Children's Museum of PIttsburgh---here we come!

While we had planned on going to the club for a day at the pool and some fun in the sun...the rain and cooler temps quickly squashed that idea! We weighed our options and decided to head to the Children's Museum as a fun alternative (and prayed the sun would come out for an afternoon visit to the pool!) I invited my friend Amy and her adorable little ones to join us for some fun!

Ready to take flight!
Ford showing Olivia a thing our two about the smart car since his daddy used to drive one!
Jack doesn't know what to think about all the action!
Noah found the ship's wheel in Dora's Pirate adventure room!

Arrrrrrr, our littlest pirate was having a blast with her cousins and friends!

Molly and Ford duke it out...pirate style!
"X" marks the spot!
Lexie and Molly taking their turn on the "Jolly Roger"
Cute little treasure map
Olivia make a victorious exit out of the treasure box tunnel.
The kids really liked dressing up in the pirate gear and roaming around looking for treasure!

Really getting into her work
Two budding artists
Olivia getting some help from Courtney
Checking out their work
I think Ford ended up with more paint on himself and his momma than on his paper, but he had fun
Time to SCULPT

Simply Amusing!

A few months ago I won a pack of tickets to Kennywood--an amusement park in the greater Pittsburgh area. Russ and I were trying to decide the perfect time to go, but his schedule (both on and off the golf course--hee he hee) wasn't leaving many options. Rather than waiting for the perfect day and running the risk of possibly not using the tickets before the park closed for the season, I opted to use them while Becky and the kids were in town!! I couldn't resist a day at an amusement park with my niece and nephew along side of my own thrill seeking kiddos!

Even though I wasn't able to ride on many rides, I had a great time listening to the giggles and seeing the kids' expressions! While the day started off a bit rough (a quick trip to the ER so Russ could put steri-strips just under Lexie's nose after she and Molly had a bit of a run in at the house) it ended with lots of laughs, tons of pictures and some worn out kids (oh, and the little ones were tuckered out too!)

First stop..."to ride a horsey"!
Lexie waving to the passer-byes!
Olivia following suit...so serious though!
Off to the motorcycles...she seems to be enjoying them!
Molly and Ford don't have quite the enthusiasm as their cousin here...but don't let the faces fool you...I think they are having a good time.
Molly and Lexie studying the next ride.
Courtney getting some love from Ford.
Olivia's all strapped in and ready to go!
Now that is the face of an excited little one!
Wheeee....Ford was cracking us up...he kept his feet "up" the entire ride!
Off to the flying elephants! The girls were pros with this one after having gone on the Dumbo ride at Disney! Olivia checking the seat belt for safety.
The girls were a bit uncertain about this ride at first...but ended up LOVING it...Ford, not so much!
Waves from up high!
My little monkeys were loving the ride...and even though Ford wasn't too thrilled with it, he did GREAT!
Off to the space ship!
Courtney and Becky braved the 'super coaster' with the kids...though I am not sure who had more fun!
Becky and I sat out the trolley ride while Courtney took the girls for a spin.

Waiting in line can be fun--especially for my little monkeys!
Hold on!
Whoaaaaa---this is fun

Waving, while waiting for the ride to start.
Look! NO hands!
Wheeeeee
No hands again!
Watching the logger ride...what a splash!
The kids were having a blast and wanting to get splashed
Courtney braved the elements to take them a little bit closer to the action.
Even closer...and SPLASH!
We had a great time riding the rides, seeing the sites, and goofing around! Thanks Courtney for making the trip with us! It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without you!

I scream, you scream....gimme some ICE CREAM!

Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day...unless you get to enjoy that ice cream with your little cousins! Becky and the kids finally made it back out to this side of the state--and we couldn't have been more excited if we tried! Let the fun begin!!!

Oh...to be a kid again


My little "Messy Marvin"...a chip off the ole' block
Yum...or cheese--either way, looks like these two big girls are enjoying their treat
Ford was very serious about his ice cream--

Philly Adventure

It had been a while...a really really really LONG while...since we had spent any quality time with the Houchins crew (maybe since October???). In any event, I packed up the girls and we headed out on 'an adventure' as Lexie liked to call it...our 'girl adventure'. We took to the friendly skies and our destination was Philly! While we were there, we got to visit loads of people and cheer on Becky as she took to the streets for the Broad Street Run. We had a great time and captured a few good photos!

Lexie and Molly pose for a picture!
Our silly girls...tried and tried and tried to get a few photos...but alas, this is what we got! Still pretty cute though!
Ford getting in on all the action...he's not going to let the girls have all the fun!

Lexie LOVES to slide!!!!!


Lexie, Barbara, and Molly all found their way to the top of the slide

Going down the slide.
Wheeeeeeeee!

Molly posing for a picture with Becky



Molly and Lexie hanging around at the park!


Back at Aunt Becky's, Olivia's tries to get some bubbles going.

Lexie 'scores' a goal!


Saturday morning, the girls and I found all kind of things to occupy our time while Barb took Molly to her dance and swimming lessons and Ford was at his Mommy & Me water class.

We played with chalk,
...drove a little car...

...kicked the soccer ball around...

...took turns blowing and chasing bubbles...
...and we all enjoyed the sunshine!
After everyone returned, Lexie and Molly played Candy Land---a favorite for both!

Uncle Walt is on duty! These kids just ADORE him---can't say I blame them one bit!!!


The next morning, Brad and I loaded up all the kids and headed down to the Broad Street Run so we could cheer on Becky. Though we made it down with plenty of time to spare, the crowds were so thick, we couldn't make it to the finish line in time to see her cross---DISLIKE! We managed to have a good time anyways---and the kids took full advantage of the inflatable stations!


Olivia finding her way to the top of the giant slide!

Lexie, struck with a look of fear as she nears the end of the slide and is about to run into her cousins! YIKES!


Olivia, slipping and sliding down the monster slide!
Ford's turn to try the slide with a little help from his momma! I'm not sure who enjoyed the ride more!
All the kids were anxious to take another turn.

Molly sporting her momma's medal...and an attempt a smile???
Becky congratulating her friend Jenna after crossing the finish line!
Post race picture--Congratulations Ladies!

It was great to see everyone and get to catch up. Now let's not wait another 6 months or more to do it again! :)