Finally, Chloe's birthday has arrived. Poor Chloe was very confused about her birthday this year with good reason. She could not quite understand why she had a birthday party in June to celebrate with school friends, but had not actually turned 4! She would look at me with her scrunched up face and say, "Mom, I'm still 3?" I tried to explain with little success the difference between a celebration and an actual birthday.
For her party with playgroup friends and cousins, she was deciding between a Cars: Lightening McQueen or a horse theme party. When we looked on-line for party supplies she loved the horses. Her cousin, Katie, had a horse party in May for her 4th birthday. The only difference was Katie had pony rides. I knew a pony was not in the budget and worried Chloe would be disappointed.
We created invites that said, "Gallop on over to the door because Chloe May is turning four! Come dressed to horse around!" We made a sign for the door that said Chloe's Corral. On the day of the party, after all the decorations were in place, Chloe looked up at me with excitement in her eyes, and asked, "Mom, when is the pony getting here?" Crushed, I told her, "Chloe, we aren't going to have a pony, but I promise we will have lots of fun!" I thought to myself I hope this party is fun!
We bought punch balloons, horse decorations filled the room, set-up a craft for kids as they arrived, had face painting, and finally, lots of games.
The kids loved the pony stick relays, Horse, Horse, Pony (played like Duck, Duck, Goose), the water balloons, and the sugar cube relays. I had two mothers helpers to help with the games, face painting, and craft. The girls were awesome.
Everyone was happy at the end of the day, especially Chloe! I knew the party was a success, when little Miss Isabel said, "Mom, that party was awesome! Can I have a horse party for my birthday?"
I love you Chloe! Happy Birthday!
