Puppet Party for my Princess

She's 3!! Little Miss Jaclyn is officially a big girl!  And she had a big birthday weekend to match.

(She put together her own birthday party outfit.  

And, sadly, this is the only photo I got of her and her birthday buddy, Asher, together)

First, a big party for her and her friends, from the playgroup, from school, from the new 'hood..... 15 three-ish year olds and a half dozen babies with their mamas all at our house on Friday.  Thank God the weather was beautiful and they could all enjoy our backyard!

And inside we had a professional puppeteer come and do a special performance in our empty living room.  Her name is Dori Smith and she makes all her own marionette puppets.  She's a true artist.  She set up an elaborate stage with lights all right in our house.  I had draped my window coverings in red velvet and hung streamers and pennants from the ceiling to add to the atmosphere of her "Circus Minimus" themed show.  It was so magical and the kids were enthralled.  The adults were too!  She would even bring the marionettes out off the stage onto the floor right in front of them or into the sky above their heads, and out into the audience.  And I got to try using one as well!  I only snapped a couple of photos (no flash) so as not to distract her (and due to some copyright concerns, I think).... but at least you'll get the idea of the overall atmosphere.

 Eager Audience

Meet and Greet with their favorite puppets after the show.  This little puppy made them giggle and squeal!

After the show there was lunch and a puppet crafting station where the kids could make a paper bag puppet.  I had this idea that they could make a "self-portrait" puppet.  I prepped lots of options of materials to use.  No two were alike and some of the kids really got into this.  They are a bit young for this and mamas did assist.  But still, I think it was fairly successful.

(Oh, that's where all the girls are.  Go figure.)

And of course there was playing and exploring throughout the backyard and house.  Jaclyn did great sharing her space and toys with all her friends.  She was a fabulous hostess.... even sitting by the door to pass out finger puppets to her guests as they left.  I picked up a couple dozen finger puppets at Ikea during their half off soft toys sale after Thanksgiving.  They were such a great deal and reinforced the whole puppet themed party!

Baby Cousin Kyla loves her new butterfly finger puppet!

Speaking of Hostess..... Jaclyn wanted cupcakes this year instead of a cake.... which works better for serving to lots of kids too.  She didn't really have much opinion about what kind of cupcake she wanted, but she's been loving chocolate.  I had seen a recipe in a magazine for filled cupcakes and thought they sounded fabulous because I hate cupcakes with tons of frosting on top to get through before eating the cake... and then the cake is so dry anyways..... ya know?  So, filled cupcakes lead me to the old Hostess Ding Dongs and suddenly I thought, hey, the curly-cues on top could be a 3 instead.... perfect!  I used a recipe I found on Annie's Eats.  And from what I hear they turned out great.... I didn't even get to eat one because they all disappeared!  I should have made more!

 Jackie has so many cutie patootie boyfriends from Diego, below, to the Ashers, Mateo with those eyebrows, and Levi (though I think Morgan has dibs on him).....

 A few friends stayed and watched some present opening.

 She loves to open presents.

 Last but certainly not least.... Jackie's baby cousin, Kyla, is such a cutie!