P-Day in P-Burgh

Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh for President's Day

1. Give Adam and Candace all their stuff that we've had since they moved back to Pitt in December 
2. Go to Primanti Brothers and eat gluttonously
3. Do other stuff in Pittsburgh
4. See Adam and Candace and Brigham

#1 was accomplished easily enough, since Chelon agreed to bring all the stuff up in her car (gracias!) and #2  just required a short drive downtown.  Much eating commenced.  I decided I don't really care for coleslaw (especially on my sandwich, although I have no qualms with french fries), but Brandon wanted to go back a second time (which didn't happen).

#3 took a little creativity because we've already been to Pitt a few times and weren't sure what to do when it was only about 20 degrees outside.  We ended up going to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History (which is like going to five museums for the price of one) for the day.  It was awesome.

(FYI--"Straight-Hair" Felicia was visiting Pitt with us, as well, but it was freaking out Chelon and Adam too much, so she only lasted a day.)

We also went to one of the sweet overviews of the city.  Pitt is so pretty, albeit ridiculously cold.

#4 was a no-brainer, since it wouldn't be possible to do the other three items on the list without A/C being willing to host us.  And no matter how much we joke about it, we love being able to come up to see them and their little B.  Plus, it's obvious how much Brigham Digham misses his Uncle Bran Bran!  Thanks again guys!  Come visit us soon!

Valentines

I found the perfect Valentines for Kiddo to bring to preschool.  He picked out which joke went for each person, wrote the names on them, and stapled a Laffy Taffy to each.  When I told him all the other kids in class were going to bring in candy, too, he was thrilled.  I think he's discovered a new favorite holiday.

As I was writing this, Kiddo said "I love love love love Valentine's Day."

Ice Skating!

Brandon loves ice skating.  Me?  Not so much.  I've humored him over the years, but I know he would go frequently if he had someone who loved going as much as he does.  (Incidentally, a great perk about where Brandon went to law school was that they converted the sand volleyball court into an ice skating rink every winter, complete with boxes of various-sized ice skates to use and return when done.  I think those were the only years that Brandon was able skate to his heart's content--because it was so convenient and it was also free.  Well, as free as paying a boat-load of tuition can be.)

So we thought it would be fun to take Kiddo ice skating (ok, mostly because Brandon wanted to go ice skating), and, luckily, Kiddo loved it!  He and Brandon went around the rink until it was closed to the public.  We then spent time bouncing back and forth between the two rinks, watching figure skating practice and a hockey game.  Kiddo keeps asking when he can go back.

And I'm glad to be off the hook for any ice skating in the future.

First Snow!

This is the first year Kiddo has been really excited for snow to fall.  And, since it doesn't happen that often or last for very long, we tried to take advantage of it while we could.  He had a blast playing in the snow in the yard of our apartment.  Although, mostly, he enjoyed clearing the snow off of things.  Just imagine what he could do with a snow shovel!

As for BG, she was fine with the snow until the second time she fell down in it.  After that she was done.

We got a dusting of snow a week later, so we took the kids out to walk around in it.  We borrowed some snow pants for BG and, since the snow didn't impede her walking and she was able to stay dry and warm, she had a great time.

National Aquarium

Since BG is a huge animal lover, we recently went up to Baltimore to introduce her to the National Aquarium.  I think it's the first time we've been to the aquarium during non-tourist season.  It was so great not to wait in lines and be able to just walk right in to see things.  As always, our favorites were the dolphin show and the sharks!