Trip to PA

Well, we had a wonderful trip to PA. We flew to Pittsburgh and drove to Philadelphia the next day. We spent half our time on either side of the state. Quite frankly, they were both cold!

Truthfully, we had a great time and I am joking about the weather. The kids really enjoyed the snow and it never really affected our traveling. We were really reminded how little we get to see all of our family and how many great friendships we have made over the years. We saw so many new babies and saw a lot of kids that had grown so much. When you know people well it is easy to pick up where you left off ... no matter how much time has passed. As I age, I really appreciate the notion that life is all about the relationships you create and nurture. Glad to have seen all of you.

On this trip Lexi has really been exposed as the little girl we know her to be. She is boisterous and has long lasting energy. She is charming and delightful. I look at pictures of her from six months ago and I hardly recognize her. She now has long BLONDE hair and the tannest legs in Florida. The rate of change in her is frightening...especially for her father.

Upon our arrival in Pittsburgh we got about 3 inches of snow. We went out for quite a while. We made snowballs and threw them against the window. The kids fell 100 times on the deck no matter how many times I told them it was slippery. That afternoon I took Ty to his cousin's house. They have a great sledding hill. There was no stopping Tyler. He did not even wait for the sled. Straight down on his keyster. The hill was very steep at the top and when I finally got him in a sled I was so scared to let him go. He loved it! Kids are saved by their ignorance.

Days later the temperature rose and made the snow easier to build a snowman. Pops went out with Tyler and one of his cousins, Maercy, to bring Frosty to life. He got a scarf, a hat, gloves, 3 pieces of coal as buttons, and seashells for his eyes. Lexi was asleep during Frosty's evolution from a snowball. When she awoke she LOST IT! Wearing shorts, a jacket and boots she ran out side screaming 'Frosty the Snowman'. She ran up and hugged him. Keep in mind, my kids love the movie. We had it TIVO'ed last year and the kids continued to watch it until the summer. Tyler is still telling me we have to take Frosty to the train station so we can get him to The North Pole.

Tyler has really grown. He can be the sweetest little guy. He is affectionate and craves approval. When we were at Me-Mom's Tyler was playing Simon Says. When it was his turn he stated 'Simon says fold your hands and pray'. He led in prayer every chance he got. He really enjoyed playing with all of his cousins. He even got a few chances to hold his newest cousin Andrew. Maercy got to boss him around. Both loved it. Tyler was his little wig model.

There was one picture I regret I was not able to get. Grandpa Eddie was out on his little front-end loader. I ran Tyler outside. He could hardly believe he was getting the opportunity to ride it. He raised the bucket and moved mulch. He was allowed to steer the machine outback to his thrill.