We left sunny 70 degree Tampa on 12/25 for cold frosty Albany NY but were warmed there by the love of our family. My sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Kevin, live there and graciously open their home and hearts to 16 family members who roll in with suitcases, laundry bag, sleeping bags, blow-up mattresses and food for 5 days. Did I mention liquor as this is an Irish family. It is quite a production with non-stop food, conversation, fun and games. Kevin good naturedly tries to tell us that family like fish stinks after 3 days but we continue to stay. The twenty year old cousins were invited to a number of parties but opted to hang with the crazy aunts and uncles probably to get stories and pictures to bribe us with later.
Catch the picture of Bob trying out Guitar Hero. OK—Norwegians do have to work a little harder at the rhythm thing but he was psyched by it and wants to get one for the boat. Our family loves the interactive game Mafia in which family members secretly plot to off each other—it really helps the bonding Soprano style. With rounds of Dance Revolution and American Idol, I can honestly report that there is a lot of “talent” in this family.
It is always hard to say good-bye but we always take with us our love for each other. We will see the whole gang again on the East coast this summer. We had an 18 hour trip back to Tampa through snow and sleet but did get to Clearwater beach at 12 midnight to catch the New Year fireworks.
Catch the picture of Bob trying out Guitar Hero. OK—Norwegians do have to work a little harder at the rhythm thing but he was psyched by it and wants to get one for the boat. Our family loves the interactive game Mafia in which family members secretly plot to off each other—it really helps the bonding Soprano style. With rounds of Dance Revolution and American Idol, I can honestly report that there is a lot of “talent” in this family.
It is always hard to say good-bye but we always take with us our love for each other. We will see the whole gang again on the East coast this summer. We had an 18 hour trip back to Tampa through snow and sleet but did get to Clearwater beach at 12 midnight to catch the New Year fireworks.
Happy New Year and may 2009 bring you much joy and happiness.
