Scenes from a Birthday Party

Aunt Brooke and Uncle Mark hosted a grand little party for my 3rd Birthday. I invited lots of friends, who couldn't wait to have a splashing good time!

I however, had hesitations about swimming in the waterslide with the "big kids." I preferred the drier activities, like munching on yummies...

Isla (with great aunt Betty) was veeery interested in all that colorful cake business. Next year, Isla!

The best part of the day was when Daddy arrived - he flew in all the way from Brazil, and surprised me at my party! I was so happy, I cried.

Later, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to me, but we made blowing out the candles a family effort

I also opened some really fantastic gifts!

...And of course, had to try them out as soon as we got home to Mims and Pops'.

What an awesome birthday!

Three!

Today was my THIRD birthday! The day was chock-full of fun: going to Playpark with Aunt Brooke, pizza and games for dinner, and a giant cupcake birthday cake! All that, and I still get to have another party? Three is gonna be great!

Some highlights from the evening's festivities....

Opening gifts: Disney and Dora - two of my favorite things

Uncle Mark, teaching me the finer skills of skeeball

My turn

Punching Hammerheads sure is crazy fun

At least, Mommy thinks so

Perfect finale: Giant Cupcake!

**One more thing....keep an eye out, Isla and I will soon be sharing a gorgeous, new blog space! **

A Fizzler of a Fourth

The day started off great... I swam, while Chula chilled

and Isla studied

Then, the sparklers came out. At first they seemed kinda cool - sparkly.

Then, they seemed a bit too fire-ey

It all went downhill (and inside) from there.

Maybe next year...

Watch out, Nemo!

Earlier this month, I had the chance to take swimming lessons from Mrs. Linda - the swim coach at St. Joe High School. There was only one spot left, in the big kids' class, but I felt up to the challenge!
First, we learned to blow bubbles with our face in the water, and to "be nice to the water," - to kick softly, put our arms in front of us, and reach and pull!
There were times I got nervous (not a big fan of floating on my back!), but I'll get the hang of it soon.
Before I knew it, we were diving for toys at the bottom of the pool!
When each day was done, I was usually ready for a big snooze!
Helloooo, Flipper!

We miss Daddy!

We were very sad on Sunday, because we weren't able to be with our Daddy on Father's Day. We spent the weekend in the Texas Hill Country, and it really made us wish he were with us. We're waiting for Isla's important papers to be sent, so we can fly back to Brazil, and be together as a family. Hopefully, that'll be soon.

We took some pictures to send Daddy for Father's Day...

I tried to make Isla laugh...

...but, I think cousin Lindsey did a better job

Of course, I hammed it up once or twice to make Daddy smile...

...and we called him a lot, but talking on the phone just isn't the same... Miss you, Daddy.