A Trip to the Big City with Family

We spent Saturday with Kerri and Patrick. The day began with me making my famous oatmeal for everyone. The walnuts, flax and brown sugar were added to each person's taste. To my surprise some people don't pour milk on their oats.

Then we went to McGinnis Sisters where Dee could show our family around and introduce them to her boss. Then we headed out to the Strip District and downtown Pittsburgh. Kerri wanted to gt a tiny Palamalo Steeler shirt for the new baby to war home from the hospital in April. We explored some of the Steeler clothing stores in the Strip and then had a fantastic lunch at a new place for us. It was called Belle Nolte (Beautiful Night). It's a Pizza shop with various kinds of sandwiches. Kerri had a piece of pizza that she shared and it was "outa this world". The crust was crisp but crunchy and yet soft on top with real fresh mushrooms. Pat and I got the Italian Stallion sandwich and Dee and Kerri had a Philly Steak and Cheese. What a great meal! We'll be back there for sure.

From there we headed to the Market Square area of the city and found a parking spot on the street (no need for a parking lot) and walked over to the PPG ice skating rink and large Christmas Tree. PPG had windows filled with gingerbread houses made by school children. Inside the Atrium, there were more prize winning displays of gingerbread houses in a village and train setting. (See Photo)

As we walked around, we looked at the "Santa's from around the world" displays. Here's one of the Irish Santa with Pat and Kerri. !

As it turned out, there was to be a concert by the "Trombones on Ice." There were 80 trombones along with trumpets, tubas and flugelhornes among other brass instruments. The musicians were of all ages grade school through 70 years old. They played Christmas music specially arranged for brass. Awesome

When we returned home, Kerri took a nap since she'd been sneezing all day. Her allergies had kicked in and there aren't many approved meds for a pregnant person to take for allergies. She was worn out. Looked more like Rudolph than Kerri. Afterward, she and Patrick headed out to Megan's place for a dinner planned for them. They decided to stay in the Monroeville area overnight because it was about 45 minutes closer for their drive home.

What a wonderful visit we had with them! My new son-in-law is easy to talk with and we find lots to talk about. Kerri looks radiant as a mom to be. And we shared their joy and excitement about their moving to a new place the week of Christmas in preparation of the new baby girl.

After they left, we chilled for a while and then went to Barnes and Noble for a relaxing time perusing books and magazines. Back at home we watched a recorded television program and then hit the sack. What a great weekend!