Simone's 3rd Birthday Party

Even though Simone's birthday isn't until Wednesday, we had her birthday party tonight at a local children's gym -- JW Tumbles. Simone had such a good time she couldn't stop smiling the whole time. Everyone had a blast.

Simone may not be a natural dancer, but she's become quite a pro at the balance beam. Maybe she's got a little gymnist in her?

The adults had as much fun watching as the kids had playing.

A birthday obstacle course...

The birthday girl was the first one through.

Simone asked for a special pink crown for her birthday party. So this is the one mommy and her whipped up the morning of the party. She loved it.

And at the very end of the party, everyone got to take a chance taking a bow and walking down the red carpet to wish Simone happy birthday as she sat on her foam "throne". Simone and mommy handed out chocolate lollipops as thank you favors.

Finally, Simone ended her evening opening all of her presents at home with mommy and daddy. She said she loved her birthday party and had lots of fun.

Cruising the Caribbean

We set sail on 11 September for a week in the Caribbean with Uncle Jim, Aunt Jenn, Jack, Grammy, Pop, Grandad, Linda, Uncle Rob, and Aunt Laura. We sailed on the Carnival Dream and visited Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Martin all during hurricane Igor. It was a GREAT time, no one wanted it to end, and we can't wait to do it again! Our ship...

Meeting grandad at the airport. He and Linda surprised us in DC and were waiting at the gate when we arrived!

These days Simone wants to help do everything.

Celebrating on the Lido deck as we set sail ...

Safety first!

Simone loved her "bed up in the air", but only lasted there one night. Then it became daddy's bunk. Don't be sad for daddy, he loved it too!

Swimming and sliding on deck was GREAT!! Even Grammy tried the big twisty slide.

Our first stop was Nassau Bahamas. A pose of the whole gang in front of our ship.

All dressed up for elegant night. Simone had two handsome escorts.

A dip in the sea on St. Marten. It was soooooooooooooo hot.

Even Tony had to cool off.

In port on St. Thomas.

We took a snorkel trip on St. Thomas. It was a beautifully perfect day for sailing!

Tony in his element... sailing at sea in the hot hot sun with rum punch.

A shot with our captain and first mate. The kids were ready to go and wanted nothing of it.

Simone bustin a move at dinner.

And a few more dinner shots...

Passing some time at the airport before our flights home.

And what better a way to end a great vacation than...

A FLAT TIRE!!! when we got to our car at the airport.

But no fear, daddy put the spare on and off we went. Simone cried for Grammy the whole way home, but has settled down now. And Tony is off getting the tire repaired as I post. The End!

And for the encore, a few video clips. Drum roll please...