Wednesday, June 28, 2017

150 Days Give-Or-Take A Few Days of Adventures Continued: Volume 11

June 17, 2017 -- Day 77:

The sun shone on this gorgeous day and that meant one thing: swimming! The three of us headed to the Lebo pool for a lovely day of splashing in the water and slipping down waterslides. Franco practiced his freestyle and gleefully ran through the splash zone. We absolutely had a blast. It's not quite the same as having a pool in the backyard, but it certainly is easier!

When we got home, we commenced the usual activities of games and music and dancing in the kitchen.

June 18, 2017 -- Day 78:

Happy Father's Day! Franco had picked out his dad's card and gift (the newest version of Beauty and the Beast on DVD) all on his own. Scott loved it. We relaxed all morning, which these days means Franco watches Kennywood Memories on DVD over and over and over. And over.

Then got ready to meet Pap, Gram, and Auntie for dinner at Hoffstot's in Oakmont. We enjoyed a trip to Oakmont Bakery before a delicious dinner filled with laughter.

Prior to our excursion, we talked about going from the restaurant directly to Kennywood to enjoy the evening. However, an ill-timed downpour foiled our occasion. Franco, while super disappointed, took it in stride. We drove home in blinding rain and Scott went straight to the recliner.

Isn't that what dads are supposed to do on this day?

June 19, 2017 -- Day 79:

Scott works late on Mondays, so I had a brilliant idea for Franco and me to go to Kennywood, to make up for yesterday's weather-related cancellation. It turns out my brilliance knows no bounds.

We arrived to discover the park not crowded at all, allowing us quite able to ride soooooo much. We started with our favorites, like the Raging Rapids and the Whip. Franco has been on the big roller coasters in previous years, and he's become a little skittish. But, on this day, we walked by the Jack Rabbit, and he decided to be brave and try again.

Well. He loved it so much that we went right back into line and rode again. And then again. Because the crowds were scarce, we barely had a wait at all. We ran to the Racer for Franco's first experience there. He adored it. We rode again. We alternated between these two classic coasters for hours.

We ran around the park like the two amusement park junkies we are. The only reason we finally left is because the good-bye music played and all the rides closed down.

There is only one word to properly describe the absolute marvelous day we enjoyed: Epic.

June 20, 2017 -- Day 80:

We awoke still elated from our previous day's adventure. Franco had a great skating lesson in the afternoon. In the evening, we headed to the gym for Kiddo Klub and some much-needed exercise.

After Scott headed to bed, Franco and I chatted about Kennywood. (Duh.) I received a text from Brandi, whose three kids Franco had so much fun with at Teddy-the-Puggle's Birthday Party at Auntie's a few weeks ago. (Brandi is married to Jesse, who is Uncle Steve's brother. The more you know.)

Anyhow, she asked if maybe we wanted to get the kids together to play the next day. To which Franco answered with a total freak-out. (That meant yes.) We shored up the plans, and Franco struggled to get to sleep in light of this new exciting plan. (His playmates -- Ryan, Brad, and Alyssa -- were soundly asleep like normal kids at that time of night. Obviously.)

June 21, 2017 -- Day 81:

Usually, Franco has gymnastics today. But because of the awesome adventure, we decided to just make it up another day. We headed north to New Castle for our "Living Treasures" experience.

We met up with Brandi, Ryan, Brad, and Alyssa at the park. It is a zoo-like place where you can feed and interact with most of the animals. The kids went goofy, and we all had a very fun time. The giraffes were undoubtedly Franco's highlight:

How fantastic!

After we had thoroughly run around the park (and the kids had been completely terrified of some actual bully goats) we stopped for a snack and ice cream together. The hilarity of the kids interacting can not be adequately put into words. Suffice it to say, Franco may have met his vocal decibel match with this crew! They honestly had a blast together, and before we all parted ways, we made plans to try and meet every week.

Franco talked about this possibility the entire ride home. Then, he called Auntie, and Gram and Pap, to regale them with his tales. Then, we talked about our day together until he finally fell out for the night.

June 22, 2017 -- Day 82:

Mamaw came for a weekend visit today, for which Franco COULD NOT contain his excitement! We cleaned the house and when she arrived, Franco monopolized her to play cars and play ball outside. He and Mamaw stayed together to catch up while I went to the gym.

We made spaghetti with homemade meatballs and sauce Mamaw had brought, and Franco stuffed himself silly. We watched the Pirates game together, and later had some delicious Oakmont Bakery cakes. Nice.

June 23, 2017 -- Day 83:

Scotty P. somehow convinced me to head to his dental office for a cleaning and some other dental fun. (Note: I do not count anything to do with teeth as an "adventure" of any sort. That is a new rule.)
We did this, planning on lunch afterward. It rained all day, which made our gluttonous excursion to Bado's feel perfect. After we ate everything possible, we went home for a rainy afternoon nap. It might have been kind of perfect.

In the evening, Franco taught Mamaw how to play Mystery Mansion and we all had a big laugh about  how intense that game can get. Much laughter ensued.

June 24, 2017 -- Day 84:

Once up and around, we drove to Oakmont Bakery and Hoffstot's to show Mamaw what a good time that can be. We succeeded. On our way home, we stopped by the playground so Franco could jump around a bit.

After we got home, we enjoyed the cool, clear night on the deck and chatted. Franco had a good time drinking lemonade and playing with cars, and all seemed right with the world.

June 25, 2017 -- Day 85:

Even though the calendar said June, the day felt more like September. Regardless, we went to the pool and shivered our way through a chilly, but entertaining, afternoon. It didn't last as long as it should, being June and all, but we made the most of it!

In the evening, we decided to teach Franco how to play UNO, and we had a good time doing it. In the middle of our game, Riley asked if Franco wanted to play and so commenced a long evening of backyard fun together. Riley even shared her McDonald's snack and cupcakes with him, so we know they must get along.

Once it got dark, Franco came inside dirty, covered in mosquito bites, and scraped up. As it should be. We proceeded with our game of UNO until it was Scotty P.'s bedtime, and we hung it up to be finished another day.


***To Be Continued.......




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Steph's days are complete with little Franco/Mr. Buddy Pants, Pittsburgh Steelers football, Penguins hockey, all things WVU, cold beverages, new handbags, shoe-shopping, pups, and lots and lots of movies. And, of course, her glorious, nutty family.