Pittsburgh

Prior to starting this post and telling you about our trip to Pittsburgh, I must give the biggest THANK YOU to my  Uncle Roger for arranging the most spectacular, easy, and fun weekend for our family. I am also highly embarrassed to say that I have yet to write him a thank you note so here is my very big "public" thank you to him for an unforgettable family trip to Pittsburgh. My Uncle was the most gracious, giving and thoughtful host. He thought of everything to make our trip simple and one for the record books. And after a very stressful few months, it was great to be taken care of and enjoy some family time with our immediate family and extended family.  

As for the weekend.

A few months ago, my Uncle Roger [my mom's youngest brother] emailed me seeing if Pearson was interested in going to the Bears vs. Steelers game in Pittsburgh on September 22nd.. To which Pearson emphatically responded YES! My Uncle asked Pearson who he would like to attend the game with them and Pearson said to me, "Your dad." For those of you who don't know, my father is a big time Pittsburgh sports fan. Since my uncle said he would probably have four tickets, and it so happened that September 22nd is my mom's birthday, I also thought that it might be nice for my mom to join her brother, husband, and "favorite" son in law on this little adventure. Then my Uncle was able to secure 6 tickets for the Bears vs. Steelers game so it was then decided I and the kids would go along for the ride. 

We arrived into Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon and it was a less than ideal drive. The kids were great but it down poured for the last two hours of the drive. At one point on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Pearson said he was going to have to pull over because he couldn't see due to all the rain. I failed to mention that my parents were meeting us in Pittsburgh after driving our car cross country. As soon as we arrived, my uncle greeted us with such warmth that it seemed like no time had passed since I had seen him last. My Uncle, see note above about how amazing he is, also managed to score 6 tickets for the Pirates game on Saturday night for the gang. I had decided to not go and stay back with the kids while my parents, my uncle, Pearson, and my other aunt and uncle went to the game. As it so happened the next door neighbor was having a birthday party that night and my Uncle had spoken to the parents of the kids and they said we could come over and join the festivities. One never to shy away from a party, I decided to head over with the kids. It was the perfect way to get the kids energy out after a five hour drive. 

On Sunday morning, we woke up and decided to explore the city a little bit. We went down to the Point, where the three rivers meet. The kids had a great time running around for a few hours. Following   the park, we decided to take the kids for a ride on one of the incline planes and to see the city from above. The kids loved the "roller coaster" ride and we got a good laugh at the lady taking money for the ride. One observation while out and about in the city, everyone and I mean EVERYONE in Pittsburgh seems to own a Steelers jersey and everyone seems to wear them on game day. After visiting the incline, we went out to lunch at the famous Priminati Brothers Sandwich joint.  We then all headed back for a little R&R prior to the game starting and the babysitter arriving. Again, my uncle thought of EVERYTHING and arranged for a babysitter for the night for the kids. We also celebrated my mom's birthday then with a cake and a singing of Happy Birthday. And again, my uncle thought of everything and got my mom a cake for her birthday. 

After the babysitter arriving, we bailed out to head to the stadium but before the game starting we hit up the casino, which is right next to the stadium. An hour at the casino and a professional football game equals a very fun night. My cousin joined us for the game and was the sixth of our party. The game was a blast and the Bears won. Here are some photos from the wonderful weekend.  

Again, a HUGE thank you to my Uncle Roger for such a wonderful weekend in Pittsburgh. We can't wait to go back again soon.