Emma's Birthday Party- plus more chicken coop pictures

We celebrated Emma's Birthday on Saturday with a backyard party complete with a pinata and all.  Same as with years past, we did Emma's party family style- which we love.  Not only does Emma love it, but it is enjoyable for us, the parents, as well.  We had a great time hanging out with new-found friends here in Kansas and with Kenneth's cousin and his family, as well.  But, I must say, the whole thing also made me nostalgic for our friends back in California.  The last 2 years we celebrated Emma's Birthday with them.  Every time I think about those good times I get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.  We miss you all so much!! 
The day went pretty well.  The last half hour before the guests arrived was spent by me doing girls' hair and nursing the baby, so needless to say I was running late in having everything ready, but that is about normal, I guess.  We have not yet gotten used to this Kansas wind.  The decorations were flying all over the place, the lettuce was flying off the trays and our smart Kansas native had to put a rock in the plastic forks' box to keep it from flying away.  We didn't even try to put candles on the cake.  Good thing we did that on her actual Birthday!  It was interesting, that's for sure.  At least it was sunny and not too cold. 
Here are some pictures of that fun day:

The party- we served sandwich makings and fruit and vegetable trays.

There were horseback rides to be had.

The best carrot cake, decorated as Emma requested.  There wasn't a lick of it left over (sniff, sniff).

The kiddos excited for the cake.

Lined up to get some cake!

The homemade pinata strung up over the tree.  Isn't Kenneth amazing for getting that rope up and over?!

Emma taking a swing (she is the artist of the beautiful butterfly picture on the pinata, by the by)

Grant man taking a mighty swing.

After it was knocked down Kenneth had them line up behind the rope.  Apparently Emma thinks she can work the system since it's her party!

And they're off!

Attack!

After the fun, Kenneth put the guests to work- carrying the coop into the backyard again.  It was out there before for the initial paint and then he moved it (with help) back into the garage for a while.

And it immediately turned into a jungle gym!

Hooray for the chicken coop!  A good ending to the party!