Since we moved in Gary has been wanting a fire ring in the back for making smores and hot dogs and just spending time as a family. We had agreed he could get it for his Father's Day gift (since he was in Indiana for Father's Day we didn't get to do much celebrating!) Finally awhile back Amazon had the one he wanted on a special with FREE shipping so he ordered it. Last week it came the day after Gary's dad gave us his riding lawn mower and wagon. What a fun night grilling hot dogs, sitting around the fire (Gary playing in it), and rides on the tractor! The kids are still talking about it!That night we made our plans for Fourth Of July Weekend. Gary took Friday OFF and had Monday off and we decided to cram as much as we could in!!
For Christmas we had purchased the Science Center membership and on Friday we headed to Pittsburgh to the Carnegie Science Center. It was a blast! I had not been there for a long time, once for a field trip when I taught 3rd grade, and several times for the Pirates event held there Lori was a big part of. It was really weird being there without her! The kids loved the Submarine and I wished I'd have taken the time to teach them about submarines before we went so they could better understand what they were seeing. The train area was another highlight. I think we could have spent hours in that room alone. The robotics exhibit was fascinating, the kids liked the basketball shooting robot, and Gary liked seeing CP3O and R2D2. He even had a photo taken with one that they emailed him. From there we went up to the show in the kitchen and saw how flambe (caramel sauce with peaches) was made. It was very well done but the kids had a hard time understanding the lady's accent. We got to sample it with ice cream at the end! We then looked at the aquarium exhibit and the kids loved the fish. From there we went upstairs to the hands-on kids area.
They had a section with a high up plexi-glass bucket, and lots of plastic balls on the floor. There were many ways to get the balls up into the bucket and you only had a short amount of time before lights flash, sirens scream and the bucket opens pouring them down on your head! The kids loved this and it was something all 5 of us could play together. By this time all of the summer camp groups had left so the areas were much less crowded. From there we went to the sports works building where Gary, Tyler and Grace took a tour of the inside of the body, played an extra large Operation game, shot baskets, raced, threw baseballs and tested reaction time at a hockey exhibit.
We left at closing time and headed across the street to see and take pictures of Heinz Field. We thought about walking around the building but we didn't. The kids were very tired and ready to eat. I wish we'd have walked over to where you can see inside to show the kids the yellow seats. There were tents and trucks everywhere beginning preparation for the Kenny Chesney concert which I think was Saturday. Due to traffic we took a scenic route through the city which was really nice, we were in no hurry so it was nice to just take our time. We ended up at a King's restaurant for dinner where the kids wolfed down sugary pancakes and Gary and I exceeded our beef intake for the day with burgers. Gary and I went on LOTS of dates at Kings "back in the day" so it was neat to share the experience with our THREE children! I, of course, was nostalgic thinking back over the years. It's been almost 14 years since we met! WOW! What a cool reminder that no matter what we desire or plan, God has it figured out! When we choose to see the good and the blessings, they are more than we can count!
From there we headed to the Kellogg's and literally invaded them! Thank you Kellogg's for your gracious hospitality and making us feel at home and welcome! We helped get a few ready for the party the next day, put the kids to bed, and made birthday cake! It was nice to be helping a little and get to visit. Saturday was the party and it was a gorgeous day. Rain threatened, but never came and Faith Kristina Kellogg had a beautiful Care Bear themed Fourth Birthday Party! She was pretty as a princess and we are so thankful to get to be there to see her celebrated by friends and family. We stayed another night so that evening we truly enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with Josh and Jackie.
Sunday morning we hit the road late in the morning to head to my mom's. She'd asked us to spend some of Memorial Day weekend with her to see the fireworks up by her and Gary agreed so we added that into the plan. Little did I know the REAL plan was for mom to watch the kids and Gary and I enjoy a whole night's getaway!! We had one last free Marriott night and it could not have been used at a better time! The kids napped, played, ate, played, saw fireworks, slept, ate, played and went to the park. Gary and I enjoyed 21 hours of peace and quiet! It was wonderful to spend time together just the two of us! Thanks Mom and Gary for hatching a wonderful plan! We also stopped by to see the Glynn's and I got to hold Baby Addison! She's such a precious little girl and it was so nice to get to see and talk to Melissa even though they are very busy being new parents an MOVING! It's been a long time since I held a baby that was one week old, but I put her right to sleep! Unfortunately, it was during her "awake" time. :(
Monday we headed back towards home and to the Bush's for a bacon roast, hours of squirt gun fun, dinner, smores, and later fireworks. Last night at 11:30 I turned my light out, back home in my own bed, my children and husband (finally) soundly sleeping around me, listening to the cars drive by and distant booms of fireworks going off... no matter how much fun you have, there is no place like home.
1 comment:
Looks like a fun trip, Heather! :)
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