A week ago yesterday, after the snow melted and the roads cleared, Nancy and I drove to Birmingham to stay with the grandkids while Mark and Jenny spent the weekend in Florida. Mark trained for several months for the Seaside Half-Marathon, which was held in Santa Rosa Beach, just west of Panama City, Florida. He finished the race in good shape and was happy with his time. And we had fun with Jackson, John Michael, and Margaret.

Mark and Jenny returned home on Monday. Since Wednesday was Jenny's birthday, the 5 of us decided to plan a little 2-day-early surprise party for her return from Florida. We all chipped in and bought a birthday present and a cake, and on Monday, when Jenny walked into the house from the garage, we all jumped up and yelled "Surprise!" Before anyone was allowed to blow out the candle or cut the cake or open a present, I snapped this picture.

Nancy and I returned to Huntsville Monday evening, enjoyed a nice day on Tuesday, and stayed indoors during an ice storm on Wednesday. Our street was a sheet of ice Thursday morning, but yesterday we were able to get out of the house and spend some time in the gym and shopping. We just got back from Jacksonville today, but more about that next week.

We "spring forward" tonight. I wish they'd just have daylight savings time year round.