The "Clip Clop" Birthday!

The day begins around 6:30 am for her. How do we know? The alarm. We know from a soft clip- clop sound that Eliza's day is about to begin. The sound gradually makes it's way to the door, across the hall, and searches out the adults in the home. Here comes Eliza donning her "clip clop" shoes- ready for the day. Eliza is truly learning the culture of her present home- China. She, like the rest of the ladies in our community, can do anything in her high heel shoes. She can walk for hours, ride a bike, chase a villain (aka- big brother and sister) and, if given the opportunity, could climb a mountain in her high heel shoes. For Eliza, a day would not be complete, without a pair of 'clip clop' shoes and a fancy dress.

Though Eliza has never seen the Disney Princess movies she is very familiar with these characters. She knows the colors of their dresses, their shoes, their hair and accessories. And after reading a older version of Cinderella (Translated and Illustrated by Marcia Brown) our kids fell in love with the story. So for this years birthday we thought it only appropriate to celebrate with a Princess Birthday. Cinderella was the leading lady and the theme of the cake.

There were gifts galore for Princess Eliza. PopPop and Mimi contributed clip clop shoes, princess clothes and accessories. Opa offered a copy of the Cinderella movie and Mom & Dad gave her some Cinderella figurines. Grandmom also added to the theme with a Princess book and other items. Friends from our city did not want to miss out and gave more shoes, makeup, play hairdryer, Princess pencils... What a day!

The alarm:


A shot of the Cinderella cake. I had lots of fun making the cake but it was a challenge in the 100+ degree heat. The icing kept melting and I had to apply multiple layers of blue icing to the skirt of the dress in attempts at making the coverage consistent.


Now she has a pair of shoes for everyday of the week. :)


Dress #2 for the day.


It's hard to believe that our baby is Three. It seems like just yesterday that she was coming home from the Hong Kong hospital. She is such a blessing to our family. She is so sensitive- she will break down into tears if she knows she has done something that makes Mommy and Daddy sad. She is a daredevil... doing stunts that make your heart race. And is a great communicator. She is constantly talking and telling us what is on her mind. This is a recent favorite. After a conversation about asking Jesus into your heart she said this: "Mom, when God comes into a persons belly it gets REALLY big." I think we have some more explaining to do. We are so thankful, to the Father, for the gift of our little Eliza Mae.
"How old are you?" THREE!