Hello, Pittsburgh!

It has been 2-1/2 years since we last packed up the car and headed to Pittsburgh, so we were overdue for a good visit. We put the boys in the car at bedtime last Sunday and drove all night. The boys were angels! They were actually great all week. We kept them really busy, to the point that they barely got any naps. . .

We went to Station Square on Tuesday where we loaded up on Steelers and Penguins paraphernalia and took lots of pics.

We also rode the Mongahela Incline while we were there. Beckham LOVED it! He talked all week about riding the train on the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, we took a few more pictures and even had our family picture taken courtesy of Nick and Sally who were there celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary.

Brooks took rolling to a whole new level while we were in PA. He even climbed up on all 4's a few times. What a happy baby he was ALL week! (despite getting his first two teeth- you never would have known it with all those smiles)

I included this pic just to say that even though there were 10 other adults in the room, the baby-hog was holding BOTH babies- haha!

We went to the Rivers Casino Tuesday night. We had a great time, but didn't come out on top, if ya know what I mean :(

On Wednesday, the four of us went to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Apparently we Georgians brought our warm weather with us, but we survived. The animals didn't know what to make of the weather, though. Half of them were just trying to find a cool place to take a nap- therefore, we didn't really see the lion, tiger, or leopard. Sidenote: If you've never been to the Pittsburgh Zoo, there is an extremely LARGE escalator at the entrance of the park. Beckham and I rode it up on our way in. He was in heaven since he has an obsession with stairs/escalators, but we took the elevator down with Daddy on our way out since I was petrified of the thought of looking down the whole way back down.

This precious bear was determined to go inside a cave to cool off, but the cave he was trying for had a gate in front of it. So instead, he turned around and took a giant poop right in front of us. Beckham thought it was HILARIOUS!

While in PA, we also went out to eat. . . a lot! I think Scott and I both packed on 5 pounds!! Scott also took in a little golf with Eric and Uncle Walt while Jackie and I took the kids to the mall on Thursday. All in a days work!!

One of the few times Brooks slept over the week. . .

Someone must have said something that embarrassed him. . .

Friday, our last day in PA, was also the warmest. Beckham stripped down and helped Aunt Janet squirt off her back porch. . .and her lawn. . .and her trees- haha!

Our farewell dinner was at Doridos- yum! I had some delicious crabcakes and Scott had a special kind of shrimp. Afterwards, we gave Aunt Patsy hugs and kisses. . .

Went back to Uncle Walt & Aunt Janet's and got packed up and gave hugs and kisses (and took some pics) . . .

Then went over to Grandma Tootsie's to spend some time before we hit the road for GA. She and Uncle Bob and Aunt Amy were thrilled to have the boys all to themselves!

Thank yens for all your hospitality! We had a wonderful time and look forward to our next visit. We'll try not to wait another 2-1/2 years before making it up. And maybe next time we can drive during the day!! Love you all!!!

Be Prepared

In preparation for our trip to Pittsburgh, Brooks tried to learn how to drink out of a sippy-cup (semi successful).

And Beckham helped me wash my car (during which he proceeded to stuff my tape player full of coins).

He also mowed the lawn. . .

And acted like his completely adorable self. We counted down the days 'til we got to leave for "the Pittsburgh".

We also fit in a little dancing and laughing while we got ready for our big trip!

"Party Dance"

"Gobble Gobble"

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Brooks is 6 months old!

I thought for sure this kiddo weighed more than 20 pounds! But, low and behold, he only weighs 19 pounds 9.5 ounces. He is 27 1/2 inches tall. At 6 months old, he is now rolling from back to belly. And sometimes, he just keeps on going! He can almost sit up on his own. He is scooting backwards and occasionally even gets up on all fours. He sucks all of his fingers, but mostly his thumbs. He doesn't have any teeth yet, but enjoys eating. We are so excited that we get to give him more now- meat, teething crackers, juice, water! What a happy little guy he is (except when he's not- he can really let you know!).

Pickles and Ice Cream

Sunday afternoon, I threw my girlfriend Katie (Harrison's mommy) a baby shower for her baby girl that is due October 15th. It was lovely, if I do say so myself. Most of our group of friends were able to come, and her mom and mother-in-law as well.

She got so many beautiful, pink things!

We spent a lot of time in the kitchen. We had tea and lemonade (with raspberry and mint leaf ice cubes); spicy cheddar puffs, capri salad, chicken salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, and pickles; and cupcakes and ice cream sundaes for dessert. We also played a game where the ladies had to look at 40 baby-related items in a basket for 2 minutes and write down as many as they could remember afterwards. SO FUNNY! I enjoyed hearing what the non-mommies thought things were- haha!

A Day at the Boots'

The boys and I spent the day at my sister's house last Thursday- the first time we've seen each other in a month and a half!! We picked Ollie up from school and went to Chick-fil-a (after a long search for a decent Mexican restaurant) where the munchkins had a blast playing on the playground in 90 degree weather. When we were done with our quesadillas a.k.a. Chick-fil-a sandwiches, we packed the sweaty monsters up and took them home. . .

Where they fixed EVERYTHING with their tools and even played dress up! See, I don't have to have little girls to play dress up :)

And when the big kids got home from school, we took some pics. Super cute!

Then we headed home. About half-way home, I thought "This is nice. Both boys sleeping the whole way home?!?" Then reality kicked in- Brooks woke up and SCREAMED 30 minutes straight, the rest of the way home. Tylenol anyone?