Thursday, December 2, 2010

Giddy On Up! These Cowgirls are turning 4

In October, my friend Bethany and I planned our daughter's joint 4th birthday party.  We used lots of pinks and browns, and really tried to incorporate a fun cowgirl theme into the evening.  With 70+ people scheduled to come, we decided to keep it outside and include a bonfire, hay bales with vintage quilts, and a "horse" kids could have their picture taken with as they entered.

Lillie Claire and Hadlee (The Birthday Girls) in their vintage-inspired cowgirl dresses!
When families arrived, we immediately asked them to go to the Dress Up table and pick their cowgirl and cowboy gear.  From hats, to spurs, to fun pop guns, the kids and adults had fun picking out their costumes. We had lifesize cutouts of a cowgirl and cowboy to frame out the back of the shot.  In addition, I borrowed a sawhorse and lined it with a real saddle and saddle blanket.  After the family's picture was taken, I used the smart card from the camera and printed them on the spot using a Kodak Digital Photo printer.  I mounted each picture using double-sided tape on a fun metallic brown cardstock to give away as a fun reminder of the party!  




 My cowboy husband Josh!

 Hadlee and her friend enjoying their "horse" ride
Baby Grayson enjoying the party (all bundled up because it got to be a chilly night!) 

 It's not time for cupcakes yet...but for Will it is!

Some family and friends gathering around to wait for their photo.




 Josh, Lillie Claire, Will (hiding his face) and Steph
 The Alexander Four again (Will is not happy about having his picture made)

 Another little cowboy!








This invitation sparked the whole theme for the party.  It's a Julia Azar cowgirl invite from You're Invited Gifts and Paper in Belle Meade.

The invitation on the s'more station and favor table.

 Custom cupcake toppers by Lisa Marie Designs for You're Invited
 Our favors were real horseshoes tied with raffia with a custom-tag that said "Sharing some Cowgirl Luck!"

 Pony Races

A star-shaped chalkboard featuring the #4 and tags with H for Hadlee and LC for Lillie Claire

 The girls are only a week apart; this photo board showed some pictures of them over the  last four years.

Cupcakes, s'mores (complete with pink marshmallows) and the favor display

Mason jars with custom tags "Drink up Y'all"



More shots of the cupcakes with custom toppers


More b-day guests





Hope you had fun reading about our little cowgirls and their 4th birthday party!
What could be more fun for  kids than cupcakes, s'mores and pony pictures!
~Stephanie