NYE in Pittsburgh

On New Years Eve, we met Chris, Megan, Arden & Miles in downtown Pittsburgh for First Night.

It was pretty cold, but most of the stuff we did was inside. Tommy and Arden both got face painting (Grace and Miles refused). After dinner in the food court, Megan & I (I mean the kiddos) waited in line for over an hour for balloon animals (bow and arrow for Tommy & a butterfly for Grace).

Mike Tyson

Tommy & Arden

Megan & I in line for the balloon animals

Grace being goofy

Our last stop of the night was the family tent. We took pictures and the kids did a little craft (clocks to count down until midnight).

Craft time

Look out - there is a crazy driver on the road

Family photo

Bundled up and ready to head home

It was a fun night and we stayed out later than we planned. I want to say we got home a little after 11:00 and the kids were worn out!

Happy (belated) New Years!

PA Christmas (Part 2)

On Christmas morning, the kids woke up and Tommy went into our front room expecting to see things from Santa. He didn't see anything and came back into our room with the saddest face and said "Mommy, Santa didn't come - there is only one new present bag out there." It broke my heart! He shrugged it off though and asked if we could open the other presents instead.

I walked into the kitchen to get my camera and saw that Santa had been to our house and left the gifts in our family room by the fireplace. I called Tommy and Grace in and the kids were so happy/excited!

Tommy got a scooter and Fathead

Grace got a doll house

Tommy also received more Power Rangers toys

Grace received more doll house accessories

A Texas Christmas

We headed to TX late last week with a long list of things to do.

On Wednesday night, after settling in to our hotel in Plano, we met up with Chris and Chuck for dinner at Pluckers. It was Chuck's 40th birthday - so we were happy to celebrate with him. After dinner, we went back to their house to visit, play and have cake and ice cream.

The kids (especially Tommy) get so excited when we mention Charlie, so it was nice that they got to play together. We had a great time and ended up staying there until after 11:00 that night - yikes!

2 Iron Men

Gracie Baby

Grace playing with the birthday boy

Isabella hanging out

Thursday evening, after Tom finished with his client meetings, we all headed to my parents house in East Texas. We made it just in time for dinner.

Friday, we stayed around the house (since it was a rainy day) that morning, and then headed to Kimmie's house so the kids could play with Kylee.

Once Adam got home from work, we had our "Christmas dinner" and then opened presents. To say the kids were excited would be an understatement. Haha! Tommy and Grace (and Tom and I) LOVED everything we got.

Kimmie had her house decorated so nice

Tommy and Granpa

Kimmie and Grace (who insisted that Kimmie change her poopy diapers)

Proof - that Kimmie does clean up ;)

Kylee

Look at all those presents

Goofy little monkey

Kylee liked her "Jesse" hat - complete with a red braid

Grace couldn't wait to get to chopping

New Cowboys boots

Grace loved her LeapPad2

Grace was scandalized by my gift (VS Gift Card)

Tom got a new chainsaw (that was wrapped and waiting for him in PA)

Our Texas trip will be continued in the next post.........

Thanksgiving Break

My parents came up to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with us this year. To be honest, it was nice not having to pack up the house (ha!) to travel - especially since we are going to TX in the next few weeks.

I picked them up from the airport late Wednesday morning, got the bags, picked up Tom at the house and then headed out for lunch at Primanti's. We picked the kids up right after and pretty much stayed home the rest of the night. I did a little baking, but not much else. Oh - I did do some "Black Friday" shopping online and got quite a few things.

Thursday, we looked over the sale ads and then prepared Thanksgiving dinner. It was such a nice afternoon with the family. That evening, after stuffing ourselves with pie - my parents and I went shopping at a couple places and got everything on our lists. We were only out for a few hours.

Family photo (minus me)

There I am!

Grace was play peek-a-boo in the previous picture.

Black Thursday (?) shopping

Dad actually didn't gripe this time - haha

Tom suggested that we go to the Strip District (in Pittsburgh) Saturday morning. It was a lot of fun. We ended up spending the most time in Penzey's (a spice store). They had a cute little section for kids to color, which worked out perfect for us - we didn't have to rush. I even picked up some teacher gifts.

The kids are occupied while I shop.

After spending a couple hours there, we headed to The Church Brew Works for lunch. It is very interesting (Tom and I have been years ago) and my parents and the kids liked it. Hopefully, Tommy won't think all churches have beer and food - haha.

Tommy sat with the girls

Grace sat with the guys

Yummy beer

Grandma & Grandpa with the kiddos

Sunday, was another laid back day. We didn't do much - just grilled steaks for dinner and hung out. We did take some photos so I could do Christmas cards. Here are a few pictures I loved, but didn't use for the Christmas card.

They can be so sweet to each other.

Handsome.

I have a good looking family. :)

My parents left late Monday morning to head back to TX. It was a fun weekend!