Turkey, Turkey, who's got the Turkey

We had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend because we got to spend it with some of our family! My dad, Heidi and Abi flew out to visit us and we had a great time. Turkey day was extra special because it was my very first time making Thanksgiving dinner. I realize it's pretty pathetic that I've been married almost 10 years and this is the first time I've had to prepare the feast. Of course I had lots of help from Heidi and a good thing too because she is a really good cook.

After dinner we went on a little walk around the neighborhood and stopped to play at the park.

The day after Thanksgiving we decided to forgo the crazy Black Friday Shopping and instead spent the morning building with "Blampa."

Then after lunch we headed into Pittsburgh. We walked around Heinz Field and took in the sights of the city before heading to the Children's Museum to play.

Abi was really excited to go to the museum because she didn't get a chance to on her last visit. She really wanted to see the Mr. Rogers exhibit and unfortunately they had moved things around and no longer have all of it in one place. Instead it's now all spread out through the museum.

In the Climbing Wall

Building Ramps in the Garage

Taking a ride on the Trolley

Playing Dress Up

The traveling exhibit was all about how people make things. 

The boys loved turning and pulling all the levers.

Their favorite was flattening and reforming a penny to look like a potato chip.

I'm pretty sure my dad had the most fun and the museum!

With the puppets.

Water Play!

On Saturday we headed down to the Flight 93 Memorial. The last time we were here we were only able to look out on the memorial from the temporary memorial site. It was really neat to see it up close. I wish they had more of the stories posted like they did at the temporary site but I'm sure once the visitors center is built there will be.

Behind Kameron is where the visitors center will be built.

We had the best weekend. It was really special to spend the holiday with our family and also to get to celebrate my dad's birthday while he was here. I think my most favorite part of the weekend was watching my boys interact with "Glamma" and "Blampa" and Abi. In fact, when they had to leave Sunday evening Carter was ready to head home with them. He even came and gave me a hug and a kiss goodbye and told Braden to give him a hug and kiss goodbye. We eventually got him to stay and wave goodbye as they left us but as soon as they drove off he just cried and cried and cried. It's moments and memories like this that makes me even more grateful that we are moving to Las Vegas where we will have more opportunities to see our family more often. We really are so blessed!

24 Hours

This last week some of my family spent the week in Orlando. I was really bummed that we were not able to go and play with them for the week but was super surprised when I got a phone call Friday night from my sister, Megan wanting to know what we were doing the next day. I said, "I hope I'm coming to get you from the airport!" and that is exactly what happened.  Apparently on their way home from Orlando, my mom, sister and brother-in-law had an 8 hour layover in JFK and instead of waiting around in the airport, they decided to add one more day to their trip and take a detour to visit us in Pittsburgh! To say we were excited was definitely an understatement!

They arrived in the evening on Saturday and after picking them up form the airport we stopped for some dinner at Chick-fil-a and then headed to our house. We stayed up talking and laughing and it felt so good. The next day, we (my mom, sister and me) played beauty parlor and dress-up while Braden and Carter played with Uncle Kris. Then we headed into Pittsburgh to show off our city. We took them down to the Strip District and ate lunch at Primanti Brothers.

Then we walked the street through all the vendors. My mom got us some baklava to share, we tried on all sorts of hats and scarves, Kris and Megan found just the right present for Kris' brother, and our mouths watered as we checked out all the yummy produce.

We left the Strip District and took them down to Heinz Field where the Steelers play. The area there is so pretty and the view of the city is fantastic.

I've posted before the large copper statue of Mr. Rogers right near the stadium and river. Braden loves to see this and climbed right on for a picture.

We tried to get Carter to sit with Braden for a picture but he got scarred.

Carter did however love dropping leaves down over the balcony.

Uncle Kris was definitely the favorite visitor. Braden wouldn't leave his side and if he needed to be holding a hand to cross a street or not get left behind he would run straight to Kris. Carter also had lots of fun with uncle Kris and would just laugh and laugh with him.  Believe it or not, Carter was laughing hysterically right before taking this picture. 

After walking around the stadium we took them to the top of Mt. Washington by the Duquesne Incline to show them the view of the city. I think they were impressed. I know I am every time I get to see that beautiful view.

Then it was time to head back to the airport. I wish they could have stayed longer, but considering they were only here 24 hours we got to do a lot of fun stuff and I think they got a good taste Pittsburgh.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians

Braden had a special fall program at his school this last week. He sang several songs he had learned during music time with Mr. Ernie. He did a great job and was one of the loudest singers of the group. After the program everyone was invited downstairs for a thanksgiving feast. It was really yummy and made us all very excited for Thanksgiving with our family this next week.

Seton Hill Griffins

This last week we have had the most beautiful weather. The air has been crisp, the sky a most brilliant blue, the sun, shining, and the temps have been up; it's been perfect! We decided to take advantage of the great weather by joining our Bishop and his wife at their son, Josh's, football game. Seton Hill shares their field with the high school, so it's not a big stadium and luckily we didn't have to pay to come. The boys have never been to a game before and I think they enjoyed it. We had lots of fun eating popcorn and cheering on the team; who in the end unfortunately lost. 

The girl just behind Brady is Josh's girlfriend, Lauren. She is so sweet.

 Carter loved the mascot. He kept asking me where the "eagle-lion" went.

 Josh, number 47, kicking the ball.

The boys with Bishop Cavalier

 Our favorite Player!

They boys must have had a great time and expended lots of energy at the game because we came home to make dinner and Carter fell asleep at the table waiting. We did get him to eat but he went straight to bed after at 7 PM.