MAKIAH TURNS THREE

The front gate was closed with a sign directing Makiah and her friends directly to the back yard through the side gate. All in all, nineteen of us gathered to celebrate Makiah's third birthday today (Twenty, if you count humans who have not yet seen light or breathed air).

Makiah and Friends / Use Side Gate

Side gate around the garage.

There's that gate.

Almost there.

Josie arrives early to decorate while Makiah helps.

Debra takes pictures while Ashley watches from a spot in the shade.

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Debra continues taking pictures of a pool full of energetic girls and a dragon as Makiah, adorned in a lovely blue life jacket, observes from the steps.

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Grill Master.

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A partial sampling of the guest list includes two Ashleys and one each of a Ruth, Tom, Josie, Andrew, Becky and me.

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Although the water was a bit warm at 85 degrees, it didn't keep people out.

Gwen performs a death-defying feat on my shoulders as Rylie and Baylee watch in fearful anticipation.



Makiah proudly grasps her celebratory balloons.
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Optical Illusion:

It appears that only one human is floating on the green inflatable lounge. Look closely. There are actually two humans floating on the green inflatable lounge.

Makiah and Papa Tom.

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Makiah turns three with a Sesame Street theme.

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Makiah positions herself to extinguish a flaming "3" with a mighty breath of self-produced wind power.

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Time to consume some cake.

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And let's grab some ice cream, too.

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Nana provides some ice cream and cake leadership.

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Let the cake serving begin.

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Time to open gifts.

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Vance discovers a camera over Becky's right shoulder.

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Makiah's "Thank-You-Hug-Tour" eventually brings her to Skeeter.

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Kissing the new baby.

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Gordon lifts Makiah within reach of the goodie-filled Elmo pinata. Elmo's red feet are barely visible at the top of this photo.

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Makiah proudly shows off two of her birthday gifts.

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Same party girl, same backyard, two years earlier.