Wings Over Pittsburgh!

Two weeks ago was the Pittsburgh Air Show. This is a really fun weekend where the local base, where Damon flies, hosts a spectacular show both in the air and on the ground. Because we live only 10 minutes from the base and runways, it was a noisy week of F-18's and the Thunderbirds flying over!  We had a great day checking out the planes, especially the one Uncle Damon flies!

Will and Benjamin getting on Uncle Damon's KC-135 Stratotanker.

Ella and Will in the belly of the plane.

Ella hanging from the rafters.

All four of the kids :-)

I just love this one where Will is looking adoringly at Damon. If you ask Will what he wants to be when he grows up he will tell you a pilot like Uncle Damon. Then, he'll launch into an explanation of how Uncle Damon flies a plane that gives other planes gas in the air and how we saw Damon flying over our house twice giving a plane gas (and we did.). This will all be said with an exuberance that can't be matched...

Checking things out in the pilot's seat!


All of us in the flight deck.

TOP GUN'S!!!! SO COOL!


 
Climbing the helicopter.

Pooped, mid-books, on the way home.

Visit to St. Louis and the Malyszko's!

We had wonderful trip to St. Louis this past weekend to visit Anne and Tim for Anne's baby shower. The kids had so much fun playing in their yard, breaking in the baby's toys ;-), and going to the park and Children's Museum. We just treasured every minute of this visit and can't wait to go back when their little blessing arrives!!

The little momma opening her presents.She looks fabulous!!!

 

Mary and Julie did an amazing job throwing a beautiful shower.  

Ella and her godmother blowing huge bubbles at the Children's Museum. 

Ella on the balance beam... She is certainly our fearless child!

In the water room exploring. And, YES, I do exist, Joe manned the camera for a few minutes, so I'm even in one picture!

Will the mechanic!

Pizza Parlor!

Anne and Tim in the Nursery of the Children's Museum getting ready!!!


This kid LOVES SHOES.

Swimming!

We have done a number of rounds of Mommy and Me swimming with Will over the last year, but this summer decided to get him some time in the pool without one of us. Melanie, his instructor, was great and couldn't believe his skills. His favorite was going under to get the toys on the steps and bring them up. Here are some pics of one of his lessons. We can't wait to get Ella in there next year!

Kicking, blowing bubbles, and monkey crawling along the wall.

Playing some catch.


Checking out the fountain

Kicking and paddling back!

Cleaning up the toys.

Summer adventures!

All's well here in sunny Pittsburgh! The kiddos are great. I think I am ready to say Will is officially daytime potty trained. I really wasn't sure if he was ready or not (2 1/2 is pretty early for boys), but we thought we'd give it a shot! He's done really well and got the hang of it in about 3 days. He even only had one accident in our 10 hour drive to St. Louis this weekend (those pictures soon to come!). We're really proud of our guy! He really is an exceptional kid, I try not to brag too much, but we seldom encounter anyone who isn't sure he's at least 3 if not 4. His vocabulary is astounding and he just exudes curiosity. He's friendly, extremely polite, loving, and, sigh, SO adorable :-)

Ella is great. Growing like a weed!! She's talking like crazy, fascinated by the moon, loves to eat!, and just devours books. She loves to call for Will when she can't find him, (Wooolll!) and thinks it is just great when he poops in the potty. Her celebrations usually include clapping, singing, and dancing. She hates to have her curls combed but loves to wear anyone's shoes she can find!

Here are some pictures of our recent adventures. There have been a number of them!!

Will having his first cotton candy at the regatta with Aunt Amy and Uncle Damon.

Watching the speed boat races, trying desperately to get down the hill closer to the river.

Ella and Dad watching the boats.

Puppet show!

Riding together!!


We took the kids to the Big Knob Fair to see the animals.
Ella driving a tractor!

Will at the wheel.

Wild woman, and she definitely is!!

Will and his best buddy, Pappy.

Nan and Will.


Watching the tractor pull and eating some nachos! He loved trying to figure out which tractor could pull the most and watching the dirt fly!

With the cows.

First pony rides!




We love our local splash pad on really hot days (of which there have been quite a few!).






Ella headed to the church picnic!

Watching the guys play bocce.

Doing dance routines in the church hall.

Wearing their crowns and hugs/headlocks from Madeline.


Will and I planted a small, but fruitful!, garden this spring. Ella has never been interested... We have tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, green peppers, and a number of herbs. Will will tell you, "Something ate the green beans. Maybe it was a bunny (It was.). Or maybe it was a giraffe." We still have sweet potatoes in the ground, not quite ready to dig up yet. I have always kept a small garden, but we had fun expanding a bit this year, watering, feeding, picking, and eating. Here he is with some of his harvests.
Washing some!


We've shared our overflow with the neighbors. Taking some to Mrs. M next door!