With just a few weeks to go before 'The Vampire Diaries' starts its third season, The CW has finally released a slew of images from the season premiere.

The first episode, called 'The Birthday,' features yet another Mystic Falls party, this time for Elena's big 1-8. Click through for our gallery, but first, our thoughts on the photos:

1. Everyone is beardy. Did Mystic Falls experience some sort of tragic razor shortage over the summer?

2. Caroline is still stuck between Matt and Tyler. Girlfriend's the luckiest girl stuck in a supernatural love triangle this side of Elena.

3. Simon Camden lives! He's now a hairy werewolf.

'The Vampire Diaries' Season 3 premieres Thu., Sept. 15 at 8PM ET on The CW.

What do you think of the pics?