When the invitation arrived asking Alden and Kato to Willow’s pony party, the excitement was palpable. Was the pony tie-in merely thematic in nature or would there be actual ponies? If the latter, would we only be permitted to gaze, or would there be actual riding? Speculation was thick in the barn. No wagers were placed, but only because the children have no disposable income.
The big day arrived. We piled in the car. We drove to the designated address and knew immediately that we were in the right place.
Moments after we arrived, our wildest hopes were realized. There were actual ponies present and we were immediately invited to ride them. Alden wasted no time in strapping on a helmet and climbing into the saddle.
Magnanimous to a fault, Alden took a moment in the middle of her ride to wave to the crowds.
Meanwhile, August flirted with impressionable young women.
In order to impress his new beau, he decided that he, too, would ride a pony. But not before putting on the most ridiculously oversized helmet in the world.
I did not have the heart to tell him that those present were laughing not with him, but at him.
He sat astride his steed with quiet dignity.
The steed sat beneath him and his big head with evident humiliation.
After the pony ride, the big kids bounced in a moon room while August practiced his climbing skills.
And sliding skills. There is an “after” picture in which he is lying dejected in the sand at the bottom of the slide.
Preservation of dignity prevents me from sharing it with you.
Once the big kids moved on to the petting zoo, August got his turn in the moon room. Kato’s friend Rubin decided to keep Augie company.
Alden was part of the petting zoo contingent.
Among the animals available for petting were some pigs.
Some rather vocal sheep.
A small herd of donkeys.
And some truly spunky goats.
After the petting came the ruthless whacking. Being small and relatively gentle, the children took their time in conquering the pinata.
But eventually candy was produced.
Post-pinata festivites included a hay ride.
And snacks. Snacks that were healthy, yet still delicious. It’s a tough trick to pull off, but Willow’s mom Jill did a great job.
Thanks, Willow, for inviting us to your pony party. I think everyone had a good time except for the ponies.