Jonah and Jordan's Birthday Party

Saturday was a BIG day at our house--- it was Jonah and Jordan's birthday party!

We decided since Jonah has a January birthday, and Jordan has a February birthday, we were going to combine our celebrations and GO BIG.

We had the party at Agape Therapeutic Riding Center-- an amazing faith-based, equestrian program for those who have disabling conditions or are at risk in Indianapolis.

My sister Annie has always had a love for horses and riding, and she serves on the Board of Directors at Agape.  We thought this would be a wonderful place to hold a birthday party for the kids.

To say they did a great job hosting all 25 kids and their families (over 50 in attendance) would be an understatement-- i could hardly believe all the detail and time Agape put into planning the kid's birthday party.  From the organization, planning, decorations, party favors, to drinks and ice cream-- they took great care of us.

Each child got plenty of time on a horse in the big arena.

Jonah rode Nashee and Jordan rode Sheba.  It was all they could talk about for the rest of the day-- sheer joy.

There were also miniature horses!!!  How cute are they?  The kids were able to brush them, pet them, and lead them through the cones.  So fun (and slightly less intimidating for the younger ones).

My friend Jennifer made the cakes-- she was so sweet and wanted each of them to have their own cake.  Can you even believe how amazing these are??? not only do they look awesome but they are the best tasting cakes ever.

  
Agape provided the ice cream and the milk in these fun milk bottles.  The party favors for each child were tied up in bandana bags :)
  

Jonah and Jordan were all smiles while we sang to them (separately of course:)

We had so much fun with all friends who were able to come.

My grandma (a former rider) even came and pet some of the mini horses.  She said she REALLY wanted to ride but didn't want anyone leading her horse (she's hilarious).

We were so blessed by Agape and would definitely recommend having a birthday party at their (gorgeous and clean!) stables if you live in the indianapolis area.

One thing we decided to do as a family was in lieu of birthday gifts, suggest a donation to Agape.  I wasn't sure how this would go over with the kids, but they were SO excited about it.  We explained that these horses helped kids learn about Jesus and His love for them.  Once we told them that their friends could bring presents for these special horses, they were all about it.

We did not hear one peep about not having presents there.  And that makes my heart soar.  I want to them to grow up knowing that celebrations are not about "the stuff"but about people and relationships.  And that it's better to give than receive.  I am so happy we gave them this opportunity to "give back".

It was truly a perfectly, crazy, wonderful day.

And i think this girl and her brother may take after their Aunt Annie and be riders one day.