Cousins xoxo

Breakfast at the Batcave

Bree & I slept at Auntie Renee and Adam's last night, since Grammy was going to be with the boys for the night.  We were treating to a delicious breakfast this morning.  I think we may stay at this hotel more often…  :-)

Cousin Maggie

Our newest baby cousin - Margaret Kathleen (Maggie) -  made her way into the world yesterday, so Bree and I made our way to Maine to visit her (and her big brothers) today.

We made a quick little stop at the Dairy Joy to kill time while Auntie Meg was resting before arriving at the hospital.

Not surprisingly, Brienne fell in love with baby Maggie right away.  So did I.  :-) xoxo

After we left the hospital, Brienne went to visit Joe Joe and Liam while I treated (new engaged!!) Auntie Renee to a manicure.  Grammy was in charge of the monsters.  If you're wondering how that went, this picture pretty much sums it up.  :-)

Oh how Brienne loves being a big cousin.  :-)

Last Day :-(

Today was our last full day in Florida.  Thankfully, we had a beautiful day weather-wise to enjoy the pool and finally get down to the beach.  

Busch Gardens

It was another semi-overcast day today, so rather than freeze by the pool or at the beach, we ventured to Busch Gardens.  I thought we'd be there about half a day or so, but we arrived when the park opened at 10am, and didn't leave until 6:45pm (15 minutes before closing).  The kids were troopers, and proved themselves capable of Disney World (fingers crossed, next family vacation!).

The alligators were one of the first animal attractions we saw.  Man are they HUGE!!

I think we were watching the chimps in the his picture, but I can't be sure.  The chimps and gorillas are always a favorite.  

We missed seeing the cheetahs run, but they are amazing creatures to behold -- running or not.

Aiden surprised me, and insisted on joining Sean on the Cheetah Hunt thrill ride.  He survived, but said he didn't want to do it again until he was ten!

The Sesame Street Safari of Fun was more Bree's speed.

 She looks just like 'em!

Longest wait for the not-so-thrilling safari train.  Can you tell Bree was losing steam by this point?  (No pun intended - it was a steam engine train…)

Deciding our next moves with Grampy.

Here kitty, kitty, kitty.  (I'd like to see you put this one in the bathtub, Bree!)

Easter

The bunny managed to find us in Florida.  Whew!

Easter swim.  Bree has become an expert back floater.

She's even better than me!!

Overdressed for Carrabba's

Grampy's choice.  Next time he visits, we'll take him to the one in Nashua.  It must be a novelty to those Mainers!  ;-)

The Sponge Docks

Yet another overcast and drizzly day…..  Florida is apparently not our friend this year.  By the afternoon, the adults were getting cabin fever (more so than the kids!), so we made a trip out to Tarpon Springs to check out the sponge docks.  The kids were less than thrilled with our expedition, but I'd love to go back someday (without them!!) for a Greek lunch and a little more shopping.  

The Sun!

Better late than never.  At least we got a pretty sunset tonight….

Easter Eggs!

Swimming in the Rain

Not what we signed up for, but trying to make the most of it!

All Dolled Up

Bree got fancy for our first night out at one of our favorite local restaurants, Island Way.  Thanks for treating us, Grampy!!

Making the Most of a Not-So-Warm Day

Daddy was a trouper and got in the pool with the kids, despite temperatures in the high 60's.  Brrrr!

Not too cold for ice cream, though!

The Sand Key State Park down the road got a facelift since last year.  Daddy took the kids for some playtime, while Mommy & Grampy hit the gym.