Paestum

We took advantage of our day off and traveled a few hours south of Naples to Paestum-home to some of the best Greek temples in the world. The Greeks founded the city in the sixth century B.C. 

Camden and Emma in front of the Temple of Ceres

 Exploring the ancient residential area...

 Chris, Emma, and I in front of the Temple of Neptune 

It was built 30 years before the Parthenon 

 Our fabulous travel buddies, Jimmy and Jess :)

 Camden taking a break in front of the temple.

 The Temple of Hera was build in 550 B.C. - AMAZING

 Walking around the ampitheater

 After all that touring, it was time for some pizza!

 Next stop: the beach!

The ruins were just a mile from the coast, so we had to check out the beach.  Despite the chilly weather, Emma and Camden couldn't pass up the chance to play in the sand with their bare feet.

The 7th Celebration Continues

Emma's birthday extended into the weekend. Since Chris was in Spain on her birthday, we waited to give Emma her big present until Saturday.  Who would want to miss out on this reaction?!?!

 I must admit that one area that I have slacked as a parent is teaching my kids how to ride a bike. We didn't have the best bike riding neighborhood in Washington (HILLS!) and when your mom accidentally backs the Saturn over your bike with training wheels (sorry Emma), it's no wonder you are 7 and haven't learned this important life skill!

We packed up the new bike and headed to Carney Park, a perfect place to practice riding!

 Last night we invited some friends over for a Fiesta!  

Here's Emma opening one of her gifts (YES-Polly Pockets!)

 Thanks Miss Staci! :)

 Jess and Emma are ready to get this Fiesta started!

 This fiesta also had a princess/pirate theme :)

Here are Chris's masterpieces:

 Emma has choreographed the "cha-cha-cha" part of the Happy Birthday Song

 Trying to blow out 7 trick candles :)

We are lucky to have such wonderful friends who helped us celebrate our favorite little girl!

A Super-Duper Seventh Birthday!

Our sweet Emma celebrated her 7th birthday today!  

Here she is starting off the day with a chocolate donut in bed...

 Opening a present (a sewing kit!)

Watching a special birthday message from Uncle Casey.

 When we got to the youth center this morning, there was a special delivery for Emma.  

Since Daddy is in Spain this week, he sent her flowers and a musical balloon :)

 7 years old!

 Opening more gifts this evening...

 Showing off Clara Milkshake's new clothes 

Thanks Nana and Grandpa! 

7 Years

7 years of smiles,

7 years of hugs,

7 years of laughter,

7 years of fun,

 7 years of adventure,

 7 years of excitement,

7 years of love!

Happy 7th Birthday, Emma!!!

Ringing in 2012

Our first New Year's Eve in Italy proved to be one of the best New Year Eves EVER!    Our friends, the Morris family, were our gracious hosts for the evening (and wee hours of the morning). It was a sensational party filled with food, laughter, food, games, food, fireworks, and food :)

Our fabulous bartender, Gerry, and his best customer, Chris.

 The youngest party guest chillin' watching a movie.

 One cut-throat game of Pictionary.

 It's just about midnight and someone is t-i-r-e-d!

 The party moves up to the balcony for the countdown...

 The red moon in the distance.

One of the most incredible fireworks shows I've ever seen!

Sparklers for the kiddos.

 Watching the fireworks with my #1 little boy.

 They guys enjoying some champagne and Cuban cigars.

Here's to 2012! We are going to have a great year!