Over the long MLK weekend, we took a quick overnighter to Pittsburgh with the sole objective of playing, relaxing and resting. As a result: we put so much energy into playing that the rest and relaxation were only squeezed in during car rides. Ha! So much for that plan!
Some highlights of our trip include:
* Like many of our other Hotel Hijinx, the pool at our hotel was closed for maintenance. Part of the reason we plan overnighter stays is for the very specific reason of having a pool. They sent us next door (literally, outside to the next building over) to what could only be described as a 1960's style "bath house" which lay claim to a huge sized swimming pool that was only minimally heated. And since they didn't allow any inflatable water-wings, our kids relied on (pool provided) pool noodles and a couple random life jackets that we scrounged up from their heaping pile of kick-boards. Still fun. But not what we were anticipating.
* We chose our hotel location near the ever-popular hot spot "Carson Street." Come to realize that it's only hot to those who are single, early 30's and loaded! Basically a very grown-up venue. And since we decided to walk Carson Street to find a restaurant for dinner, we ended up at what seemed to be a very high class restaurant with our (very tired) 3 and 5 year olds in tow. Eric and I enjoyed our dinners (at "market price!") while the kids laid across our corner booth seat munching on their special order french fries, grilled cheese and chicken strips that the chefs generously prepared upon request. (Classy restaurants: no kids menus!)(doh.)
* Something even more interesting about our dining experience: Once we arrived at our table, Eric was taking off his coat to reveal his MVFD (fire dept.) sweatshirt and a guy one table over asks if that fire department is on Ohio or in Pennsylvania. The guy's face lit up when Eric replied "Ohio" and said "no way, that's where we live!" Seriously, out of small town of about 850, what are the chances that we meet some local villagers at the ritzy, Carson Street establishment?
As for the rest of our trip, I think that the pictures may be the best way for a recap of some of the fun we had at the museums.
Rocket launch with paper rockets crafted by Eric and Elaina
Looks like a lot of fun! We're thinking of driving to New York (Rochester area) in the summer of 2012 and were talking about a stop in Cleveland, but maybe we should stop in Pittsburgh instead! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're all doing well.