)

Heath Bar toffee bits

 

You just mix the sugar and cream cheese and put it down first, then pour the caramel sauce and sprinkle the toffee. 



 

 There are the Tucker + Tate horse sweaters.  Wish I had my own.

The birthday girl and her Nana.  I barely held her the whole party.  She much prefers her Nana and PawPaw to Mom and Dad.  We are chopped liver!

Hard to see, but this is Scarlett's reaction when they put her on the pony.  She no likey. Bless.  I'm glad I got a pony for her since she apparently hates them!

Big sister, on the other hand, was a fan.  She was loving it!!

This is actually a horse named Buttercup.  We had them bring a horse for the "big kids"

Like my Granny.  She wanted to ride.

We did finally get Scarlett to ride with Lilli.

Mandatory family photo shot!



Mostly she just wanted to be held by her PawPaw.  Not shocking.

Later she took a ride with Auntie.  She was starting to warm up at this point.

Nana grew up with horses, so she was a natural.

While people were riding we had playtime in the backyard.

Ashley made a friend with the sweet pony, Doc.  Barnyard Buddies brings several people to help the riders and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about them.  They have other animals for petting zoos and even have a camel.  Maybe next year!?

Once the riding was over, we sang Happy Birthday and ate cake.  Scarlett sang to herself and loved every minute of it.  I think it was her favorite part of the party.

Then it was time for presents.  Her facial expressions show how much she loved opening them.  So maybe THIS was her favorite part of the party.

 

 

We are so lucky to have family and friends that love Scarlett Jean.  Thanks for sharing in our special day!

Scarlett is TWO!

Scarlett Jean turned two last week!  I cannot believe I no longer have a baby.  Or a toddler.  I have a preschooler. I'm not sure I am ok with this.  Nevertheless, time will not stand still!

At two years old, Scarlett:
*weighs 26 pounds, 8 ounces (40th percentile)

*is 34 3/4 inches tall (75th percentile) - she is projected to be about 5'7" when she grows up

*has blond curls and blue eyes.  She gets both from Jason and his mom, Andi

 

 *wears 2T clothes, size 5 diapers and size 6 or 7 shoes

 

*sleeps with her paci, Pooh bear, blankie and has to have all 3 of them together

 *goes to bed around 8:00 and sleeps 12 hours.  My horrible infant sleeper is now an excellent big girl sleeper, thank the Lord!

*takes a 2-3 hour nap daily.  She loves to hang out in her crib and talk to herself for a long time after she wakes, so I never know how long she is actually sleeping.  She usually wakes up happy.

 *speaks clearly and easily, her vocabulary is huge but the things we hear the most are: "hold you", "I'm so skeered", "It won't get you?", "I love you Mommy", "Pooker/Brady/Sissy come 'ere!", "I'm so tired", "I don't like it", "Excuse me, I burped".  She will repeat anything we say and it is quite hilarious.  Just last night she said, "say prayer!" before bedtime.  Warmed my heart.

*sings her ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Blue Skies and Rainbows, Jesus Loves Me, and anything on the radio if it repeats alot (she loves The Cup Song and Roar)

 *can count to ten

*knows most of her colors but she always gets pink and orange correct

*runs, hops, almost does a front roll

*is a random eater, still.  I just never know what she will eat at any given time. Her favorites are eggs, pancakes, waffles, CANDY, anything junk food like powdered donuts, raisins, corn, carrots, vanilla milkshakes

*is not potty trained, but always wants to try.   She will do it when she is ready so we aren't pushing it.

*loves adventure - she will climb and jump and search and destroy.  She has gotten into my makeup more times than I can count!

 *is a girly girl who loves purses, shoes and accessories

 *gives the best cuddles.  She especially loves to cuddle her Nana and PawPaw but sometimes Mommy and Daddy will luck out and get some.  When she is sick she wants to lay her head on my shoulder and I just love it!

*spent 5 days without Lilli and although she was lonely she was VERY well behaved.  She didn't cry or throw any tantrums, it was so good for her to be an only child for a few days and we loved spoiling her and seeing her so happy.  She loves Lilli so very much and they were precious when Lilli came home!!

 *loves all her family but always talks about her Granny and Granny Margaret and her Auntie Ash

*started preschool at our church!  She cried the first week or so at drop off but since then has done really well.  She is learning so much about sharing and playing with other kids.  She is also learning her colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, lots of songs and so much about the Bible.

*went on her first preschool field trip to the Pumpkin Patch.  She had a great time, but just seemed so small compared to Lilli!

*had a fever and cold the week of her birthday but acted normally most of the time!  She was just more cuddly, which we all enjoyed!

 *loves to ride in the car with the windows down!  We do this often going back and forth to the new house.

*ADORES her sister.  They are always together and the majority of the time are happy together!

I always ask Jason to write something for the girls' books.  He is so much better with words than I am.  Here is what he wrote for Scarlett's 2nd birthday:

A bouncing curl, a sprawling grin, a tender moment, a little whirlwind...  You are spunky, giggly, mischievous, gorgeous.  You amaze, confound, befuddle, endear.  Today, you are two.  You are too smart.   You are the "color" to Sissy's "comments."  You kindle the life and extinguish the dull.  You love to sing.  Blue Skies and Rainbows, ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle, Jesus Loves Me...  You have a pecking order... Daddy, Mommy!, Nana!!, PawPaw!!!  You are bold, curious, determined.  You are going to put wrinkles on your Mother's face and gray in your Father's hair.  You love horsies, and gummies, and blankie.  I simply can't imagine this world without you.  You are my heart beating outside of my chest.  I love you!