Jane is 8!

We were so happy to have had a fun celebration with Jane on her 8th birthday.  She was very definitive about wanting a horse-riding party and invited a few good friends and off we went to Al Forsan - a relatively new sports facility here in Abu Dhabi.

Between our minivan and Jake's car, we had room for all the kids (4 of ours plus 6 invitees).  I had all six of the 2nd graders (Jake had our other 3 plus Regan's friend who is a big sister of one of Jane's friends).  Let me tell you how incredibly fun it was to have six 2nd graders singing, laughing, telling stories, singing and singing and singing (Taylor Swift, One Direction & Carly Rae Jepson seem to be the artists of choice for this age group).  They all knew *every* word to every song they requested.  They also sang a really fun Solar System song they were learning at school.  The 25 minute drive there was a real highlight for this chauffeur!

Once we got to the party, they learned a bit about how to take care of a horse, were able to brush it, etc. and then hopped on for a good long ride.  Anna and one of Jane's friends decided that watching was more their speed than riding.

Afterwards we headed to the Al Forsan cafe for a yummy dinner (we were able to watch the water skiers and go-karts while we waited for our food).  The cake was beautiful but poor Jane who made a special request of "just a vanilla cake" wasn't too happy about the raspberry filling they included anyway.  She handled the disappointment really, really well and I don't think anyone (but me!) even noticed.

Happy 8th Birthday, Jane!

Birthday girl saddling up

All the horse riders (Maria, Brenli, Meredith,  Ameera, Jane, Regan,
Maya and Sophia).  Summer and Anna sat this one out!

Meredith

Regan

That's Ameera under that big helmet!

Sophia

Maria

Silly Maya!

Jane with her pony balloon

Beautiful pony cake with cowboy boot candles

A little dance party to end the night

Our quiet celebration at home on her actual birthday.  Since it was a school
night, we just cooked her favorite dinner (tacos) and let her pick a
dessert.  She picked ice cream sandwiches (and then a friend brought
cupcakes so it ended up really being a treat-filled night!)

Anna was all about doube-fisting during her two-desert night

"Don't you dare, Daddy!"

A Lego Friends house - high on the list of requested items!

A real tradition from Gammy and Poppy - I think this is the 4th year
in a row of getting a gingerbread (or in this case a chocolate) house
for Jane's birthday.  One year, all Jane wanted for her birthday was
a gingerbread house and a pack of gum.  Given that gingerbread houses
are usually on sale after Christmas for $4.99, it was the least
expensive birthday ever!  We love that Gammy is keeping the
tradition going - even all the way over here.

Two 3-D puzzles - another something high on Jane's wish list.
The Tower Bridge (from London - like our trip last year) from Grandpa Carl
and Gaga and House of Green Gables from Gammy and Poppy

Already putting one together.  I don't know how I missed
a picture of the inline skates from Uncle Dan and Aunt Susan
but they have been a big hit, too!

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