Cousin birthday party/sleepover

Harper and Ava with the cakes they decorated for each other, in secret.  The secret only lasted a little while though, they just couldn't stand not seeing what the other one had created.

Jillian, Bridget and Rielee came in late afternoon and the party started with the donut eating game. 

Then they got the water balloons out.  Earlier in the day, Rielee had completely filled the wheelbarrow with balloons, but they kept disappearing...

Ava thought of a new game:  throw water balloons at Papa, the one that comes closest to his head gets to dump a bowl of water over his head.

Several came close, so they all joined in.  This was definitely the most popular game.

They also did the towel toss, water balloon toss, and had a contest to see who could throw the farthest (Rielee).

Inside, they played "stick the tail on the donkey" and the cotton ball game. 

Then we went to Papa Pete's for pizza and more games.

After that it was time for cake and ice cream and presents.

Then back outside to play.

They made a fort to sleep in, watched a movie, read a bit, had an injury-Ava's book somehow landed on Harper's loose tooth, causing it to bleed a little.  Harper was worried her tooth would fall out in the night.  Eventually, everyone was asleep by 10:30 and slept well. 

 

They got up at 7, except Bridget, who slept till 8:30-had breakfast, played awhile, then went swimming.   They got along really well and all agreed it was a fun sleepover.

Emmy & Dan's wedding

Emmy & Dan were married Saturday at Adeline Farms in Woodland.  Charb officiated, it was a beautiful, touching ceremony including Dan's brother reading a poem and Rielee playing the ukulele and singing "I Wanna Grow Old With You".  Emmy and Dan read vows they wrote to each other and also did a wine box ceremony, which was unique.

 Mr. & Mrs. Hodges

Rielee did a great job, especially since she was playing an electric ukulele for the first time.  She was a junior bridesmaid, Macee and Auna were bridesmaids and Ava and Harper were flower girls.

Emmy requested a picture with the Country Cousins.

 

They had a fun reception afterwards in the barn.  There were games outside, tacos for dinner, donuts and cupcakes for dessert and dancing that lasted until midnight.   

Castle Rock Fair

 Ava and Rielee had a close boat race at the fair Friday afternoon.  They had fun playing the quarter games

and rode the ponies.  Ava was the only one who wanted to ride,

but Harper went along to keep her company.  I overheard the handler asking her if she liked riding horses and Harper answered "not really".  Neither one of them looked very happy, I think they missed having Rielee riding with them.  They also looked at all the animals, spending the most time with the chickens and bunnies. When we got home Rielee put the 4 fish she won in the Ping-Pong ball toss game in the pond.

Later in the evening Harper kept Rielee company as she worked on felt ornaments.  Ava stayed inside, setting up a store and 2 offices.

Pool fun

 Ava and Harper headed to the pool for the second time Thursday afternoon.  They came up Wednesday to spend a night with us before their Disneyland trip. 

They had a screaming good time with Papa chasing them with the whale, the air mattress was "base".

With Rielee gone on vacation and the Woodruff kids unavailable, they were happy to have us in the pool with them.