The Girls' Hoedown

My oldest daughter, who is the queen of big ideas, got the idea to host a hoedown in our garage after reading this book that we had checked out from the library:

The girls planned out every detail: the food, their outfits (they wanted to look just like the girls in the book), the invitations, the guest list, the banner, the set-up, etc.  They hand delivered each invitation that morning.  I love that they invited the teenage neighbors on our street.  They weren't able to come but said they wished they could have.  They really are sweet kids who are so good to the girls.  

The kids who were able to come to the hoedown came over around 1:00 while I was frantically running around trying to find a way to play music.  I was definitely not on top of things for this party.  In the half hour before everyone showed up, Paul was gone, the baby was crying, Madeline was throwing a huge tantrum, and nothing was ready for the party.  I reminded myself to never agree to something like this again when Paul was going to be gone.  What was I thinking?! 

I wish I had a better picture of the banner.  It said "Barnyard Dance" in pink bubble letters, written by Rose

Needless to say, everything worked out.  After all, the kids were all under 8, so the expectations weren't very high, luckily!  There was lots of snacking...on popcorn, watermelon, and a lemonade and Sprite concoction...and lots of dancing and running around.

The hungry animals gathered around the watering hole

Madeline and Raquel snacking

Random running and wandering around in our beautiful garage ;)

Gettin' their boogy on

Ava and Peter challenging each other to a duel

Take ten steps away from each other...

....and SHOOT!  I don't think Ava had a chance...she didnn't even know how to work her gun :)

Cowboy Peter riding his bronco :)

Overall, the hoedown was a success.  The girls had a blast, a few parents came to help supervise, 

and it was all over in an hour and half!

The two year-old doing her own thing

Rose has new ideas every day of things we should do or make.  Although it often takes a lot of work on my part, I try to make some of her ideas a reality.  Life will never be boring with that girl around :)