Here SHE is, the USS New York, made

from the World Trade Center !
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center . It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

Happy Birthday Claire, She turned 3 on Saturday!

We had her first cousins and her best friend from daycare come over with the family for dinner, cake, presents and games! She was so excited when everyone sang happy birthday, we thought she was going to pass out! More pictures on the link on the left (family picture albums on line).

Claire and I attended the "Daddy-Daughter Enchanted Forest Dance" at the park district last Saturday night... As we entered the "forest" Claire got her very own wings, a magic wand, and a goodie bag. It was a lot of fun! Lots of dancing (and chasing after in the big gym). We also got to do a "build a bear" that we took home, had some fun snacks and did some coloring. The highlight of the evening was the music and lights in the "dance floor" (gym) with claire getting to dance not just with Daddy, but also with Tinkerbell and her friends. (full pictures can be found on pictures link on the left)