Three's a...PARTY!

It's that time of year again in the Eicholtz household. The birthday-bonanza took hold in February (OK, fine, December 26th of last year, but let's not get hung up on details), and we are officially the proud parents of a three-year-old. The two-legged ladies of the house have birthdays that are four days apart (and quite a few years, but again, details). To put it mildly, I'm a big birthday fan, so this is an especially fun time for me and I think I've successfully passed on this celebration-bias to our daughter considering at least once daily we've pretended to have a birthday party for one of the princesses that reigns over our main floor. Tiana (of The Princess and the Frog) has been Allie's favorite since she debuted at our beach trip last summer. She loves that Bayou-bride, and we're a fan of Cajun cooking, so a 'Tiana' themed 3rd Birthday party seemed like a no-brainer. We had a blast with friends of all ages and if Allie could design a day to suit her, I'm pretty sure it would be one that starts with grandparents, breakfast meats, and cinnamon buns, gets going with cousins, and rolls on into the day surrounded with games, cupcakes, and buddies, all there to celebrate, well, her. Success.

A little pre-birthday snuggle for her pup.

Perfecting her candle-licking technique with Mommy's birthday candles.

Come give us a birthday hug.

Birthday-Eve was a busy night, reminiscent of Christmas Eve with some late-night present assembly. We don't think it's coincidence that she woke up about an hour earlier than usual. She came downstairs to her birthday surprise and immediately began giving check-ups. Her fascination with Doc McStuffins continues, and we plan on supporting it right through until she can take care of us in our old age.

The Doc is In!

You have 'need-more-sleep-itis.' You must have caught it from Mommy and Daddy.

Grandmom and Grandpa braved the snow and ice to come visit for Allie's birthday celebration and brought with them a Grandmom-made Belle dress and a matching one for Jenny (Belle was too busy dancing to pause for a photo-opp with Jenny). 

Presenting a 3-year-old AllieBelle.

A Royal Cheese!

Enough pictures, let's dance!

There was another matching-treasure which was quickly-dubbed her 'Adventure Dress.' It was a hit.

It brought big smiles from Al, Jenny, and Santa, I mean our newly-bearded Grandpa :o).

 The next day, it was time to kick-off the party, Cajun-style...

The party starts RIGHT...NOW.

Party over here!

Guys, guys, I'm three now. This is just embarrassing.

This is all you're getting. I have a party to attend to.

There was crafting...

Horsing around...

And cupcakes...always cupcakes.

OK, fine. Give me a cupcake and sing to me and I'll stand still for a photo...kind of.

You gonna eat that?

Rapunzel-Riley held her own in the cupcake feast.

But Cousin Alice was going for the gold.

Speaking of gold, give this eight-year-old a medal for being such a good sport surrounded by toddlers in tiaras.
Thanks for hanging in there, Cousin Tim!

Everyone got into the spirit of the Bayou bash. Even sweet Nathan flashed his beads right along with his dimples.

And some got into the spirit...

a little more than others. :o) Eh-hem, Sarah.

The lines were out the door for Pin the Kiss on the Frog.

Wardrobe change (shocker)...that's the birthday girl planting one on him.

Riley gets ready for her slimy smooch on the swinging frog.

Pucker-up, buttercup!

That frog had no chance once the girls took matters into their own hands.

It was a 'Hop-py Birthday' indeed.