Violet's Birthday Party

 After considering many party options and venues over the past few months, Violet settled on an animal party for her 5th birthday.

Our friends met us Saturday at Placerita Canyon Nature Center for the animal show, and we passed out photo "scavenger hunt" sheets. Cora is holding one here, with Cami, Alli and Emily nearby.

Cora took this photo of the American Kestrel for the scavenger hunt - such a beautiful bird! Other animals shown to the children included a barn owl, gopher snake, tarantula and tortoise.

 After the show, we headed over to the picnic area, where we'd set up snacks and animal crafts. Over 30 of Violet's friends and family joined us - she is a loved little girl!

Auntie Mel volunteered to was suckered into painting faces. Violet chose a bunny.

 Violet loved her lion cake, which was actually 30 cupcakes frosted together with about 30 pounds of frosting.

 We had had a smattering of rain - shocking in our current drought! - so getting the candles lit was a little more involved.

But once they were blown out, there was the joy of licking off the frosting!












The children, with plenty of parental help, made fuzzy wild animals and birds; some colored wooden owls and butterflies.

 We also had a round of pin the tail on the donkey, with sticker tails.













After Melanie had gone on to work, my friend Christina continued with the face-painting. Cora was transformed into a butterfly.










A final activity for the children - besides playing their own made-up games in this beautiful setting - was making goody bags.

They put animal critter stickers on clear plastic treat bags, and filled them with their craft, a fruit rollup and candy.

Thanks to all our friends who came and celebrated Violet with us!