Pittsburgh or bust!

We left Thursday afternoon and headed out for a trip to Pittsburgh to visit my brother and his family. It was a great weekend - hot, but great.

We were lucky enough that our good friends Dustin and Courtney live five minutes from my brother so we were able to crash with them while we were there and visit with them as well.

I think the highlight of our visit for Courtney was the morning after our first night there when she opened her shower curtain and found Ella sitting on the toilet in the bathroom with her. Ella, as unphased by this as you might expect, simply asked "Courtney, why do you keep your toilet paper so far away." Ella never mentioned this encounter to us and when we asked her about it later she just said "She was IN the shower." OK. I guess that makes all the difference!

That day we were treated to a pancake breakfast by my brother Matt (by the way - Happy Birthday big brother - I know you're away so I can't call you, but if you happen to check my blog, you'll see a birthday message for you!) and then we headed off to the Carnegie Science Center. We spent close to 4 1/2 hours there and had a blast. There was so much cool stuff for the kids to do and experiment with - as well as just have a chance to hang out together.

Can you tell that Ella and Isaac love each other?

They really did good together during the two days we were there and I just so enjoy seeing them bond.

I have strong memories of the train town/village/city that has been set up at the science center for years and I couldn't wait for the kids to get to see it for the first time. I think my excitement was contagious because they all seemed to enjoy looking at the little details and animation that are only noticeable if you take your time. Here's a cute shot of all the kids (and me) checking out the scenary.

Catherine, Ella and Isaac catching their shadows.

Trying out the earthquake simulator with Uncle Matt.
After leaving the science center we headed over to the Duquesne Incline to take a ride - it was rush hour and hot out, but no one complained or tried to talk me out of it even though it would have been easier to go home. Thankfully at the top we were able to buy icy treats for everyone and we survived the heat. If I could find my cell phone I would post the picture I took of our car thermometer reading 103 degrees!

The next day we took a trek out to Boyce Park and tried out the wave pool. Aside from not being allowed to bring in food or drinks and having to repay if you accidentally forgot something in the car and had to leave seconds after paying, it was a fun place to go swimming. It took the kids awhile to get used to it, but by the end of the day all of them had enjoyed some time in the water.

It was crowded - hundreds of people were there because it was HOT and it was the first day the pool was open. Everytime the waves were about to begin a loud horn or bell would sound and everyone would start cheering and a mass of people would run into the water. Everytime. I have no idea why I was so entertained by it - I guess I wasn't expecting there to be such enthusiasm for the waves. But I guess people like their waves.

We headed straight home from there, but not before getting one last shot of the cousins (minus baby Nora, the beautiful new addition to their family, who was the reason/excuse for our visit even though it really just revolved around the older kids) walking out holding hands looking adorable.

All together now....aahhhhhh. Sorry it's been taking me so long to get posts up these days. I don't work well in the heat. So, I'll see you in September! Just kidding....