Addie's Day

After Colten got in last night, the kids were exhausted but insisted on playing a little before bed.  They could barely hold their heads up but they just insisted on staying up for a few minutes anyhow. We didn't mind. I love watching them play.

Addie and Colten "pictochatting".

Colten finally gave it up and went to sleep on the sofa.

It was cooler than we expected this morning but the kids still wanted to play outside. Addie of course wanted to wear a dress but  I did at least talk her into wearing some tights with it. I was a little disappointed with the cooler weather (58 degrees when they went out) but then I read where Green Bay, Wisconsin had 17 inches of snow and the high was 29. Calgary's low tonight is 5. I can live with a nice balmy 58 degrees.  Thank you Lord for seeing fit to settle me in the South.

Right before lunch the kids had a great time playing Wii Dance! We all had a good laugh watching them.

After lunch, the weather warmed up considerably and the kids hit the trampoline. Ali had had enough of the little ones and the little ones had had enough of her, so she went and saddled up a horse.

Ali Grace riding Peaches

Ali Grace was a little too brave today and I had to slow her up a little. I think Peaches was in the mood for a steeplechase! 

Addie, Woody and Jessie getting ready to cut the cake!

Getting ready to blow out candles. ALL six of them!

Ali got quite a surprise after the party! Since last spring, her favorite trusty steed, Treasure, has been unrideable.  She foaled in April and we never got her back together after her "maternity leave". We tried a few times but she was absolutely uncontrollable. She threw Ali twice and I just could not allow Ali back on that horse no matter how much Ali loved her.  A month or so ago, Poppy asked her if she wanted another horse to ride. Ali replied that she really just wanted to ride Treasure again. I didn't get it. Honestly, Treasure is short, scrubby, and is colored in a way that makes her look as though she's had a mudbath every day for the past 2 years. But there's something sweet about her spirit and I think Ali Grace was drawn to that. I just didn't hold out much hope that Treasure could be ridden again. Enter Uncle Ernie. Ernie was determined to get that horse back together for Ali to ride again. He worked her extra hard today and put Ali back in the saddle (literally). Of course they did all this without me knowing it! Beth finally came over and told me that Ali was riding Treasure! 

We really had a great day.  The weather got a chilly start but really warmed up after lunch. The kids had a ball together Addie reminded us that her birthday isn't really until Tuesday so we can all continue to celebrate and shower her with gifts until then. Here's a few more priceless shots from today, courtesy of Aunt Beth.

Yes, we have chores. Even on your birthday! And even if you're wearing a zebra print dress!

Everyone was kung fu fighting!

Ali riding TREASURE!!