Alex McCord just celebrated a milestone birthday. The Real Housewives of New York City alum turned 50 on September 30. To celebrate, she had a beautiful staycation in Australia with her husband, Simon van Kempen. In honor of his “amazing” wife, Simon took to Instagram to share a birthday tribute that’s too sweet for words.

In an October 1 Instagram post, Alex shared a carousel of photos that showcased moments from her celebratory weekend. “What an absolutely amazing 50th birthday,” the RHONY alum wrote. “Beautiful friends and family, delicious food and a perfect staycation. Thank you to my very best friend [Simon Van Kempen] for making this weekend spectacular.”

The getaway included meals with friends, a trip to the beach, and relaxing a pool day. Of course, there was also cake. Alex shared a look at her 50th birthday confection, which was decorated with citrus slices, delicate candles, and a cake topper shaped into the number 50.  In his own celebratory post, Simon shared a photo of Alex getting ready to blow out the candles on her cake. His message was even sweeter than the dessert.

Simon Van Kempen wishes Alex McCord a “Happy 50th birthday”

“Happy 50th birthday to the most amazing person I know,” Simon gushed in a September 30 Instagram post. “I have been so lucky to share with Alex 25 of her now 50 years and here’s to at least another 25. To my favorite person in the world, thank you for being the amazing, loving and brilliant woman that you are.”

Simon took to Instagram with another heartfelt tribute for Alex back in May. In honor of their 23rd wedding anniversary, the Australian native shared how he first met his wife of more than two decades.

“24 years ago today (19 May 1999) I landed in New York City for a three-week business trip and had no idea how my life was about to change,” he shared. “Thee days later I wrote to Alex on a website called MatchMaker and two days after that we met and the rest as they say is our history. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if we hadn’t met. But I do know that meeting her has helped me have a wonderful life and I wouldn’t want it any different.”

The couple’s “wonderful life” has included raising two sons, Francois and Johan — and the boys are growing up fast. In a September 21 share, Alex wrote: “And just like that…Johan is a high school graduate! From preschool in Brooklyn all the way to Australia, it’s been a wild ride and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”