The Coming Birthday

Last month I  was trying to figure out what to do for Ellie's birthday party.  Then, a few weeks ago, while we were out horse-back riding (or Ellie and Joe were) it came to me that we should have her party out there.  She loves riding horses and even if no one came, she would have a great time.  Yeah, it was a bit far from home but I sort of hoped that would cut down on the number of guests.  The room reservation was not that expensive, although we decided to pay for a trail ride for the kids and that might be expensive.  Still, it's Ellie's birthday but it's also her last chance to see her friends and a chance for us to say good bye.

So the party has sort of grown.  I decided to invite all the kids in her class, assuming several would not show.  So far, only 10 kids have said they are coming, but apparently it's a tradition here or at least way more common to invite adults to kid parties so, yeah, there are 10 four year olds, but also 15 adults.  I'm waiting rather anxiously for an estimate on the food.  I did, however, go through our cupboards and we have way more plates, napkins, and plastic cups than we need so at least I don't have to buy any more of those.  Ellie has two rocking horses that I'm going to take as decoration.  I'll make the cake, since homemade tastes so much better.  So the only real thing I have left to figure out is how much the food will cost.  The horse place is supposed to be sending me an estimate.

In a way, I got exactly what I didn't want - a large expensive party - but I think I'm okay with it because it will also serve as a goodbye party for us, meaning one less party to have at the house and Ellie should have lots of fun.