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

Day Two: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh: Day Two...

Now, who better than old backwards Susie Q to post her trip beginning with Day Two? Yup, I am starting with the second day so there. Why not? Rules were made to be broken right? I'm a rebel...a real black leather jacket and boots wearing baddie..okay, so I'm more likely to wear baby blue polyester and support shoes but a gal can dream can't she?

I do want to mention here that on Day One, during our hotel arrival check in, we were greeted with a huge bag of goodies! It seems one Miss Meg, blog friend extraordinaire, had popped in and left it as a surprise for us. Isn't that the sweetest thing? Ooh did we all snack well during our 2 day Pittsburgh extravaganza! Thank you Meg!

And did Meg stop at treats for the humans? Oh no...she also included snacks for our 4 legged family members! Kipper, Lucy and Henry all send their love and thank yous!

The weather was a little on the nasty side last weekend but hey. I am one who actually LIKES gray, snowy days. Just another of my odd quirks and I have a million of 'em. But I digress...

Our friends had to leave earlier than they planned as it was to snow a bit more in their area of New York than here in Ohio. We had such a sweet time with them...and Grace always loves being with the girls. We adore both the girls AND their parents! We said our goodbyes and promises to meet again next year...maybe MORE than once! Then our little family trio (Where was Dan? Back home studying for finals and pet sitting!) headed back downtown to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. What a beautiful spot. Although the afternoon was bitterly cold and dark, inside this lovely spot it was warm and cheery. They were busily preparing for the Christmas holidays and although we did not get to see everything decked out, we did see some festively done areas! Beautiful right? But the two prettiest flowers in the place were not found planted in the dirt. Oh no...take a look at these two! We met our wonderful bloggy friend, Meg! She came out in the cold just to see us! Can you imagine? I doubt we were worth the trip but oh how WE loved meeting her! She is every bit as sweet and charming as you thought she was! Such a lovely lady in every way. I probably rambled incoherently most of the time we spent together...okay, so that is pretty normal for me...but Meg graciously remained charming even in the face of my inanity! She looked positively spiffy and so stylish! Grace, the Fashion Diva, pointed this fact out to me as you can imagine. Uh huh, she certainly was stylish and beautiful. I LOVED her outfit right down to her pretty shoes! I know I looked like the schlump I am next to her but hey. Meeting her was such a pleasure I didn't have time to think about that! Thank you sweet Meg, thank you for coming out in the cold to join us for an all too brief visit! Tomorrow...Pittsburgh: Day One! You know, if I keep posting like this, I can virtually stop my aging in it's tracks right? I will just keep going backwards and wow. I will get younger with each blog addition! Huh? Wha'....? It doesn't WORK like that? Dang. Well you can't blame me for tryin'. Till tomorrow...remember to put one foot behind the other and face backwards. Or something like that...

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q