Pittsburgh

A couple of months ago I got off of the phone with my best friend and said wistfully to Bryan, "We should go see Courtney". I assumed that I would get a scowl and a comment about the six hour drive. Instead, he said, "Set it up. We can visit my aunt and uncle too." And a trip was made.
We arrived on Thursday evening after a long, long car ride. We learned a lot about traveling with two kids instead of one and also a little about traveling with a new pottier. For one thing, she's got our number. If she wants to stop and get out of the car for any reason all she needs to say is, "I need to go potty." and we are pulling off at the next exit. This has never worked for me. Anyway, we finally made it to Pittsburgh and felt very welcome staying with Aunt Peg and Uncle John. We had a cook out that night and included Courtney and her kids and also cousin Amy, please see the 'Lonesome Dove' blog from November 2009 for more on cousin Amy.
The next day we headed to the Children's Museum to meet Courtney and her family. Unfortunately Grant couldn't make it. Needless to say, Bryan was devastated, but later perked up when he realized that he could pretend that he was a polygamist.
First stop at the Children's Museum was Mr.Roger's Neighborhood. Lilly found the castle and dress up clothes and camped there while the rest of us checked out the other features of the exhibit. She loved the cape...I may have to make her one.
Bryan spent much of his time cussing for Grant...and rocking strollers and watching purses.

Not a great picture, but one of the only ones with Lilly and Aiden together. Despite that fact that we have no photographic proof they became great friends and spent any time apart asking about the other.

Courtney and Maddie get in on the action in the water play room.

Lilly playing in the water. Courtney suggested I bring some extra clothes for Lilly because even with a rain coat both kids would still be soaked. But, the raincoats were cute anyway.

Being an old pro at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum Aiden knew just what he wanted. He came in, found the toy shark and held onto it until we left.

Bryan again, wishing Grant had come. I think by this point Bryan and Jack were starting to get a little fussy.

After the museum we went back to John and Peg's for pizza and then laid out plans for the zoo the next day. Here are Lilly, Bryan and Uncle John watching the only animals at the zoo to actually move that day, the Springboks.

Jack wasn't interested in the actual giraffe, but he sure was excited about the one that he brought from home.

At the aquarium the exhibit that drew the largest crowd was the one being cleaned. Lilly saw the divers, pointed and shrieked at Bryan, "Those guys took Nemo!" He convinced her that they were not, in fact, the same people from 'Finding Nemo' and she got a little closer to investigate. She put her hand on the glass and the diver did the same.

Please notice that Lilly and Aiden both are climbing on the rocks right by the sign that says, 'Do Not Climb on Rocks', under the watchfull eyes of both their fathers.

We had a great time and can't wait to go back. Maybe next time when all the kids are a little older and Jack is more cooperative we can take Uncle John and Aunt Peg up on their offer to watch all four kids...for a short time.