Just prior to the actual festivities, some of Darla's relatives were herding cattle from one part of the land to the lake down in front of house...they came by on horse back and were generous enough to allow for a real horse ride from a real cowboy!
She kinda looks like a pro!
Joseph wanted to ride too but I told him he had to wait a few years...he was bummed.
When Annie was asked what she wanted on her birthday cake, she said..."Trains...and butterflies (or as she was saying it "Buh- fies"). So Darla and her sister Nikki came up with this creative and colorful cake for the main event. Strong WORK!
Annie got all serious when it came time to blow out the candles...I hope she was wishing for world peace and not straight hair! Eventually she had her cousin Georgie come in for the assist with blowing out the candles...she's still getting the handle of all this birthday stuff.
Annie's Great Grandpa John was able to attend the party...always wonderful to see him when we make it back to Montana!
Darla's mom (by special request) gave Annie one of the toys that all of the Seifert kids had played with...it is the amazing little woodland log that opens up with some squeaky little chipmunks. Annie seemed to instantly know how to get them into chairs and around the little rubber table.
No party is complete with out a TEA PARTY...and now Annie can have one in pink and blue style. She seemed to know how to play with these cups and saucers right away too!
We spent part of the party trying to play games that are (I confess) too advanced for a two year old (chess, gin rummy, and charades...just kidding!) The real hit of the party was the homemade (and well hand crafted at that!) butterfly nets by Marilyn. The kids loved chasing paper butterflies (cousin Samantha's great idea!) and seeing them inside their silky nets.
All the cousins got on the couch for a photo shoot and I don't know if I can explain to you how hard it is to get all these little ones (Samantha you are not included in the phrase little ones...and you smiled perfectly in each picture!) to sit still, not cry, look at a camera and not crawl off the couch...below is the best attempt. (from left to right: Samantha with Joseph, Annie, Hugh, Georgie and Mei)
We stopped by Dale's (Annie's grandpa!) work and she wanted to take this little number for a test drive...we dissappointed her (AGAIN!) and just let her sit in it looking cool.
Annie learning the wonder of the ipad, angry birds and you tube videos about crazy cats...what a way to end the week!
Well that was most of Montana...too many other great things, most of which never get photographed because we're too busy enjoying the moment. I'll leave you with a few last beautiful black and white shots from our trip.
A baby in repose...
hale bales resting on a hillside...
and the entrance to an old Belgium Roman Catholic church.
Great pictures; fun to remember the trip. I love the one of Annie in at Dad's work (and love the other ones, too).
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks for posting. Love to see what y'all are up to (or were, a few months ago....that's how my blog typically operates too...)
ReplyDeleteCousins on the couch. Classic! Those are the best to look back on.