There is something magical that happens in our area every year: The Princess Festival. For one week, girls between the ages of 4 and 11 come dressed in princess attire and through a series of tests, gain the attributes to become true princesses.

The adventure begins by creating your magical tools (wands and crowns). Here Bell paints a big pink wand to match her dress.

Lady decided to go as Snow White (a huge shocker considering what a big fan of Cinderella she is). She chose a green wand because "pink and purple wands don't match Snow White's dress." You'll notice the floating pearl necklace around her neck... one of the party favors of the festival (yes, those are real pearls... Mommy might have to borrow...)

After the girls armed themselves with their wands, they were ready to prove their bravery by rescuing several princesses. Here they confront the evil Malificent (yes, Lady was yelling at her).

They help Prince Phillip rescue Sleeping Beauty. Our little Sleeing Beautfy looks on admiringly.

They rescued Rapunzel from her captor.

And of course, they helped get Cinderella to the Ball so she could meet her Prince. Lady was so excited to meet her blue idol.

You couldn't have a Princess Festival without a Ball, and you can't attend a Royal Ball without knowing how to dance. Fortunately, the grateful princesses that had been rescued by the young princesses-in-training, held dance lessons and taught the girls how to cursey and twirl. Here Adelaide gracefully lifts her dress and curtsies to the floor.

Miss Bell wasted no time in finding Prince Phillip and danced the first waltz with him in front of all the others.

The best part of the festival (aside from watching my kids' reactions) is that all the proceeds go to financing a village in Kenya with micro-credit financing, clean water, vaccinations, school supplies, etc . To find out more visit www.inourownquietway.com