ponypalooza goes live

Today I became the parent that everyone hates. "But Serejane got PONIES for HER birthday party..."  Serejane's recent fascination with ponies turned this, her fourth birthday party, into a real live Ponypalooza. The ladies from Horse Sence (owners of the fantastic carriage I am DYING to use for photographs...) showed up 'ride' on time for Serejane's party, smiling and in great spirits in spite of the snowy conditions that threatened to spoil our day.

The kids all got multiple pony rides, and learned how to groom and lead the ponies. Serejane took the ponies very seriously, tried everything 6 or 12 times, and pretty much ignored everyone until after the ponies left.

Unfortunately some of our guests were unable to come out (sickness, newborns and babies who honestly couldn't bear the weather, and some unnamed people who are just wimpy lol) but everyone showed up in mitts and snowpants ready to enjoy the day; with a couple of boxes of hot chocolate, a few tarps, and our trusty firepit (bearing a new decal thanks to Mama being an idiot when trying to warm up Serejane's favourite heart mittens) we all managed to stay relatively warm and happy.

It was beautiful outside as long as you were protected from the wind, and we set up camp in in the last picnic site at Goldbar Park, completely surrounded by trees.   Pretty ponies, pretty snow, and pretty awesome friends were the perfect recipe for a pretty perfect 4th birthday celebration.

Happy birthday, my baby girl.  I love you!!!

Thanks to everyone for braving the snow, and an extra special thanks to the folks at Horse Sence - amazing - I very highly recommend them if you ever find yourself in need of a pony.  Or two.  (They even bring their own shovels!!!)

More pictures here: