Little Miss Sunshines

We had such a great time visiting with Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, Uncle Matty and even Uncle Danny, Aunt Mary Anne, Danielle, Uncle JB and Aunt Gail in the Sunshine state this past week. Although it was the coldest week Florida's seen all winter, Nora, Caroline and I loved the 50 and 60 degree weather, compared to the 30 degree weather we left behind. It was so nice to be able to walk around in the sunshine with our fleece pullovers, instead of our heavy winter coats. Since it was too cold for the usual pool and beach activities, we discovered new ways to have fun. Nora rode her new-used bike almost every day, and even learned how to play a little tennis ("little" being the operative word). We visited the Brevard Zoo with Grandma (where we narrowly escaped yet another bird attack) and made daily trips to the Bayside Lakes playground. We played lots of Wii games (actually, it was more like Grandpa played and Nora watched) and learned how to play Trouble (or "Trouble in the Bubble," as Nora calls it). Nora and Caroline also entertained themselves with Daddy's, Uncle Matty's and Aunt Alli's old Fisher Price toys and other assorted books and dolls. And last night, we had half-a-Birney bash, when Uncle Danny, Aunt Mary Anne, Danielle, Uncle JB and Aunt Gail all came over for a cookout dinner (and Great Grandma and Uncle Matty too). Cocktail hour started at 3 and ended at 8, and we had a blast watching the 2008 Bonnaroo video and getting to see Shea, Mike, Matty, and half of JB's face at the Avett Bros. concert. As sad as we were to leave this morning, we're happy to know that we will see Grandma and Grandpa again (and maybe Uncle Matty?) at Easter, and that Daddy will be here too! We hope Grandpa's surgery goes well on Monday and can't wait to see how much his Wii scores will improve after he gets his new knees! :-)

P.S. Check out the two blog postings after this one for more pictures that I wanted to group together!