Carribean Celebration

We just got back from an unbelievable trip to St. Thomas. One of the most relaxing, easy, peaceful vacations I've been on -- and that's saying a lot considering there were three kids under three with us! We went with our good friends Nina and Rich, and their baby Natalie, and Uzo and Alyssa. Unfortunately, the memories were almost completely erased by the flight home. It was so bad Nina had to take the next day off of work to recover from PTSD. Let's just say there was lots of crying, screaming and vomit involved. Cooper is not allowed back on a plane until he is at least three.

The relatively peaceful flight to St. Thomas.

Cooper on our balcony on the night we arrived.

These two have something special going on. They love each other! Ella became the default babysitter. Natalie, who is quite a serious baby, lights up when Ella is around! And Ella just loves acting like a "mommy."

Telling secrets.

First day on the beach. The sand actually kept Cooper from crawling like a crazy person!

This picture makes me happy.

As does this one. Brian and Ella buried Cooper's feet in the sand and he just LOVED it! He could not stop laughing!

Two buried babes.

Last year this little girl wanted nothing to do with the ocean. Now, we can't keep her out of it. She's a fish!

Where we stayed.

Natalie would kind of like Cooper to leave him alone. Cooper is trying to figure out how he can antagonize her.

She took an afternoon nap one day, and the way the light was coming in the window she looked like an angel. I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Morning view from the balcony.

Ella and her baby in matching outfits. Thanks Mimi and Poppa!

Breakfast on the balcony.

Matching sailor suits!!

Natalie's face is priceless. So serious. Nina's sister calls her the Secretary of Agriculture. She has no time to smile. She is worried about corn subsidies.

Family photo.

The iguanas at Coral World. They are everywhere! Ella was a fan until one got a little close at the pool.

On the boat headed to Christmas Cove. Ella asked everyone if we would see Santa at Christmas Cove.

Brave little fish on her way into the ocean. She was braver than me! (Not hard to do).

Happy fish in the sea.

Boat girl!

The boys.

A naked boy. Bathing suits optional. Yes, an inappropriate picture. You can hide your eyes.

Ready to head to the beach to celebrate her birthday!!

The girls, with Cooper trying to get in on the action.

At Ella's beach party!! A girl with a January birthday gets to celebrate in summer clothes!

The setting.

Natalie in her fancy beach clothes.

Cake!

Happy Birthday Ella!!!!

White chocolate edible seashells!

Present time!

This $20 doll may be her most favorite gift ever. Not sure why I bought all of those Christmas presents...

Cooper and the iguanas at the pool.

Bliss.