Pittsburgh: Day One

And you thought I had completely forgotten about Day One. Hmpf. I am just way behind as usual. Isn't there a saying that goes, The busier I am, the behind-er I get? Well, maybe not but there SHOULD be for me!

With all there is to do, add the must dos and want to dos during the holiday season and POOF! Online time flies right out of the window! I know you all understand as it happens to is all right?

To play a bit of catch up...we were in Pittsburgh during the weekend before last. Had a wonderful time! Now, phooey on those folks who have said to me, "Pittsburgh??? Why??" Heck, why not? It is a lovely city with so much to do. In fact, we are planning to meet our friends there next Summer! Only 4 1/2 hours from our doorstep to hotel lobby, a lot to do, especially for the girls and really friendly people. We met with the family who adopted Grace's orphanage bunk mate. Both girls were 6 1/2 and had been in the the facility for 3 1/2 years. We quickly became friends with the other Mom and Dad (They live in upstate NY) and really enjoy their company. They also have another daughter whom they adopted in China as an infant. She is a year older than Grace. All 3 get along so well and have a lot of fun together. We always have side by side rooms and rarely have the connecting door shut. The girls have one big *sleep over* and spend the nights giggling and pillow fighting. We really liked the hotel and found it to be very user friendly for the parents and the girls alike. Great indoor pool, delicious complimentary breakfasts and a lovely on site restaurant. Each year we meet in November, somewhere fun, for a long weekend. This year's choice, Pittsburgh, had so many things that looked like fun things for the girls AND the parents alike and it was about the same distance for each family to drive. We had a great time and look forward to returning!

The view of the hotel restaurant from our room.

Near the lobby... Yes, the fish WERE that big! And spoiled. This one was practically out of the water beggig for food!

We met a new friend, Maggie, at the hotel. Shh! Don't tell Kipper that dogs WERE allowed!

The girls watching the hotel's fish...

At the National Aviary....these fish nibbled our fingers after we fed them. The girls LOVED this.

Grace's favorite birds...pink of course! Is there really any other color?

Just how tall are we this year?

Isn't he beautiful?

As is he!

And you too Javier!

Aren't they gorgeous creatures?

As was this Sea Eagle.

Just outside the Aviary...

Downtown, outside Heinz Stadium, the Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Incline

The Carnegie Science Center. We spent 7 hours there and had a wonderful time! Such a great place for families to spend a day, especially when it is gray, cold and rainy outside.

3 sweet girls...Pretty in Pittsburgh!

Ah...now I am back on schedule! Okay, so I am still behind but I am trying! I swear, I am trying!

Last night was Grace's first experience playing in a concert. the 4Th and 5Th grade strings, from all the local elementary schools, played as a collective group. yes, I DO have some pictures...as if you thought I wouldn't!

I hope all is well with each one of you. Thanksgiving is fast approaching...where did the Autumn go? Blew away on an icy wind...more soon.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q